5 Common Plot Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide to avoiding common plot pitfalls in novel writing. It identifies five key mistakes: convenient discoveries, vague timelines, narrative rabbit holes, lack of cohesion, and the snowball effect. The script provides practical advice on how to fix these issues, ensuring a compelling and believable plot that hooks readers from start to finish. The tips are aimed at enhancing the narrative flow and maintaining reader interest throughout the novel.

Takeaways

• 📚 A compelling and logical plot is crucial for engaging readers throughout a novel.
• 🔍 Avoiding 'convenient discoveries' helps maintain the story's believability; limit them to critical plot points.
• ⏳ Clarifying the timeline by indicating the passage of time at the start of chapters prevents reader confusion.
• 🚧 Steering clear of 'rabbit holes', or narrative diversions, ensures the story remains focused and engaging.
• 🔗 Ensuring 'cohesion' between different parts of the story prevents a disjointed reading experience.
• 🔄 Major plot shifts, like changing character perspectives or time jumps, should be introduced gradually to maintain reader interest.
• ❄️ The 'snowball effect', where revelations pile up towards the end, can overwhelm readers; space them out for clarity.
• 🔍 Revising with a 'fine-tooth comb' can help identify and enrich complex or challenging plot points.
• 📈 Use beta readers or editors to gain an outside perspective on potential plot issues that might not be apparent to the writer.
• 📝 After the climax, provide 'falling action' to show character evolution and reactions to the story's events.

Q & A

What are the five common plot mistakes mentioned in the script?

The five common plot mistakes mentioned are: 1) Convenient discoveries, 2) Vague timeline, 3) Rabbit holes, 4) Lack of cohesion, and 5) The snowball effect.

How can writers fix the issue of convenient discoveries in their plots?

Writers can fix convenient discoveries by limiting them to only the most critical moments and making the plot more complex or challenging where possible to maintain believability.

What is a vague timeline in a novel and how can it be fixed?

A vague timeline occurs when it's unclear when events are taking place in relation to each other. It can be fixed by clearly signaling the passage of time at the start of chapters or sections, or using dates in chapter headings.

What are 'rabbit holes' in a novel and how should they be addressed?

'Rabbit holes' refer to narrative diversions from the main storyline. They should be addressed by omitting them or having a third-party perspective, like a beta reader or editor, to identify and remove unnecessary diversions.

How can a lack of cohesion in a novel's plot be identified and resolved?

A lack of cohesion is identified when the first part of the story significantly differs from the rest. It can be resolved by ensuring a cohesive plotline from beginning to end, possibly by interweaving storylines earlier in the novel.

What is the 'snowball effect' in a novel's plot and how can it be managed?

The 'snowball effect' refers to a series of reveals or twists that build on each other rapidly, overwhelming the reader. It can be managed by spacing out these revelations and giving each its due time on the page.

Why is it important for a novel's plot to flow smoothly and effectively?

A smoothly flowing and effective plot is critical to keep the reader engaged from beginning to end, ensuring their interest and maintaining the story's authenticity and believability.

How can a writer ensure their plot maintains reader interest throughout the novel?

A writer can ensure reader interest by avoiding common plot mistakes, creating a cohesive storyline, and providing clear and engaging developments that logically progress from the beginning to the end of the novel.

What role can beta readers or professional editors play in identifying and fixing plot issues?

Beta readers or professional editors can provide an objective third-party perspective to identify plot issues such as rabbit holes or lack of cohesion, helping the writer make necessary revisions for a stronger narrative.

How can a writer signal the passage of time in their novel to avoid confusion?

A writer can signal the passage of time by using explicit language at the start of chapters or sections, or by incorporating dates or years in chapter headings if the timeline is crucial to the story.

What is the significance of having a clear and consistent timeline in a novel?

A clear and consistent timeline is significant as it helps the reader follow the plot developments and understand the sequence of events, which is crucial for maintaining the story's coherence and the reader's engagement.