The Plot Thinnens | Sara Biren

 

Ice Age Trail, Dunes Segment - Two Rivers, Wisconsin

I’ve been dreading this topic. In fact, as I’ve sat down to write about the P-word, my heart rate has kicked up and my fingers are going numb.  

Okay, so maybe that’s an exaggeration but I’ll be honest: PLOT is not my favorite topic. Character? Setting? Yes, sign me up. I could talk about those things all day. In fact, most of my ideas for short stories and novels begin with one of those or both, and occasionally, a vague idea of what might happen to these characters. 

It’s a start. And usually, the story and its plot come to me organically as I write about the characters, put them together in scenes, and let the plot chips fall where they may. But not always. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard a critique partner, my agent, or an editor say, “Raise the stakes!”

So when the plot thinnens and I’m stuck, here are a few things I do:

• Go for a hike. Seriously, there’s nothing better than a walk in the woods or along the shores of Lake Michigan to work out a plot problem (or life problem, as it happens).

• Go for a drive (or fold laundry, do dishes, etc.) and listen to a writing or creativity podcast or audiobook. 

• Read a craft book (honestly, the plot ones aren’t my favorite, which adds to my problem).

• Call a critique partner and brainstorm.

• Remind myself that I’ve done this before (successfully) and I can do it again. 

• Watch Pride & Prejudice (2005). Just kidding, that doesn’t help with plotting. I just really like that movie. 

Writing is hard. For me, plotting is harder.