9 Plot Mistakes Every New Fantasy Writer Makes

Summary

In this video, a seasoned fantasy writer-editor identifies nine common plot pitfalls that can undermine a novel's structure, leading to a lack of suspense, repetitive scenes, and passive protagonists. The speaker shares insights and solutions, such as avoiding early antagonist defeat, diversifying scene formats, ensuring active character choices, maintaining a clear through line, and preventing a 'soggy middle.' The summary also addresses the importance of consequences, aligning the story's promise, progress, and payoff, compressing plot resolutions for a stronger climax, and avoiding reliance on luck to resolve conflicts, providing a comprehensive guide for aspiring fantasy authors to craft compelling narratives.

Takeaways

• 😀 The first mistake new fantasy writers make is defeating the antagonist too early in the story, which diminishes suspense and character growth.
• 🔍 The second mistake is using repetitive scene formats, which can lead to a lack of variation and engagement for the reader.
• 🏃‍♂️ The third mistake is having a passive protagonist, where the story happens to them rather than them driving the story forward.
• 🧵 The fourth mistake is lacking a consistent through line, which can result in a meandering and purposeless plot.
• 🌊 The fifth mistake is a 'soggy middle,' where the middle of the story lacks progression, leading to a slow and boring pace.
• 🔄 The sixth mistake is weak consequences for character failures, which hinders character growth and reader connection.
• 🤝 The seventh mistake is misalignment of the 'three P's': promise, progress, and payoff, which can disrupt the story's natural flow.
• 🔚 The eighth mistake is 'Patriot endings,' where multiple plot threads are resolved separately, leading to a drawn-out conclusion.
• 🚫 The ninth mistake is relying on luck to help the protagonist, which can feel unsatisfying and like cheating to the reader.
• 📘 Outlining is a crucial tool for avoiding these plot mistakes and ensuring a structurally sound first draft that requires minimal editing later.

Q & A

What common plot mistake does the script mention that new fantasy writers often make with their antagonists?

The script mentions that new fantasy writers often make the mistake of beating the antagonist too early in the story, which can diminish the suspense and threat throughout the rest of the narrative.

What is a 'scene format' according to the script, and why is it important to vary them?

A 'scene format' is a structural archetype that defines the prime memory action taking place in a particular unit of the story. Varying scene formats is important to keep the readers engaged and to ensure the conflict in the story is always shifting, forcing characters to adapt and overcome new challenges.

Why is having a passive protagonist considered a mistake in storytelling?

A passive protagonist is considered a mistake because it means the story happens to them rather than because of them. This can lead to a lack of interest, as the character's inaction can make the plot feel stagnant and uneventful.

What is a 'through line' in a story, and why is it crucial for the narrative?

A 'through line' is the core conflict that runs through the story, essentially the one-sentence summary of the book. It's crucial because it provides a consistent source of conflict and challenge, preventing the story from meandering and ensuring that there is a clear direction and purpose.

What is the 'soggy middle' and how can it be avoided?

The 'soggy middle' refers to the middle part of a story that lacks progression and purpose, feeling slow and boring. It can be avoided by using a more structured approach, such as the seven-point plot structure, which provides more anchoring scenes and a better guide for maintaining excitement, development, conflict, and tension.

What is the three-act structure and what are its main issues according to the script?

The three-act structure is a traditional narrative framework that divides a story into three parts: the first act (exposition and inciting action), the second act (rising action and turning point), and the third act (climax and ending). The script points out that the main issue with this structure is the long middle part, which can lead to a 'soggy middle' if not properly managed.

What is the seven-point plot structure and how does it help to avoid the 'soggy middle'?

The seven-point plot structure is an alternative to the traditional three-act structure that provides more specific plot points and a better guide for maintaining narrative tension and excitement. It includes the opening hook, plot term 1, pinch point 1, midpoint, pinch point 2, plot turn 2, and the resolution, ensuring constant development and conflict throughout the story.

Why is it a mistake for new fantasy writers to avoid punishing their characters for failure?

Avoiding punishment for failure is a mistake because it prevents characters from facing adversity, which is crucial for character growth and development. The depth of adversity directly corresponds to the depth of character that can be revealed, affecting the reader's sympathy and connection to the characters.

What are the 'three P's' of storytelling and why is their alignment important?

The 'three P's' of storytelling are Promise, Progress, and Payoff. Their alignment is important because it ensures a logical flow from beginning to end, where each scene naturally leads into the next, preventing the reader from feeling cheated and maintaining the narrative's momentum.

What is the issue with 'Patriot endings' and how can they be improved?

A 'Patriot ending' is when the story's ending drags on, resolving plot threads gradually over several chapters, leading to a sense of the story petering out. This can be improved by compressing the resolution of plot threads into a single moment, creating a more dramatic and satisfying climax.

Why is relying on luck to help the protagonist considered a poor storytelling choice?

Relying on luck to help the protagonist is considered poor storytelling because it can feel unsatisfying and like the writer is cheating. It's more satisfying and believable when luck helps the antagonist, creating a sense of peril for the main character and advancing the story in a more compelling way.