Ask Your Plot Questions ... And We'll Try To Answer Them!

I can't figure out a pivotal loaction. 
Question: I'm not wholly sure if this counts as a plot question, but I couldn't figure out where else to put it, so I might as well, right? I've …

Character motivation in YA Decision Story 
Question: I have a YA WIP about a 17 y/o who wanted to be a musician and train at Juilliard. However she is diagnosed with a neurological disorder which …

I have no idea how to develop this further 
hello everyone, I am writing a novel. The protagonist is Vigdis (the whole story is set in viking Norway) and she essentially flees with her secret lover, …

Shallow plot 
Question: My plot seems very shallow. It’s about a thirteen year old artist who gets sent away to an island for the summer by her parents. The reason …

Ending your plot lines in tandem or apart? 
Question: I have two plot lines. I know which one is major and which one is secondary. Currently they both end more or less in tandem at the end of the …

Help on detail 
Question: Hi, i am writing my book and I really think that the plot was generating way too fast. In about a few pages A character died but I am starting …

Two plotlines that don't have much to do together 
Question: I plan to write a pretty long sci-fi fiction story. I spent a lot of years writing but (mostly rewriting) this story, wrote about 400 pages …

INTRODUCING A NEW POV 
Question: I want to introduce a new POV into my story. This is necessary because I want to show what she's going through to the reader since she's …

Is my plot enough? 
Question: I'm writing a young adult novel about a boy who comes to Italy to study art for the summer and starts falling in love with the son of the host …

Parallel plots, different times  
Question: I am writing a book with two main characters. The novel starts in 2016 with an introduction of both characters (A&B), together, one space, …

Using an actual place in a novel but making it less accurate 
Question: Is there a disclaimer when using an actual place in a novel, yet wanting it to fit into your story, so taking some "poetic license."? …

Plot twists 
Question: I'm writing a novel in which the protagonist, little by little, uncovers clues about her mothers involvement in an incident at a hospital. …

Fictitious Setting 
Question: Thanks for your Novel Planning Book and all the other information made available on your site. I've been writing my fourth Mystery series …

Character motive 
Question: I am currently writing a story from a murderer's point of view, although I’m struggling to think of a proper motive. I want to make sure the …

best seller plots  
Question: How can I come up with a really new and good concept for a very high concept plot that will become a best seller. I need a way to be creative …

Pacing 
Question: I seem to have a really hard time pacing my stories because none of my scenes and chapters in between major plot points feels natural. Is there …

Goals 
Hi, Is it possible for the main character to have a small goal in the beginning of the book but to shelf that goal until the resolution, for a goal …

Which is worse? 
Question: Which is the better plot decision: To have a character achieve their goal knowing full well that it will kill them and then having the …

World is changing 
Question: I have a novel in which the world is changing in inexplicable ways and the protagonist goal is to protect his family and friends from the dangers …

The Midpoint 
Question: I’m currently writing a dramatic romance. Does the event that marks the midpoint have to happen to the main character herself? Can the event …

Is My Novel Overly-Complex? 
Question: I am writing a fantasy story based around war. I'm a fan of the Red Blood series, Harry Potter, and anything concerning dragons. While planning …

Is the slow process of falling in love enough of a plot? 
Question Hello! I’m writing a book about a rape victim and her budding relationship with her neighbor. They had a really rough first impression with …

How to write seasons like "Breaking bad" or "Desperate Housewives", or a soap? 
Question: Can you help me define the story goal, the impact characters and other things, for a "soap" story like Breaking Bad? When Rhona …

Tragedy 
Hello, Glen, I love your site and resources. My question is, does a tragedy always have to end with the death of the main character and/or protagonist? …

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Is this concept interesting / cliche and how do I start it?  
Question: I've been a fan of novels and shows similar to Game of Thrones, Red Queen, and Throne of Glass. I've also enjoyed writing short stories in …

Mystery Novel Planning 
Hello, Glen, I thank you for answering my previous question about Mystery Novel Resolution. I've purchased your novel planning workbook and written four …

Mystery Novel Resolution 
Hello, Glen, First of all, thank you for reading my question and providing your valuable suggestions. I wrote around fifty thousand words of my mystery …

How much time should I leave between main events? 
Question: I am writing a love story told from four different perspectives. I have about three main events with several parts to each of them. However, …

How to write sensitive topics? 
Question: So the main theme of my story is trust and distrust, tying in with the theme, my main character has trust issues. Specifically with men, even …

Prologue, uh... Placement. 
Hello, My prologue isn't something very exciting, at least not in my opinion. It has all the necessary "hooks" to keep people reading, but I fear that, …

Do you NEED a plot template? 
Hi, I'm starting a new book. I've planned out a lot about the main characters, and know the plot I have in mind in pretty good detail. However, I've recently …

How do I create an interesting plot with all this existing stuff? 
Question: So I've got a bit of a problem. I've created a rich, complex world, and unique characters, but there is one problem: I don't have any interesting …

Story Goals 
Question: I'm working on an outline for a series of books. These books have an adventure plot line and I'm finding that the story goal of each individual …

Story Goal Problems 
Hi, I have an idea for a novel, one I've already written as a short story. But now that I'm thinking I'd like (love, really) to expand on it I'm having …

Plot Structure 
Question: I am trying to organize a plot to keep my writing moving from one goal to the next smoothly. I was looking for different methods of doing this …

Is this concept cliché? 
Question: With all of the writing tips you have on this site I feel as though the "writing" part won't be too difficult, so I just want your opinion …

How to handle multiple protagonists? 
Question: I'm writing a story where most of the many characters will be deceased by the end of the story, and I want multiple protagonists because in …

Romance Problem: Is this enough? 
Hello Glen, I have a question about romance, or romance in the past, rather. I'm only in chapter 5 of my book, I have about 133 pages written so far, …

New Religious Figures & Ideas for Plot 
Question: If one were to write a fiction novel, do you think it would be acceptable to create new Gods (author-created ones) and merge them with the …

Do you think my book will be well recieved by readers? 
Hello, So, I'm writing a love story. Well, it's not really a love story since the woman he ends up with isn't introduced until towards the end. My …

Should I go with the ending I want or what my readers want? 
Hello. I'm writing a love triangle story. There's this boy who finds himself caught in between two very different special women. One is his best friend, …

Is my plot too complicated / bad? 
I'm writing a novel that mostly falls within the chick lit category (however, it's probably not typical one plotwise but it is more about the witty, humorous …

multiple plots 
Question: What is the difference between having multiple plots vs just a single plot? I have to decide whether Bridge to Terabithia has multiple or single …

Double plot structure? 
Hello, firstly, I just have to say thank you very much for creating this website. It has helped me so much in my writing development and has also helped …

I have a good story idea, but the execution is boring. Help! 
Question: I came up with an idea for a story/novel. The entire book is about a 17-year-old boy who was locked in a prison by his mother when he was 6 …

Interludes in Second Act 
Hi Glen! Thank you for your priceless posts and advice. My novel begins with a prologue that occurs in the protagonist's past, from her first-person …

Can my story have two goals? 
Question: I have thought of a story which my protagonist goes on a journey to find his long-lost brother and reunite the family. His cousin comes along …

Find my Antagonist 
Hi! First I would like to thank you for this brilliant website. It is really a great help! I'm having some trouble finding my Antagonist and I’m hoping …

Concerning Plot and Characters 
Question: I'm creating a story that revolves around the political relations of two fictional countries. In the story, a powerful figure (the antagonist) …

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Interlude Between Act 1 and 2. Should I do this? 
Hi. I have planned the first act of my fantasy book thoroughly enough, and just finished wrapping up the first chapter, which focuses on one of my three …

Revenge/ Superhero story 
Question: My main character wants to get revenge on a certain individual, who has reached the apex of his arc and essentially taken control of every …

romance and fantasy story 
Hello, I love reading stories and all types of novels I would to write my own story for others to read as well since I find it fun also I would to write …

stuck on conflict in my story  
Question: I am trying to work on a novel, perhaps a series, about a human who becomes a vampire to fulfill a prophecy. The main theme I am searching …

Three Main Characters. Do I need three Gandalfs/Dumbledores/Obi-Wans? 
Question: I've read on this site that for every main character that you write in the point of view of needs to have his or her own story arc. They each …

clffhangers 
Question: How do put a cliffhanger in my story and still end my book with resolution? Answer: Create a plot in the first book with a story goal …

Plot is somehow related to a book or the other 
Hello! my name is... let that go as anonymous. I have a plot, for my story, but I have one problem- the plot is always there in a book or the other. …

Is My First Chapter A Prologue? 
Hello, Glen! Your advice and posts are very helpful and informative - so thank you! I’ve completed my outline, and I’ve written the first two chapters …

Plot  
Question: What is a plot structure? Answer: Think of a plot as a series of events (things that happen). If they were just random events, they …

I am stuck with plotting, but pantsing does not work either. 
Question: First off sorry for any grammar / spelling mistakes. English is only my third language so a few might slip in here. My question is the following: …

How to write the first three chapters of your novel (with/ without prologue) 
Hello, for a project of mine (genre- young adult supernatural) I have to write the first three chapters of a novel. I've only ever been a short story writer …

Is it necessary for my plot to have disasters? 
Question: I've read various blogs and topics about how I need to figure out at least three main disasters for my story to work. Is that necessary? …

How to make Plot Twists 
Question: How exactly does one make a plot twist? It's my first time to write a story and I'd like to make a plot twist, how can I? Answer: The …

How does Dramatica theory apply to "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"? 
Question: I'm thinking of writing a Snow White retelling and am interested in seeing how Dramatica applies to it, but couldn't find an analysis of either …

I don't know what the goal of my story is 
Hello, My story is set mainly in the present. A group of people have taken over the world billion years ago and our current world is their simulation …

Solidifying my story goal 
Hi Glen! I just want your opinion on my protagonist's story goal. I'm currently writing a dystopian novel about a group of people living in a totalitarian-like …

will this plot/ story be interesting? already working on it quite a lot... 
Question: The fall of Atlantis (and some events which led to it) was due to Pandora's box being opened. 12 girls were born with 12 powers and their rebirth …

Who can or should commit the climactic act? 
Question: I am preparing the climax of my novel. I realize that there is a "moment of truth" before the actual climax where the character makes a decision …

Children's Stories 
Hi Glen! I was wondering how you would go about writing a children's story. Does it have a simple beginning, middle, and happy ending or is it more complex …

Help, I'm stuck! 
Question: I'm writing a story about a cop who has to protect his daughter from an obsessed, supernatural stalker. I was doing well until I tried …

Revenge/freedom plot 
Question: My heroine wants to get revenge on some people who have mistreated her in the past, one of whom is a tyrannical parent figure whose influence …

First Novel 
Dear Glen, I am currently in the very, very early stages of my first fantasy novel based on Atlantis. I am still in the stage of creating characters, …

Cliche story idea? 
Hi Glen! I would like to get your opinion on a story idea of mine. I don't know if it's unoriginal or cliche or completely nonsense, so any advice would …

Subplots 
Question: How important is it to have a subplot that runs through much of the story? If an otherwise good story lacks one, would most agents or publishers …

A romance plot or a "defeating the villain" plot? 
Question: I have a story with some characters that I really like, but I haven't developed the main plot. I have the backstory, the character roles, and …

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Outlining the Plot and Series 
Hi Glen! I have a quick question regarding outlining my novel. I want to write a trilogy, and I have the basics down such as the characters' goals, …

A Question Regarding Character Development and Romance 
A hello from Canada! I'm currently writing a YA novel. I already have the whole plot line listed out, and I've already written eleven chapters. …

Multiple relationship throughlines for multiple impact characters 
Hi Glen! I wanted to start off by thanking you for this website, it's helped me so much already with planning out my novel! I just wanted to ask: if I …

Synopsis With Two Main Characters 
Hi, Glen, Thank you for your time. After completing the first draft, I started filling plotting workbook. In my romance work, Hero and Heroine share …

chapters 
Question: Do you write the chapter name on every page. while writing a chapter book. Answer: No. The header on each manuscript page should include …

The Inciting Incident (And Everything Else) 
Question: I'm currently outlining my story and I have a somewhat loaded question. My story is a psychosexual religious horror novel (which is a weirdly …

Plot  
Hi. I tend to get an idea in my head for a scene and can't figure out where to go with it as far as plot goes. What might I be able to do to help inspire …

Making the audience NOT feel sympathy for a character but still telling his story? 
Hello! I'm writing a webcomic with a novel-esque plot, and this is my first time planning any sort of story, so I'd like some advice. Basically, …

How can I turn this into a book/series? 
Question: I know exactly what I want, I just can't figure out how to organize it into a book. When I get an idea it plays in my head like a movie so …

STRUCTURING TIME IN MY NOVEL 
Question: I have a novel in the planning stages, and would very much appreciate your insight before going too far down a rabbit hole. The most compelling …

Three main characters, only one perspective 
Question: I have a great idea for my book. The idea is that there is going to be three main characters, but I only want to see the perspective of …

lack of plot and motive 
Question: I currently have an idea I want to explore that involves a married couple. The woman believes her husband is plotting to kill her. But the …

Where to End Part 1  
Hi Glen, I asked the question re: different POVs for Part 1 and Part 2. On a slightly related note, I'm not absolutely certain at what point to end Part …

i have problem with expressing myself in words. 
Question: I'm a CPA and thus over time my writing knowledge got limited. Now I want to write a novel and couldn't proceed because I am not able to describe …

Lacking clear motive and goal 
Question: My story is about how one man works his way up into society so he can tear it apart from the inside. I feel that's the main "goal" of the story …

Game of thrones 
Question: I am trying to write a game of thrones inspired book, but it's hard coming up with a plot, I have my characters and world, but I would like …

I've written myself into a corner. 
Question: I think I've written myself into a corner. I was working on a story where a woman has an affair with a mechanic while being engaged to …

Procrastination Problems. 
Question: Okay, I write a lot. I mean, a lot. I always start my stories off really great. I'll write a whole first chapter, but usually I give up after …

Plans are a Godsend 
Question: I actually love making outlines. I have a crazy mind, and pantsing sends me into one plot in one chapter, and a completely different one the …

Character involvement in the final outcome 
Question: I know that the main character needs to play an active role in the outcome of the story or it feels like a cheat. But is it possible for inaction …

Romance Movie 
Question: I have a difficulty analyzing the plot structure for the movie Wall-E. Can a movie have two different stories with the same characters? Wall-E …

My plot seems vague. 
Hey, I have a story idea--an epic plot, if I say so myself and I know how I want the overall story to go over the course of 3-4 planned books. However, …

no experience writer 
Question: The only writing experience I have is essay writing in college and journal writing. I keep a daily journal, is it possible for me to write …

Conflict Confusion 
Question: I've had this idea in my head for a while now and have been making notes in a little journal I've been toting around, but I'm not entirely …

Too Many Subplots? 
Hello, I found this site about a month ago, and it has been an enormous help in planning my first novel. I now have a much greater understanding of how …

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Locate Keys ... but how? 
Question: When my angels (3) are going to earth to protector it, they get attacked by demons. they are carrying a box, which contains God's tears (which …

Plot with some religious elements 
Hi! First of all, thanks for all the tips in this website. They are very helpful :) Now onto the question. I'm writing a short novel wherein three …

Story/plot is too boring perhaps 
Question: I'm planning on writing a little fiction story revolving around senior high school students. It's basic gist is that a new girl transfers to …

Must a subplot affect the main plot? 
Hello. I have a question. I'm writing on an epic fantasy novel. This novel has four main characters, who also double as both POV characters and protagonists …

plot framework trouble! 
Question: I have a plot regarding a protagonist with an abused past. When her mother dies and she is left alone, she takes an exotic vacation as a last …

Story Goal and Ending 
Hi. Your website has been very helpful so far, though I've struggled with some aspects of plot development. My main character, a fourteen year old, lives …

When is a sad ending appropriate? 
Question: My story is about a girl in high school with an abusive dad and depression (her mother recently divorced the main character's father). She …

Original, or not? Should I develop this idea further? 
Question: While watching a favorite television show of mine, I had a sudden inspiration. In the episode, it was revealed that in their version of Heaven, …

Plot Sequence 
Hi, Glen, I read your novel writing workbook, and came across Plot Sequences. Setup->Complication->Crisis->Resolution This flow is applicable to …

Too common a story goal? 
Question: I have the main character who finds out that her and 9 other kids have powers and are going on a quest (not sure yet). Every idea I come up …

Need outlining help 
Question: In my story, I have the beginning and end figured out, but I am needing help putting it all together. Try as I may, it just doesn't seem to …

complicated plot--should I continue planning or start writing? 
Question: Ok, hi. This is my first time on this website and I have found a lot of helpful tidbits on writing so far. So I've been plotting a novel for …

Comicbook Novel 
Hello, I'am writing a CB Novel more over an adult Novel as somehow attempting to do like Alan Moore on Watchmen, that kind of writing. So... the I have …

plot problem continued... 
Question: If you remember, I had posted previously regarding my plot:" I have thought of an outline draft of a novel, regarding a boy and a girl with …

plot problem.................. 
Question: I have thought of an outline draft of a novel, regarding a boy and a girl with contrasting personalities, who eventually become friends. Then …

What if the premise seems too simple? Can I still make it a good story? 
Ok, so first of all, I am making a film. It's going to be a machinima film made with a game engine and I want to make it while I'm still in film school …

A murder mystery in Key Largo, Florida. Started at sunrise on a Sunday, and will end at sunset sometime towards the end of the book! 
Question: I'm trying to write a murder mystery with 3 murders being committed. One in the 1st chapter, one in the middle and a surprise squeeze in murder …

Everything's been done before!!! please help? 
Hi glen. First of all, sorry for that aggressive title, but I've been having this problem of avoiding cliches and such for quite some time... So …

Becoming Truly Inspired 
Question: I've loved writing for as long as I've loved reading. Over the years I've trying to think of what I truly want to do in life, it always comes …

Would this be too much for readers? 
Question: What do you think of a fantasy war story that is written from two main character's perspectives? One pov would be from the side of a single …

I can't figure out the ending. 
Hihi! This is my first time on this website and I've found a lot of helpful things. But now I'm wondering if you can help me with the problem I've been …

How do I maintain my originality? 
Question: I am trying to write a young-adult, fantasy, romance type of novel. It's first person POV. The girl is the main character who is a vampire. …

Can the story goal change? 
Question: Hello and thanks for you time. I am currently writing a teenage romance novel and the story goal is for the main character to get the guy …

Genre/Plot Question?? 
"In do-over novels, like Before I Fall (Lauren Oliver) and If I Stay (Gayle Forman) authors put their protags through Groundhog-Day-like reruns to measure …

past tense vs present tense 
Dear Glen, I have another question about my novel ( which I have nearly finished, first draft anyway, 800 words to go!) Apart from back story, I have …

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How to plot a character-driven story 
Question: I recently found out that I am more of a plot driven story teller. Before, when I think of an idea for a story, I tend to think of the plot …

Reader's decision? 
Question: I am currently writing a story that takes place in a massive fantasy world. I have three main characters that play a major role with in the …

Deeply pre-produced fantasy plot problems 
Greetings! :) I have a fantasy setting in mind. The world itself is more or less done (meaning there are religions, families, legends, even a different …

Stories being too similiar 
Question: I have an idea for a story about people with powers and the government rounds them up and throws them in these special prisons and kills them. …

Story Goal: Key To Creating Solid Plot Problem  
Question: I'm having a few problems with plot outlines and such. I was reading about story goals to help solve this problem and am confused about something …

Ideas for Plot 
Question: John Green style book about a terminally ill boy who loves words and soon finds the perfect girl. IDEAS PLEASE! I have the perfect name and …

Plot Structure/Outline Issues 
Question: *I'd like to say that this happens to be a bit long because I obviously tend to ramble from nervousness, however I deeply appreciate the effort …

Moving too fast 
Hi, I'm trying to write a book, but I'm worried that the story is progressing too fast. On page six a lot has happened. But the thing is, I can't seem …

How Can I make The Main Protagonist's Motives SOLID??? 
Question: Ok, so far in my story, the main protagonist begins a quest to find his lost brother, when he learns that his brother is in fact, dead, he …

preconditions help 
Question: I'm struggling to come up with preconditions for my plot. The other 7 parts were easy... Can someone provide other examples of preconditions …

Need help spicing things up 
Question: So I'm working on a story in which there is an organization of people who are calling themselves perfect and trying to perfect everything and …

Getting into the action 
Question: I'm starting my story off with a description of the life of my main character, showing what she does in an average day and how this is different …

2 Main Characters? 
So I was indecisive if this would be a more character question or not, but I figured it would affect my plot more so here I am. Sorry before hand if I …

Story similarities 
Obviously I don't have the time to look through every story revolving around alternate universes to see whether my storyline is similar to another, but …

Where, in the story, should i start the book? (or should i make two books) 
Hey Glen, I have a story I have been wanting to write, but I have just one question: at which part of the story should I start the book on, and which …

Help With Creating a Fantasy World 
Hi, I just wanted to start out by saying thank you for this website! It's so helpful and I read it all the time, forever grateful! On to my question. …

First-Person Suicide 
Question: I'm on my second draft, with a main character struggling with emotional and mental health problems. I use the first-person in the past tense. …

Inciting Incident and Catalyst for Book Trilogy... 
Hi Glen, I'm a huge fan of your site. I'm in the process of plotting a trilogy novel and I know it's not an easy process which is why I've been doing …

I jump around during the writing process. Is that bad? 
Question: When I'm plotting out specific scenes that pique my interest at the time, I often freefall or scribble dialogue that happens later in the story, …

Main Character & Overall Plot 
1. Does the protagonist (the one who pursues the story goal) own the Main Plot? Not sure what you mean by "own," but the protagonist is the leading …

Signposts 
Question: "each signpost is an event that may be subdivided into three or four smaller events, becoming thus a sequence itself. Each signpost can have …

How to plan a realistic course of events. 
Question: My main problem, which makes writing for me almost impossible, is the lack of understanding real-life events. Like how to get person X from …

Switching From Main to Subplot when Subplot consists of Flashbacks? 
Hello, I'm in the early stages of writing my novel. It will be fantasy, set in the modern world. To make a very convoluted story short, I decided on …

Too Many Ideas? 
Question I'm thinking of writing story about a homeless girl approximately 15 or 16 years old who has been living on her own for most of her life. She …

forewarnings or costs? 
Question: Thanks so much for all the valuable information on this site. I'm loving every minute I spend here, but as I try to plan out my novel using …

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Brain Glitch 
Hey, so, I have this problem. I'm almost finished this manuscript that I've been working on fr 4 months. For a month, I distanced myself from my work …

From description to story 
Question: Okay, firstly, I'm sorry if this is a stupid question (I'm only thirteen and started reading this today), but I started the first chapter explaining …

When is it a Series and When is it Not? 
Question: I just discovered your site quite recently, and am going to recommend it to anyone and everyone as the most helpful I've come across.Thanks …

Outlining 
Hello, I have a question. I can't seem to find the answer anywhere. Hopefully you can help me (: . So I want to write an urban fiction novel, I have …

Progressive vs. Static Story Elements in Creating an Outline 
Question: The last time I asked a question, you explained the difference between progressive plot elements and the static plot elements. To follow up …

Is this second POV needed? 
Question: I am writing a story with two main characters that don't really affect each others lives for 90% of the book. The main idea for the story came …

Decision vs Action Driver stories 
Question: I love your thoughtful blog. What advice can you give on writing a decision story? For unity, should you try to make more than one signpost …

Scenes/Events 
Every time I read about Scenes/Events I get confused. You talk about building the events with Setup, complication, crisis and resolution. I understand …

Story Goal Issue 
Question: Ahh, I've seen a similar question asked elsewhere on the site and you responded quite helpfully, so I figured I'd bother to ask myself. …

Antagonist 
Hi, I'm writing a story about a girl who is depressed, going to a psychologist and attempts suicide at some point. She is also involved in a relationship …

Middle-grade novels for girls vs boys 
Question: I have found that the plots of middle-grade novels geared towards girls seem to be less likely to follow the Dramatica model than novels geared …

Plot idea for a spiritual book 
Question: A parable set in the contemporary world opening in the present-day social milieu in India, then moving on to exotic Indian locations, to uncharted …

Confusion regarding a scene, as to whether it is The Inciting Incident or Rising Action or in between 
Hello I have a main character, who along with some other characters, do not know who they are. The story takes place in a fictional city in the future …

Plot development 
Question: I'm a beginning writer but I don't have any formal writing skills. I've got an idea for a story about a man who is a loser in most respects, …

How to Know When to Switch 
Question: So I've noticed this question gets asked quite a lot, so you're probably just done with everyone asking. But when you change POV how should …

Is This Death Not Dramatic Enough? 
Question: I have a character in my story named Shemar, who is the main character's idol (for lack of a better word at the moment) and by the ninth chapter …

Renewing an overused Plot 
Hi, good day. I am a frustrated writer. My editor always say that my plots are too shallow, that I must have put a little twist in it. How can I write …

Adding More to a Plot...? 
Question: My plot is clearly laid out, not in detail, though, so I can still change things about it as long as the goal at the end gets achieved. I was …

Big story, many character's POV 
Question: I'm writing a trilogy. It has one goal for the entire series. Each book, however, accomplishes just one-third of that series goal, making them …

The difference between the impact character and relationship throughlines 
Question: Despite reading your very helpful webpage, the questions and answers section, and even other websites I am still having a difficult time distinguishing …

Sagging Middle Syndrome 
Question: I've read almost every article here and I still can't seem to get an interesting middle. I have a beginning and end. But have no idea how to …

book outline 
Question: How do you lay out things to start a book off? Other than just chapters & a title? Answer: If you are writing nonfiction, you need to …

Fantasy novel 
Hello, I am a youngster (18 years old) who always enjoyed to write stories. My main inspirations were always drawn from fantasy stories, mainly A Song …

Change Directions? 
Question: I'm writing a story right now and I've just started a complete rewrite that was badly, badly needed. Now that I'm looking over my book, though, …

Characters  
Question: When is it good to kill off characters and is killing many bad or is not killing much bad as well? Most likely killing off characters is going …

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Story Structure 
Question: Hey I was wondering your opinion on the snowflake method and what it entails? Answer: The snowflake method is essentially a brainstorming …

Character Driven vs Plot Driven? 
Question: Your website is amazing and I am forever grateful of your insightful and detailed answers. My question is this simple: What is the difference …

Filler Chapters 
Question: What is the right way to do filler material in a story? Lots of the middle of my story would technically be classified as 'filler', being …

The main theme 
Question: I really do like this site, as it is great food for thought! I am dealing with a few problems. I want to write fantasy (my writing style is …

The Big Message, What the novel is about. 
Question: My biggest problem is trying to sum up what my book means. ideas, characters dialogue etc is never a problem but the overall take-home message …

An Original Story?  
Hi, Just wondering what is an 'original plot' as I have heard of it a number of times in writing articles. And could you tell me what elements comprise …

Domain Explanation Please? 
Question: I read through the Harry Potter SignPost Explanation you gave elsewhere. Can you explain the concept of the domains: Situation (external …

A Conundrum of Sorts Regarding Flashbacks 
Question: The theme of my story is how history is being reenacted, and I have this idea to tell the story in a sequence of present day and past scenes. …

Repeating events in each Throughline 
Question: First of all, this is a brilliant resource so thank you! I have gone through all of the steps and tried my best to follow them through. But, …

Character/relationship throughlines 
Hi, I've writing a murder mystery and this site has been fantastic for getting my plot together, so thanks! It all feels almost ready to go - but trying …

Coming of Age Story 
Hello! I have a story idea of 4 (sometimes 5) characters who are coming of age that are each "running away" (in a sense) from their current lives. …

Figuring out the plot 
Question: When starting to write your story/novel, should you already have the entire story (including the ending and any plot twists) planned out before …

Sagging middle.... 
Hello, Like everyone else I will start by offering my thanks for the time you put into this site, the explanations and answers you give. I also appreciate …

Short Stories/Longer Works 
Question: I can only write short stories but I want to go bigger. Can you help me? Answer: I recommend you do some plotting. You may be used …

Character Driven 
Question: What's the best way to write character driven plots? Answer: Dramatica has two main pieces of advice to begin with. First, Dramatica …

writing questions 
Question: How to develop from the plot outline to the paragraph? Answer: Let's say you have a solid plot outline, with all your major events briefly …

Problem with changing plots. 
Question Every time I sit down to start plotting my novel, I begin to change it and tweak it until I come to the conclusion that I need to create an …

Love Triangle Questions 
Question: So in my story, the love triangle is a major player in the plot to reach the turning point in the story. But my problem is, every time I try …

Problems with 'Story Goal' 
Question: Answer: Two things. First, the Story Goal will generally be something that the majority of character participate in or are affected by. …

Plot development 
Hi, I've read your articles but I still confuse how to develop my plot.. and since I am not good in english i hope you understand. My story is about …

Planning? 
Question: How do you plan your book chapter by chapter? Answer: You will probably have some planning to do before you worry about chapters. You …

Story Goal / Theme 
Hi, I've read the pieces on Story Goal and Theme and I am still not clear on the practical differences between them and how I would use one versus the …

Turning the 8 easy steps into 8 meaningful signposts 
Hello Mr. Strathy and everybody (seems this family is growing more and more): I don't know how to handle the following problem: once you have followed …

The Storyline? 
Question: I don't even know how to begin my story, and what events I should use. Would the best way to get the story going is to create and get to know …

I'm having a rough time fleshing my story out. 
Question: Ok, so I have the very basic plot down, like, "The main character does this and accomplishes this thing, then he goes over here, while the …

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The (Happy?) Ending 
Question: So I have an ending for my book where everything is wrapped up nicely, except that then in the last chapter there is a plot twist that reveals …

Christmas Novel 
Question I've always been passionate about Christmas, and I think I'd enjoy writing a novel with a holiday theme more than anything. I hesitate though, …

Main Character vs. Protagonist...T.K.O.? 
First off: Kudos on the site! I came here after Googling "how to write a book" because I was suffering from severe writer's block... I've never been more …

Sagas 
Question: Hey there I'm a comic/manga writer I would like to know how do I create something like a chart representing each chapter and it's connection …

Predictable Plot: Nay or Yay? 
Question: I just read another question about when and where to place a plot twist. It got me wondering about whether or not it is necessary to throw …

figuring how to build on this... 
A Fairy Princess who has to find her own way of obtaining her wings Response: Okay, you have a main character who has a goal. That's a start. You …

Story outline in relation to a series 
Question: I currently envision the story I'm planning to write as a 5 books series and was wondering how the outline would apply. Each book has its …

Better understanding of the 8 Plot Outline steps Please! 
Question: So I loved how you were really a BIG help on my last question so I have some more! But these will kind of all be about your 8 steps to …

Personal Conflict and the Climax 
Question: In the plot outline provided by your site it gives these two ideas: "Overall Signpost #3: This signpost marks the climax of the story. It …

When should the rising action begin  
Question: I have thirteen thousand words and my rising action happened three thousand words ago and I want to write a seventy to eighty thousand word …

Two plots in one story  
Hello! You answered my last question so satisfactorily, that I decided to come to you for this as well. My now heavily modified story involves two plotlines …

More signposts and squences.  
Question: Would having more than four signposts in your Overall Story Goal or elsewhere be okay? There could be one more thing that pushes your protagonist …

Should a book be structured like an essay? ie intro,body,conclusion? 
....with the body being the storyline? - Response: A nonfiction book can certainly be structured that way. As for a novel, there are some novels …

Can I switch MCs after 3 chapters? And Would that need 2 plots? 
Question: Here´s another question that´s been eating my insides. I am confident that you will come up with a great answer, for you are truly awesome! …

Problems with a goal that becomes another goal by the middle... 
Hi. I´m having major problems with my novel outline. Hope you can help. My story starts out with a goal that the villain has imposed on the MC--he must …

Foreshadowing 
Question: I am currently working on a fantasy novel of my own. However, I am having problems with foreshadowing. How do authors foreshadow? What are …

Subplots: Structuring and/or Outlining 
Question: Is there a specific kind of outline or way to set up and structure a sub plot in a effective way, I have a few subplots and they have conclusions …

Sequels and or relating to another book you have written 
Question: I was wondering about writers who might write up to four or even eight books. How do they continue their stories for so long? Do they plan …

Brainstorming 
Question: I have tried and tried to begin my story and just can’t seem to get it right because the beginning is everything in my opinion. I want to …

Plotting Points 
Question: My plot begins with the hero facing a large problem, which gets resolved to a certain extent about 20,000 words into the story. However, …

An open to interpretation ending of my novel? 
Hi, Thank you so much for answering my previous question :) Well, I've written about a quarter of my novel and have changed the ending a little in …

Outline "signposts" confusion 
Hello. I've been using your article "Writing an Outline of Your Novel" to further develop my already existing structure of a novel. It was tremendously …

I am having difficulty converting the 16 signposts into sequences 
Question Actually, my main character isn't the protagonist so the main character, the impact character and the relationship thoroughline are important …

a novel that deals prostitution, but in fact is anti-prostitution 
Question: What can be some of the reasons that a noble man falls in love with a prostitute? Can that ever be? What if a prostitute falls in love with …

Is this a satisfying ending? 
Question: I am working on a fantasy trilogy of novels in which the ending involves the heroes losing against the big bad (the devil) only to then reveal …

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Consequence 
Question: I'm kinda planning a series ahead of time, myself. But only the general information about it - such as the goal and consequence. Specifics …

I know what to do, yet am somewhere paralyzed... 
Hello there! I have a very clear idea for a horror novel, which I have loosely plotted out from beginning to end. I have a good main character, another …

Predictable plot in romance. 
Question: Some people have mentioned that my ending is predictable although still quite satisfying. Well, it's a love story and ends the way one would …

Anticlimactic Climax? (With reference to The Hunger Games) 
Hi, I've finally reached the climax of my novel. Your website has helped me a lot. I've got this thing in my mind where the climax of the novel has …

Is This A good Idea for a Plot? 
Question: I'm not too good at writing, so bear with me. :D Okay, there's a 16-year-old girl named Ivy, who has a secret that causes her a lot of trouble: …

Dramatica Requirements 
Question: First up, I utterly adore the site. I visit it at least once a week and I've been experimenting with dramatica ever since I found it about …

A good ending for a zombie novel 
Question: I'm writing a zombie themed novel. It's from a first-person perspective. I was in the middle of writing the story (I'm not even sure if i …

Character Throughlines and Main Story Throughline 
Question: My problem is that I have two primary characters in my story. One of them is most definitely the "Main Character" because the major signpost …

Too many/ multiple plots? 
Question: My plot outline (or synopsis, not sure which) is this: A college student nabs a spot on a prestigious touring production company's roster, …

Killing a Character 
Question: What are some valid reasons for killing off a major character? In what ways should the event contribute to the plot if I wanted to do this? …

Developing Backstory/World 
Question: I'm rewriting a sci-fi story of mine and running into serious problems when trying to gradually develop the backstory and world. Many books …

Placement of Cliffhangers? 
Hello, I really love your site! And thanks for answering a previous question! I used to write on the internet, so each 'chapter' or 'part' was only …

Creating Throughlines and Signposts 
Question: I can't see the difference between Overall Throughline and the others. I don't know how I can create different events in every throughline …

Opening chapters problem 
Question: I am struggling with coming up with a solid first chapter because I really want to throw the readers into the action. My initial idea was …

Plot Development 
Question: Hi. I am a student at Sol Feinstone Elementary School, and my teacher has asked me to create a powerpoint on how to have a good plot development. …

Book PARTS 
Question: As I build my outline (using your INCREDIBLY helpful articles here on this site. THANK you!) I have easily found an overall main character …

Creating Story Events 
Question: One of the questions I find most important is creating events. I can imagine an event but when I look at it I don't find it connected to the …

Filling in the Middle 
Question: I have a story idea with three MC's, and I know how it starts out, and I know how it ends. However, I cannot find any conflicts that make …

Writing Transitions Between Scenes 
Question: What are the smoothest ways to write a transition from one scene to another scene in an entirely different location within the same chapter? …

Plot Outline vs. Synopsis: What's the Difference 
Question: what is the difference between a plot outline and a synopsis? Answer: You may find some people use these terms interchangeably, and some …