Plotting Tips for New Novelists
When I started writing seven years ago, there were so many aspects of creating a novel that I learned by trial and error. In my opinion, nothing compares to early readers who give it to you straight about how your characters are coming off on the page, whether your premise is sound, if your descriptions are allowing them to immerse themselves in your setting. Craft can be taught, to an extent, but making yourself vulnerable to honest critique is the surest way to improve your writing.
While learning from other readers and writers is key, some big picture guidance goes a long way! And while I tend to write character driven rather than plot driven fiction, I hope these thoughts will help you get started as you think about the story for your debut novel.
LARGER THAN LIFE. If you’re working on your first novel, I can almost guarantee that some aspects of your story are autobiographical. Truth may be stranger than fiction, but in most cases, the plot needs to be bigger and more exciting than what actually happened to you. Make sure to ask yourself “does the next twist further the character’s journey in a way that’s gripping,” and not “is this what happened next in real life?” It’s fine to be inspired by the story you lived, but don’t be a slave to it.
FAILING AND FLAILING. The reader wants to see your protagonist experience significant highs and lows. When you’re plotting your novel, you want to keep the rollercoaster motif in mind — the normal vicissitudes of everyday life are not enough to make the pages turn. You don’t need to overdo it — your main character doesn’t have to win the lottery one day and get hit by an 18-wheeler the next — but hey, that’s not bad! The point is that we all suffer setbacks in life. The downturns in your novel have to be piled on in a way that make your protagonist’s ultimate triumph feel earned.
LEAVE A LITTLE MYSTERY. There’s a temptation when plotting a novel not only to have a happy ending, which I’m all in favor of, but also to tie up every plot point so that the reader is left with no questions. In some genres, like the cozy mystery, this may be a requirement. But if you have more latitude, my advice is to leave something unanswered at the end. It will give book clubs something to talk about!
STAY CREDIBLE. Fiction is inspiring when the characters take risks, whether they are placing themselves in physical danger, or risking their hearts. So let your characters do things that you, sensible author, might never do. But make sure that you can still understand the motivation for the risks and the actions that ultimately follow. Stay credible. You don’t want your characters to do things that are so outlandish that it takes the reader out of the story.
IT’S YOUR STORY. This is the number one piece of advice I have, and it runs counter to everything I’ve said above. This is your novel, your plot, your story. Of course you want readers to relate to your novel, to buy your book, to love it, to pass it on to others. But you are accountable only to yourself for your creative output. Don’t let anyone else tell you that some plot point simply can’t happen. If you respect and trust the person offering the advice, listen to the reasoning and think it through. But if something makes sense to you, stick to your guns! You will find your people if you believe in your work.
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