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Quick task: Look up, ‘plot twists’ on whatever internet server you use. A lot of those things are just lists of handy plot twists for you to use! Useless.

I mean, honestly. Try to insert these ‘ready made plot twists’ into your story. How random would that be???

A lot of people think that if their story is flt, and lacking in something, the trick is to insert some of these in. But can I ask you to trust me on this: that just creates a random, confusing plot with no cohesive order or thematic depth. Clutter does not fix a flat plot. It just clutters it. Shocking, right?

So, if you can’t fix a flat plot by adding twists and ‘subplots’ (those that are random events, at least) then how can you?

 

I have a few simple steps that should help.

 

1. Make sure that your story is following a character arc. 

A good plot tends to end up being directly tied into your characters and theme. Plots are all about conflict, and that should be shaping your character, which in turn, is what allows us to explore a theme.

Let’s look at a classic: The Lion King

Simba suffers, and wishes to just live away from his past, trying to ignore his responsibility. He then has the conflict within himself when he is told of the state of the kingdom. From here, he has to search within himself to find the strength to do what he needs to. Then, he has to face his pas by coming back and dealing with his corrupt uncle. After winning, he has fixed his past, realised that you can’t just ignore your problems, and has made for an interesting story.

Imagine if the whole story just involved him being a kid, growing up, and becoming king. That isn’t a plot. That’s a straight line.

You need to make plots turn about. You have to try to get it as messy as is needed to test the characters in full.

However, you can’t over do that.

Imagine if instead of just that basic plot, you had as many subplots as are in Les Mis. Trust me, that won’t end pretty for the Disney classic.

No overcramming.

 

2. Show what’s happening bit by bit. 

As i’ve said in previous lessons, you can’t just go and tell the readers everything from the get-go. You need to space it out. Make it questionable. Don’t let the reader trust anyone. Make there be a few options at all times. That will keep the readers on edge.

 

3. Don’t always let the hero win. 

If your hero never loses a battle in the lead-up, then no one will worry that they will lose in the climax. Have them surrender to the temptation to take the easy path and suffer for it. Let them betray their friends. Make them run away on a fight. Let them lose. That will make your readers empathise with them, connect with them thematically, and it will add interest to the plot.

 

4. Don’t follow every cliche.

Now, don’t think I’m saying break genre conventions. Cos those are good, and you need to keep them if you want an audience. But if the cliche is that the villain is a brother, then don;t do that. If the cliche is that a magical sword will turn up and save them, for crying out loud, just avoid doing what the reader expects.

You don’t have to d something ridiculous to avoid the cliches, but you can add your own personal tinge to it.

Not all cliches are evil, but we also don’t want to see everything that is coming.

 

5. On with that one, look at all of the options.

Who has read a ‘choose your own adventure’ novel? Try doing that in your plotting. Every choice: What are all of the options? Pick some of the unusual options. That will add interest. And that’s what will keep the readers turning pages.

 

What do you think?

Discuss this, ask questions, and see if you can apply it to your own stories.

 

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