The plot thickens . . ..
What are some of the “facts” you know about plot in storytelling?
There must be tension/conflict (person vs person, person vs nature etc.).
If you see a gun at the start of the scene, you must use it within the scene.
There must be a beginning, middle, and end.
The key moment (often a moment of change or catharsis/release of the developed tension) is the climax.
You may be able to add more to this list and that can be a good way to start exploring what kind of plot you might want for your project. Why would thinking about the basics help? Once you recognize those basics, you can decide if one works for you OR if you want to purposefully turn that basic on its head.
Some writers like to plot their stories out before they start writing while others will just start writing away and let the plot develop. In either case, it is usually good not to get too enamored with your plot. Chances are it is going to evolve. Think of yourself, and perhaps your characters, as being gritty. Not necessarily in, say, a cowboy way, but as in having the ability to grow. Check out Angela Duckworth’s TedTalk on Grit and a blog rebuttal of sorts by Mike Rose. How could this idea weave its way into your plot?
Another idea I have used with both creative writing students and students writing more “academic” work is to consider logical fallacies. Can you analyze some of your writing to see if your plot has some of these fallacies? Or do you want to purposefully weave one in to build a particular type of character and plot trajectory? This closely ties to whether or not it is a good idea to bring in a plot device.
Pick up that pen (literal or virtual)! It is far mightier than the sword, and now that you’ve seen it on this screen, you must use it.
9 - Are you ready to try out some plot outlining?
23 - How does building a plot fit in with building a whole world?
25 - Want to think more about the growth mindset for your writing or your character's machinations?