4 Easy Ways to Write a Better Plot

Story lacking that certain I-don’t-know-what? This video gives a few quick tips to write a better plot.

Panster? Plotter? The tips can work for both

When I created this, I tried to keep in mind we’ve got both pansters and plotters in the house. These suggestions are broad enough to work for people in both camps. But they’re specific enough that they truly can change the way you approach your layout.

Values provide structure and opportunities to create interest

Out of all the points, the first interests me the most. That’s because depending on the values you assign, you can create more dynamic characters and keep the interactions surprising. So, for example, say a character valued family but also valued money. Maybe part of the plot could be that character being tempted to do an immoral job to offer financial security to his loved ones. Sometimes it’s nice to have a story where the value lines are clearly drawn. Mr. Potter and George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life (which I cite all the time) serve as a good example. But there’s curiosity in overlap, too. That’s where readers can be on the edge of their seats trying to figure out if one character will switch sides.

The other reason I like assigning values is that it gives you a structure or set of expectations for how characters would behave in any situation you put them in. When you’re considering whether a scene will work, the logic of it all can help you discern what is worth exploring and what is not.

If you want your plot to be memorable, don’t complicate it

Simplicity has high value to me, too. I think sometimes writers try to force their stories by cramming as much as they can think of into them, in part to explore, but also in part to see if they can throw spaghetti at the wall to somehow meet what agents or publishers like to see. Before you know it, there’s so much to remember and keep straight that the big picture of the story is lost. So, when you write, just remember there should always be at least one big takeaway or feeling you leave readers with. Children’s stories are memorable specifically because they don’t have superfluous content.