Good Plots Make for Good Books

by Jeffrey S Savage

Sorry for posting late, but once again I am on the road and my internet access has been terrible. For the next six weeks I am teaching a creative writing class for the city of Spanish Fork. So I thought I would share some of the things I am covering in my class.

This week we talked about creating a solid plot line. One of the biggest reasons new writers have for not completing their novels is that they begin without a strong plot. Here are the points I asked my class to consider before starting page one. I’d love feedback from you on how these points these points affect what you read and write. Share your thoughts and I’ll take them back to the class.

Thanks.

Plot
Does your main character have a noble quest?

Will the reader empathize with that quest?

What are the obstacles to the quest?

Do you have more than one story line to carry the plot?

Are the smaller climaxes leading up to the final climax?

Did I start the story at the right point?

Is your storyline broad enough? Is it too broad, so it loses focus?

Character

Do you have a clear main character?

Do you like that character?

Do they have flaws?

What are they going to learn during the course of the story?

Who are the subordinate characters?

Is the main character in jeopardy? Of what?

What are the consequences of failure? Of success?

Are the obstacles to success difficult enough?

Is the character acting or reacting. Readers want a hero/heroine that is actively trying to fix things.

Setting

Why did you choose the setting you have?

Does it add to the story?

How?

Time Period

Why did you choose the time period?

What would happen if you changed it?

Are there any key events that could be tied in?