It is said that there
are just three basic plots you have to work with in your writing.
These plots can be multiplied to create another 10, 20, 30 but these
are only variations on the basic ones. But actually there is just one
real killer plot. master this and you will on your way to success in
writing your novel.
If you look on the
shelves at bookstores (or online databases) the basic plots are
man/woman vs. a machine, or man/woman vs. mother nature, or man/woman
vs. himself/herself and so on. Of course there are a lot of books
that offer variations on those themes and that’s where you get into
the large numbers of variations of plots.
But no matter how many
plots the publishers say they love, it often always boils down to one
killer plot: The Quest.
No matter what genre of
fiction you’re publishing, readers and publishers love The Quest.
The entire story should be devoted, directly or indirectly, to the
protagonist achieving their goal by going on a quest. That’s where
all the interesting stuff should take place.
The quest could be
anything. It doesn't have to be traveling to far off lands to slay
dragons, (though it could). It could be a psychological thriller
where the hero/heroine is trying to fight off their inner demons.
Of course it does need
to be an interesting quest, and a worthwhile goal. Just running down
to the corner fast food joint to get a hamburger, fries and a pop
might be a quest, but there is no real interest here as it is
accomplished without true conflict.
However if you add a
bit of conflict or obstacles that our protagonist has to overcome,
say a band of gypsies come and kidnap him/her and take him to another
country and now he/she has to make it back home before dinner time.
Now you have a story, okay a bit far fetched, but still there is a
quest here.
The idea is to present
the character, the goal and the obstacles early to build interest.
But don't give too much away, just enough.
Ideally, the goal
should grow into something so important that the future of the world
hinges on its achievement and there is the risking of life and limb
in the exchange. But again not always when we are dealing with our
inner quests.
It is important to
identify the motivation, he why of the goal. What is the reason for
this quest? Bettering oneself? Finding out where the gypsies keep
their gold? The best hamburgers in the world? It can start out simple
enough, like doing someone a favor, etc. But the motivation better
grow, become important and all consuming and fast. Remember, the
world hinges on the achievement. The motivation, the goal and the
quest all grow in size as the story progresses.
Next of course comes
the quest itself, whether it is scaling mountains to capture the evil
scientist and rescue the world, or to overcome drug abuse make it as
detailed as possible so we feel the protagonist's pain, frustration,
elation and joy during the struggle.
So when writing
fiction, follow the quest strategy for plot development. It’s
almost always a sure-fire winner.
Come back next time for
more tips, tricks and techniques to assist you in your
writing,marketing and sales efforts. Remember we're all in this
together and I'm pulling for you.
Mahalo.
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