PLOTTING

            While I’ve alluded to plotting many times, I’ve never specifically addressed it as the prime subject. I want to remedy that.

WHAT IS THE PLOT?

            The plot is the entire reason for the book. It’s the problem and the solution to whatever predicament the main character is in.

SEVEN TYPES OF PLOTS

            Here are the basic seven (some say nine, but I don’t have them all) plots:

1. Rags to Riches: The MC loses a fortune (or never has one in the first place) and earns it by the end of the book.
2. The Quest: The MC must travel to a location, look for some object, obtain it, and prevail in the end.
3. Rebirth: Usually involving religion but can be otherwise. Character goes through trials and tribulations. In the end, realizes “whatever” and is reborn.
4. Overcoming the Monster: Pretty much self-explanatory.
5. Comedy: Another pretty self-explanatory.
6. Tragedy: Mirror image of comedy. Character undone by a character flaw or by cruelty of fate.
7. Voyage and Return: Similar to The Quest except there is no particular McGuffin in the mix.

WHICH PLOT DO YOU LIKE?

            Most authors favor one particular plot or a variation (a mix). It especially works well with a series. Pretty much all the books in the series will have the same plot with variations.

            Some of you may want to mix plots and come up with a new one. However, boiling it down, it’ll still end up one of those seven in one form or another.

GETTING THERE

            Nobody should ever start writing a novel with no plot in sight. Hoping to hit a revelation midway through the book is going to result in chaos and something that doesn’t make sense.

            Plotter: In this case, you map everything out ahead of time. Outline enough specific details so that when you actually start writing, you have a pattern to follow. Your plot should already be there, and an outline may help determine if there are flaws.

            Pantser: The pantser knows where to start and where to end. Everything in the middle is a surprise and should all be focused toward the end goal.

ME

            I’m a pantser and my methodology is simple. I figure the title (some subject), the beginning (A) and the ending (B). That’s it. The plot is right there, waiting for the twists and turns and maybe some misdirection to make it unique.

SUMMARY

            Whatever method, whatever plot, it’s essential you figure that out before you put any effort into the actual writing.

            You’ll be better off.

            Happy writing!