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Plot Problems that are Destroying Your Book
Sometimes an idea that floated in your head doesn't pan out on paper the way you expected. There are common plot problems that permeate through many works of fiction. When plot problems arise, it's tempting to throw your hands up in the air and jump ship. Because as much as creative writing is fulfilling, the process is also frustrating. Let's take a look at plot problems and ways you can overcome each.
Writing your story instead of your character's: Your novel shouldn't be a vehicle for your political or social agenda. The plot should be true to your character. Everything your protagonist says and does should reflect his or her journey. If you have something to say to the world, consider writing a nonfiction book or an essay on the topic.
The uninvolved protagonist: In an attempt to make the reader feel a connection to the protagonist whether it be feel sorry for the character or like the character many writers pile on with bad event after bad event without giving the main character a breather and without allowing the protagonist to learn from mistakes. Readers get tired of "whoa as me" characters. Select the most compelling obstacles for your characters and leave the rest on the sidelines. Your story will be better for it.
Too much backstory: Your readers dont have to know every single detail of your character. Too much unnecessary information well even a bit of unnecessary information takes away from the story. Limit the information you provide to the essentials, information that drives the story forward.
That said, there are times when you must provide backstory and you rely on narrative every single time. Mix it up a bit and unfold a backstory through dialogue instead.
Unimaginative Openings: From the get you have to draw your reader into the story. Relying on clique beginnings hurts the credibility of your story. What are boring beginnings? A protagonist listening to news on the radio, a protagonist waking up or taking a shower, a protagonist thinking while doing (fill in an activity here).
Not giving secondary characters enough to do: Create compelling subplots to complement your main plot. Readers are interested in learning about
Rushing the ending: A dissatisfying ending ruins the reading experience. If you have too many loose incidences and you find yourself scrambling to tie everything together, revisit your manuscript to determine which subplots you can leave "loose."
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