MishaI’m finishing up my first novel. It’s turning out well, and I’m impressed with the progress I’ve made even in the last six months. I’m even kind of proud of it. BUT I keep running into the problem of plot. Like, there’s no fixing my plot now. I’m done and my book coach is like, “Yeah, it’s done.” But I still keep looking at my story and thinking I have some cool sub-plots strung together without a super-clear overarching end-goal.
I love my book, but it could have been better. An outline or a plan at the very beginning of all these years of work would have kept my adventure in check.
This is going to be a very short post. Mostly because I’m the worst at giving writing advice. I still feel like a newb, and… well… my first paragraph should be proof. However, it’s a good lesson and one that I want you to benefit from.
Have an idea what your plot is! Then you can enjoy the process of creating fun scenes and subplots and setbacks that will string together nicely in getting you there.
Michelle Kaderly Welsh
Tracy Popolizio
Candice Yamnitz
All of us learn so much writing our first book. I’m finding Plottr is a great tool to develop plot, characters, themes, and KEEP TRACK of the details. Wish I’d known about such tools with my first book. Writing is a never-ending learning curve, and I love the friends we meet along the way. I’m applauding you’ve finished the book!
I didn’t know I had a plot when I began what turned out to be my first published book. It sort of revealed itself to me as I kept writing what I thought was a random series of essays.
I wonder how much more smoothly the book would read if I understood the plot from the outset.
Great advice, Michelle!
Been there, Sister!! Plot is hard for me too, and I don’t know why, but keep writing! Little bits become clear as you go along and you add that smidge of knowledge to your tool box and it’s better each time you write. Hugs!