You have an idea, a Pinterest board, a world, a vibe, maybe even some characters…but you have no idea what happens next. You want to escape into this amazing world you have created. But the only way to get into it is through that annoying thing: a plot.
It’s frustrating. Plots trip us up. They feel like an iceberg suddenly jutting from previously wide-open ocean. But that is because writers have the misconception that there is a “right way” to make a plot. Every great author has done it slightly differently. Consider the following quotes:
“I distrust plot for two reasons: first, because our lives are largely plotless, even when you add in all of our reasonable precautions and careful planning; and second, because I believe plotting and the spontaneity of real creation aren’t compatible.” —Stephen King
“Know the story—as much of the story as you can possibly know, if not the whole story—before you commit yourself to the first paragraph….If you don’t know the story before you begin the story, what kind of a storyteller are you?” —John Irving
Plot grows out of character. If you focus on who the people in your story are, something is bound to happen.” ― Anne Lamott
It begins with a character, usually, and once he stands up on his feet and begins to move, all I can do is trot along behind him with a paper and pencil trying to keep up long enough to put down what he says and does.” ― William Faulkner
There is no one right way to make a plot. With your mind now at ease, let’s get started on creating a plot for your idea, character, or world.
1. What plot conflicts are happening in your world?
If it is a magical world, perhaps there is war between two types of creatures, such as humans versus fairies or vampires versus werewolves or angels versus demons. A classic conflict is a single powerful character (Voldemort, Sauron, Snow, Thanos, etc.) who is gathering power and planning to control the world. Brainstorm what conflicts could be happening and make a big list.
2. What predictable plot lines can happen in your world?
Some of the most “cliché” plot lines are not cliché at all when told well. Family drama (Star Wars, Tangled, Frozen), political corruption and machinations (The Hunger Games, The Matrix, Game of Thrones), war stories (Mulan, Troy, Lord of the Rings), and so on. What predictable plot line could take a unique twist in your story? Experiment with different plots to find the best fit.
3. What character interests you?
Following a character can create a unique plot. Check out this post for a complete guide to creating a plot based on a character. In summary, analyze the character’s motivations, fears, and personality to create a plot around them. Create a cast of interesting characters and find one who appeals to you.
4. What truth will your plot illustrate?
A good story can boil down to a single, powerful message. It can range from “don’t judge based on outward appearances” (Beauty and the Beast) to “don’t trust the government” (The Hunger Games) to “power corrupts” (Lord of the Rings). What message do you believe your world idea can best illustrate? Make a list of messages that resonate with you and make sense in your story.
5. What story motifs do you enjoy writing?
We write best when it’s a story format we like. Do you like time travel, enemies to lovers romance, political intrigue, legal drama, family issues, or vigilante stories? Perhaps you like making your character find a “found family,” hide their identity for the entire story, realize a shocking truth about their family or magic, or any number of classic motifs. Make a list of the story elements you most enjoy reading and writing. Now combine your favorites.
6. What plots or genres can you combine or turn upside down?
Are there clichés that would be fun or interesting to upend? Maybe it’s not the princess marrying an enemy king and moving to a new country…it’s a prince marrying an enemy queen. Maybe it’s not an alien invasion that humans must escape from…it’s humans discovering an alien planet and launching an attack. What about fairies in a futuristic world, or aliens in a medieval setting? Combine elements until something sparks your imagination.
7. What books can you draw from?
Pick a random book of a different genre and adapt its plot to your world. If you have a sci-fi story, think about applying a Harry Potter plot in your world. If you have a fairy story, take a Hallmark plot and adapt it. Odd combinations can add very fun and unique flavors to stories.
8. What writing prompts inspire you?
Search Pinterest for writing prompts to get your mind engaged, or use a random shuffle playlist to create a plot. Force yourself to use these prompts, however odd, to get your creativity flowing.
Now, just start combining, chopping, sorting, and scrapbooking. Collect the elements you like and start arranging and rearranging them. Maybe you want a love story in a fantasy world with a backdrop of political intrigue and a powerful enemy gaining magic. Maybe you want a love story combined with a rags to riches story in a sci-fi world with a backdrop of an alien invasion. There is no shortage of combinations to create a unique conflict and how to solve it.
Once you have created a character and a good plot background, definitely check out this article to add depth to your character’s development.
Sending love,
Anastasia xoxo