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This week's #WednesdayWritingTips are all about coincidences in your plot...
1) Let's start at the very beginning
Why now?
This is one of the questions I ask of my own stories and other writers' stories. Why is the story kicking off at this particular point in time? Does it feel like a coincidence or is there a clear reason?
#WednesdayWritingTips
Why now?
This is one of the questions I ask of my own stories and other writers' stories. Why is the story kicking off at this particular point in time? Does it feel like a coincidence or is there a clear reason?
#WednesdayWritingTips
2) Beginnings c'td
Why did the story not kick off a month ago? Why is it kicking off at all? What is it that makes it ONLY able to happen now? Make it watertight. Alter facts, change dates, remove doubt.
#WednesdayWritingTips
Why did the story not kick off a month ago? Why is it kicking off at all? What is it that makes it ONLY able to happen now? Make it watertight. Alter facts, change dates, remove doubt.
#WednesdayWritingTips
3) Convenient plot points
Sometimes when we plot, we can take the easy way out. Something 'fits' so it will do fine. But can you use a stronger knock-on effect from the last plot point instead? Plot is like a Newton's Cradle. Each beat affects the next.
#WednesdayWritingTips
Sometimes when we plot, we can take the easy way out. Something 'fits' so it will do fine. But can you use a stronger knock-on effect from the last plot point instead? Plot is like a Newton's Cradle. Each beat affects the next.
#WednesdayWritingTips
4) Character-led not coincidence-led
Maybe the stronger your character, the less you rely on coincidence. Strong characters have agency - they help shape the plot with their decisions. They don't wait for coincidences to happen. They lead the charge.
#WednesdayWritingTips
Maybe the stronger your character, the less you rely on coincidence. Strong characters have agency - they help shape the plot with their decisions. They don't wait for coincidences to happen. They lead the charge.
#WednesdayWritingTips
5) Be honest with yourself
We want the story to be in good shape. We don't like to admit problems. BUT... you're probably already aware of those moments in your text which feel weaker and coincidental. Face up to them and fix them. Said in love
#WednesdayWritingTips
We want the story to be in good shape. We don't like to admit problems. BUT... you're probably already aware of those moments in your text which feel weaker and coincidental. Face up to them and fix them. Said in love
#WednesdayWritingTips
6) Hark, for I have wisdom to impart
Watch out for characters who enter a story suddenly, say something important, and then disappear. That is their only role. Their whole existence feels a coincidence. Is there another way to get that vital information?
#WednesdayWritingTips
Watch out for characters who enter a story suddenly, say something important, and then disappear. That is their only role. Their whole existence feels a coincidence. Is there another way to get that vital information?
#WednesdayWritingTips
7) 'The End - or is it?'
The resolution is crucial. It can make or break a story. If the 'wait, that's it!' moment feels coincidental, it can destroy the credibility of your tale. SEED. LIKE. MAD. Has your protag been staring the answer in the face for ages?
#WednesdayWritingTips
The resolution is crucial. It can make or break a story. If the 'wait, that's it!' moment feels coincidental, it can destroy the credibility of your tale. SEED. LIKE. MAD. Has your protag been staring the answer in the face for ages?
#WednesdayWritingTips
8) 'The End - or is it?' part 2
It helps not to introduce something new to bring about the ending, as that can feel a bit deus ex machina. It needs to be logical, believable. Not a solution pulled out of a magic hat.
#WednesdayWritingTips
It helps not to introduce something new to bring about the ending, as that can feel a bit deus ex machina. It needs to be logical, believable. Not a solution pulled out of a magic hat.
#WednesdayWritingTips
9) 'The End - or is it?' part 3
Finally, how does your protag finally understand how to succeed in the final battle? Is it a logical/believable process of understanding? (Watch out for minor characters 'coincidentally' telling them the answers!).
Enjoy!
#WednesdayWritingTips
Finally, how does your protag finally understand how to succeed in the final battle? Is it a logical/believable process of understanding? (Watch out for minor characters 'coincidentally' telling them the answers!).
Enjoy!
#WednesdayWritingTips
