Good morning #authormentormatch! This morning, I'd love to share a bit about the difference between 'then' plotting and 'so' plotting. #ammteasers

Some stories can be described like this: "First this happens to my character, and then this happens, and then this happens."

Often, this means that the MC is being pulled through the plot by either reacting to external events or other character's decisions. #ammteasers

Of course, *sometimes* our characters will need to react to something. But, if it happens too often (or if it happens too close to the end when they should be at their most proactive) it can have the effect of the dreaded 'lack of agency' in a main character. #ammteasers

On the other hand, some stories can be described as "This happens, SO this happens, SO this happens, etc.

When most of those 'so' moments are brought on by proactive decisions by your MC (even if their decicions are wrong or misguided!)... #ammteasers

Then you're well on your way to a story propelled by character agency- which makes for a much stronger story! #ammteasers

Case in point: In Legally Blonde, Elle Woods decides to get into Harvard to win back her bofriend. This is obviously not a great goal for her as a person- but she IS making a proactive decision that moves the plot forward. #ammteasers

"Elle's boyfriend breaks up with her, SO she decides to go to Harvard to win him back."

She's going after the wrong thing (at that point), which is obvious to those of us watching, but she is making a proactive decision about her life, which is great for the plot. #ammteasers

In The Lion King, Simba's dad dies and he believes Scar when he says it's Simba's fault. SO he decides to run away. Later, he learns what Scar has done and has overcome his misbelief, SO he makes the proactive decision to return and reclaim his rightful place. #ammteasers

Can your plot be described in terms of "this happens, then this happens, then this happens" where your MC is being primarily dragged along by external forces? #ammteasers

OR can you describe your plot in terms of "So"- where your MC drives the story forward with their choices, whether good or bad? #ammteasers