Plotting and scheming that novel?

SO, WHAT IS A PLOT?

A plot can perhaps be described as the structure of scenes dealing with the problems that separate a novel from daily life.

Most novels are larger than life. More things happen, deeper problems are solved. Novels fulfil a reader's flight of fancy because it is how they THINK they would like their lives to be.

This is where a Newbie author can slip-up. They sometimes try to make their novel too ‘true to life'. Readers don't want stories that are life as THEY live it. When readers pick up a book, they're seeking diversion from routine. Successful novels reflect their fantasies.

FINDING THAT PLOT

So where do you find a decent plot if you don't have one in mind?

Well you can look through agony columns, or even obituaries to see if something sparks the imagination. Consider maturing a child's bedtime story - fairy tales for instance, myths and legends, nursery rhymes - anything that tickles your fancy.

Take an already published story, shuffle the plot around, rearrange the storyline until you make it your own.

But, whatever way you do it, don't waste time trying to find an original plot. There's little chance of finding such thing after all this time. Just find your own voice and concentrate on writing your story well.

Let them feel fear

WHAT SHOULD A PLOT HAVE?

A plot must have:-

THEME. This is the foundation of the story. You must link every character and event onto this theme. It's what your story is about.

ACTION. This doesn't mean your hero must always be on the go. Action is created by the variance of one protagonist on another, by the contradictory opinions and traits that should gradually emerge between them. Action is the PROGRESS of a particular circumstance, and is often NOTHING to do with 'wham-bang-whallop'.

An AROUSING element. You must provoke reaction in a reader. It's essential you decide what sentiment you wish to stir, and you must write with that emotion. You must care about your characters, you MUST be intensely involved. If you aren't, it's certain that no one else will be.

BALANCE. There should never be an incessant gush of catastrophe and distress. Some scenes must be more restful than others, NOT tedious of course, but scenes that invoke less uncertainty. You must give your reader time to get their breath.

SUSPENSE. Endow your hero with anxiety and qualms, let him (her) feel fear - but be certain the response is rational. Everything in a story should be plausible. For every action there should be a justified reaction. Don't go over the top just because you feel it might make the scene more exciting. Keep things realistic and your reader will believe it.

MOTIVATION. Nobody should do anything in your story without reason. Motivation should be the underlying reason why a character behaves in a particular way. Motivation is the reason that brings about consequence - and the reader should always be aware of it. It's the prime mover that drives the hero onward.

Keep these things in mind, and with a bit of luck YOU could be writing the next best seller!

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