In your writing how do you recognize and overcome plot problems or failures?
Right now I've got a lulu of a plot failure. The novel (set in 1953) began as a mystery and is ending as a failed romance. Genre issues. But wait! This is just half the book. In the second half (set in present day) these issues are dealt with. The missing piece of the murder will be solved and the romance, while still tragic, will have some closure as well. I actually thought this out this morning when I was still half-asleep and noodling over the plot. I think plot before falling asleep at night and when awakening in the morning. For me, that's the best time.
Writer's Block is an example of plot problems or failure. When you realize this, then you can fix the story. It took me a while to learn this. Sometimes it takes time to realize where the problem is. Your writing group may help, or reading about plot problems. Author Walter Mosely has excellent advice on plots and writing:He has a master class: Learn fiction and storytelling.
When writing mystery or suspense, as I do, there is a saying when you are stuck: Have a man with a gun come through the door. This is really a metaphor for having something unexpected and exciting happen. I have just finished reading a stunning novel, All For Nothing about World War II set in East Prussia. The author (Walter Kempowski) continually has surprises (not usually pleasant) for the reader. He has the metaphorical man with a gun come through the door and the story still has logic and continuity. I recommend this book.
When you're stuck with a plot: Step back.Analyze. Imagine. Read. Re-write.
Sounds simple. But we writers know plot problems are always a bugaboo. Onward!
I am a little late with this post. These excellent writers will have something interesting to say about the subject, and plenty solutions will present themselves.
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Beverley
Bateman http://beverleybateman.
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2lz
Rhobin L
Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.
Posts
"When you're stuck with a plot: Step back. Analyze. Imagine. Read. Re-write." Excellent advice! I've written it down. Great post!
ReplyDeleteLike you I think plot as I try to fall asleep at night. Unlike you, if I fall asleep I've no memory of all the fixes I came up with come morning. Thankfully for me I'm retired from my 9-5 job do I just get up, wake up the computer and jot all my thoughts down on a blank page. Then go back to bed.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I noodle plot ideas as I fall asleep. Unlike you, if I just go to sleep the fixes I came up with are gone from my memory come morning. But being retired, I just get up, wake up the computer and your all my ideas into a blank page.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I noodle plot ideas as I fall asleep. Unlike you, if I just go to sleep the fixes I came up with are gone from my memory come morning. But being retired, I just get up, wake up the computer and your all my ideas into a blank page.
ReplyDeleteI thought I posted earlier, but it didn't post. So, I'll repeat, I like your "When you're stuck with a plot: Step back. Analyze. Imagine. Read. Re-write." Good advice.
ReplyDeleteAnd, sometimes, when we know that needs to be done, we avoid it. Writer’s procrastination. LOL I’m good at it. (Grin)
ReplyDeleteI like having a man with a gun walk in the door. This is actually the new start of one of my current stories:
ReplyDelete"Looking in the mirror, Bill saw the weapon pointing at his back."
Shows my time machine is working: I took your advice before reading it.
:)
Bob
Good post. And I can relate to thinking plot before falling asleep at night and when awakening in the morning. That's the one that works best for me too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rhobin. I'm currently siting on a novel which needs 8500 words to finish and cannot think of the INCIDENT beyond which it looks as though they cannot go... Anne
ReplyDelete