Need a Killer Plot? Try This!

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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