Having trouble thinking of plots? Twisted around when it comes to twists? Here are some tips and tricks to help you solve your problems.
- Brainstorm. This is the number one way I come up with plots. Just sit down and write out everything that comes to your mind about your topic. That’s everything. Doesn’t matter how off-the-wall it seems, or how boring. Write it down anyway. You’ll end up with a list of possibilities. Some of them will turn out to be worthless, but lots of them will pan out. You might end up with an idea for a scene, or for an entire novel. And the more ideas you come up with, the more your brain will toss out. It’s like exercising a muscle: use your creative mind and it’ll reward you with more creativity.
- Ask questions. Go through your outline (or read through your plot if you’re a “pantser”) and ask yourself as many questions as you can. What if the villain finds out about the hero’s plan? What would I do in this situation? Why does the character make this decision? What would happen if the villain’s plot was discovered by a third character? Then, come up with answers to those questions. The more questions you have, the more plot ideas you’ll find to answer them with.
- Wonder. One of the things that makes writers special is their curiosity. Give yours free rein. Surf the internet for new information. Ask people about their jobs or hobbies. Pick up a magazine about a subject unfamiliar to you, or browse a new section of your bookstore. The more information you have, the more plot ideas you can come up with.
- Scheme. A great way to improve your plot is to plan ways to thwart your characters. Life is rough, and people don’t want to read about characters who get everything they want without a struggle. Throw roadblocks on the path to their goals. Complicate their lives. Make your characters miserable: it’ll make a more interesting plot.
- Turn things around. Try outlining your plot from the point of view of your antagonist, or of a secondary character. This is also a good way to expose plot holes, such as having the villain be an evil genius until it’s time for the hero to defeat him, when he suddenly forgets how to think. Look at your book from another angle and you’ll find new plot twists to play with.
Get started with these ideas and you’ll probably come up with other ways to plot. Turn on your brain and let ‘er rip!
What is the most unusual way a plot has come to you?