Help for Common Plotting Problems
Failed Scenes, Uncooperative Characters, Unworkable Plots
Nov 4, 2009
Some of the common pitfalls of writing are scenes that just don't work, characters that refuse to cooperate, and plots that seem to go nowhere. However, many common plotting problems can be remedied by a little thought and revision. Here are some suggested solutions.
The Next Scene Doesn’t Work
Many writers do not know until they begin the actual writing that a certain scene or planned event isn’t going to work. The idea for the scene may sound fine in the plot outline, but in the actual writing it may backfire because the author hasn’t carefully thought the entire event through.
For example, Mike sees an employee steal something at work. The employee begs him not to tell. What is Mike going to do next? The plan was to have him turn the employee in, but now that seems too simple a resolution.
Solution: Try alternatives. Pull the plot along by making two or three rows of different scenarios. Each different choice produces a different outcome. Mike tells the boss, but the employee turns the tables and accuses Mike of the theft; Mike is tempted to blackmail the employee with his knowledge; the employee threatens Mike and says if he tells he’ll get even.
Writers must keep thinking up alternatives until the right one comes along. When stuck on a particular scene, it sometimes helps the author to take a break or sleep on it. Sometimes the subconscious mind will keep on working on the problem and the right path will be apparent in the morning.
The Characters Won’t Cooperate
The writer has decided that Joe, a minor character, is going to get into a fatal accident in Chapter 9, but Joe has other plans. He refuses to die or to be written out of the story.
Solution: An author should always listen to the characters when they speak. They usually have something important to say. The creative mind often works in strange ways. When an event feels wrong, the writer shouldn’t be afraid to explore alternatives. Maybe Joe doesn’t die, but everyone thinks he’s dead. Considering an alternate course of action, something unexpected, might deepen the plot and lead to an even better story.
The Plot Takes a Wrong Turn Somewhere
Many writers think they have their plot pinned down to the last twist and curve, only to find in the actual writing that the entire structure has fallen like a house of cards. Not only doesn’t the next scene work, the entire book is unsatisfying and doesn’t come to any good conclusion.
Solution: There is something wrong with the plot structure. The author must go back and find the place where it went wrong and takes steps to remedy it. First, the author should take some time off to distance himself from the manuscript. Identifying the place where the book veers away from its best course is often easier to find after some time, maybe a week or two, has passed. In the meantime, the author should study books on plot structure, such as The Writer’s Journey. by Christopher Vogler. This book explains the steps a fictional hero usually takes on a symbolic journey, and can be of help in determining whether the novel has enough goals and conflict, and if the events fall in the right place.
Read More:
The Three Types of Novel Endings
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