Tips for Developing a Good Plot

6 Tips for Developing a Good Plot: Start outlining the events of the story after you have an idea for one that you wish to develop. The final word count for a novel should be between 75,000 and 100,000. Spend time creating a compelling, action-packed, character-driven plot if you want to keep a reader interested for that long.

Sketch out a plot outline

Organizing your narrative ideas on a map will speed up your fiction writing process and get you beyond writer’s block. Start by engaging in some freewriting. Create a list of potential scene ideas, plot points, and character details. After that, arrange your fundamental concepts into an outline to establish your basic plot framework. In your plan, include your primary beats. To maintain the coherence of your tale, develop the scenes in between these beats. However, a writer can stay on task when writing the first draught if they have a plan. Try outlining a novel using the snowflake method if you’re unsure of where to begin.

Dive right into the action

Your exposition has a number of significant duties. It names the main character, sets the plot’s backdrop and ideas, and introduces the main character. All of this needs to be written in a way that grabs the reader’s attention and keeps them reading the entire book. One method to do this is to go directly into the action and place your reader in the middle of the action. This establishes the rhythm right away and gives the piece a compelling opening that draws readers in.

Lay the groundwork for the climax during the rising action

The rising action is when you actually develop the plot of your novel, create characters, and drive the suspense towards the climax once you’ve set the scene. Drop hints about the conflict that’s driving the plot throughout the growing action. Raising the stakes through plot points—dramatic turning points that compel the protagonist to make pivotal choices that change the course of the narrative—will accomplish this. The addition of this unexpected plot turns keeps the action going. Plot points also aid in character development by highlighting their virtues and shortcomings.

Create a rich narrative with subplots

A good story has a number of interconnected plotlines. Incorporate subplots into your primary plot by writing them. A subplot is a brief side tale that introduces supporting characters, gives backstory that motivates actions, and reinforces concepts introduced in the main plot. Harry’s life is written as a series of interconnected stories by J.K. Rowling. At Hogwarts, Harry learns to use his magical abilities against Lord Voldemort, and this major plot is complemented by side storylines like joining the quidditch team.

Leave your readers satisfied

When the battle has reached its height of suspense, it is time for the climax to be resolved. This last confrontation between the protagonist and antagonist should have a significant payoff if there has been excellent exposition and dramatic increasing action. Write a satisfying conclusion that ties up any loose ends and concludes character arcs. Readers will be happy they persevered through the novel to this gratifying conclusion.

Read other authors

To create a story with the five structural elements, all great writers use their unique writing styles and creative process. You should read other fiction writers if you want to improve your writing skills and discover how to create a compelling plot. Choose a popular book, such as one by Stephen King, and analyze it to learn how to write a plot that appeals to a broad audience. Learn how J.R.R. Tolkien develops an epic plot that spans a best-selling trilogy that has sold 150 million copies since it was first published in 1954 by reading The Lord of the Rings.

Also Read: Plot Structure: Basic Sequence of Events In A Story