How to build strong plot development skills

Creating a compelling and coherent plot is critical for engaging your readers and keeping them invested in your story. But, what skills will help you create a captivating and satisfying narrative that keeps your readers turning the pages? Let's explore some of the strategies and techniques you can use:

What is plot development?

Plot development refers to creating the series of events that make up a story. It involves building a clear and compelling narrative arc that includes a beginning, middle, and end and that moves the story forward logically. A great plot includes conflicts, complications, and challenges to keep things interesting, as well as a satisfying resolution.

Why is plot development important?

Plot development helps to create a sense of purpose and direction in a story. A well-developed plot keeps readers engaged by providing a clear structure and progression of events. Your plot also helps to build (essential) tension and conflict.

How can you improve your plot development?

Practice

The more you write, the more comfortable you will become with constructing plots and developing storylines.

• Experiment with different plotting techniques: There are many techniques that writers can use to develop their plots, such as using a three-act structure, creating an outline, or using the hero's journey archetype. Try experimenting with different techniques to find what works best for you and your writing style.
• Practice writing short stories: Short stories can be a great way to practice your plot development skills because they are faster and more focused than longer works, making concentrating on the plot easier.
• Participate in writing challenges: Online writing challenges can help you practice your plot development skills. These challenges often provide a specific theme, setting, or plot element that you must incorporate into your writing, which can help to stimulate your creativity and challenge you to come up with new and interesting plot ideas.

Reading widely

Reading can be a great way to expose yourself to different plot structures and techniques experienced writers use. As you read, note how the author builds tension, introduces conflict, and resolves it in the story.

• Read a variety of genres: To get better at plot development, expose yourself to different types of stories and plot structures. Read books from different genres, such as mystery, romance, science fiction, and horror, to see how different types of authors approach plot development.
• Note how the author develops the plot: As you read, be aware of how the author introduces the main characters and conflict, how they build tension and suspense, and how they resolve the story.
• Analyse and discuss plots with others: Another way to improve plot development is to analyse and discuss plots with other writers or readers. Consider joining writing group where you can discuss the plots of different books and share your thoughts and insights.

Seeking feedback

Asking for feedback from other writers or readers can be a valuable way to get insight into the strengths and weaknesses of your plot development.

• Join a writing group or workshop: Joining a writing group or workshop can also be a great way to get feedback on your plot development skills from other writers. Consider joining a local group or participating in an online workshop where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism from others.
• Share your work with beta readers: Consider sharing your writing with a few trusted beta readers who can give you feedback on your plot development and suggest areas for improvement.
• Hire a professional editor: If you're serious about improving your plot development skills, consider hiring a professional editor to review your work. A professional editor can provide detailed feedback on your plot structure and pacing, and they can suggest ways to improve your story.

Experimenting with different writing exercises

Many writing exercises and prompts can help you practice your plot development skills.

• Write a story based on a single sentence: Choose a sentence, such as "The door creaked open, revealing a dark and empty room," and use it as the starting point for a short story. This exercise can help you practice coming up with a plot quickly and building suspense.
• Write a story in reverse order: Start by writing the resolution of your story and then work backwards towards the beginning, focusing on how each event leads up to the resolution. This exercise can help you practice building a plot that has a clear structure and progression.
• Write a story based on a prompt: Many writing prompts are available online that can help you practice your plot development skills. Choose a prompt that interests you and use it as the starting point for a short story.

Analysing the plots of successful stories

Break down the plots of stories you enjoy to see how the author has constructed the storyline and developed the characters. What techniques do they use to build tension and keep readers engaged? How do they resolve conflicts and keep the plot moving forward?

• Identify the critical elements of the plot: When analysing the plot of a successful story, try to identify the key factors that contribute to its success. Look for the main characters, the central conflict, the setting, and the resolution. Consider how these elements work together to create a compelling plot.
• Analyse the structure and pacing of the plot: Pay attention to how the story's events are structured and how the pace builds over time.
• Consider how the plot supports the story: Look for how the plot supports the themes and ideas the author is trying to convey. Consider how the plot helps reinforce or illustrate these themes and ideas and how it contributes to the story's overall meaning.

Seeking out resources

Many books and online resources can help you improve your plot development skills. Consider taking a class or workshop focused on plot development or reading books on the subject to learn more about the different techniques and approaches to crafting a compelling story.

• Take a writing class or workshop: Enrolling in a writing class or workshop can be a great way to learn more about plot development and get feedback on your writing. Look for classes or workshops focusing specifically on plot development or offering critiques and feedback on your writing.
• Read books on writing and storytelling: Many books can help you learn more about plot development and improve your writing skills. Look for books that offer practical advice and tips for developing excellent plots or analyse the plots of successful stories to understand how they work.
• Utilize online resources: Many online resources can help you learn more about plot development and improve your writing skills. Look for websites, blogs, and forums that offer writing prompts, tips, and exercises to help you practice your plot development skills. Some of these resources may also provide critiques and feedback on your writing.

Some common questions

How do you balance plot development with character development?

Balancing plot and character development requires intertwining character arcs with the plot so that characters' growth and actions drive the story forward.

This means crafting situations that challenge characters, prompting them to make decisions that reveal their development and affect the storyline. Ensuring characters have clear motivations and are affected by the plot's events creates a dynamic narrative where plot and character development enhance and inform each other, leading to a more engaging and cohesive story.

What are some common plot development mistakes to avoid, especially for new writers?

Common plot development mistakes for new writers include creating a plot that's too predictable, neglecting subplots or making them irrelevant to the main story, failing to establish clear stakes, overusing coincidences to resolve conflicts, and not allowing the plot to evolve organically from the characters' decisions and growth. Avoiding these pitfalls is crucial for crafting compelling narratives that engage and satisfy readers.

How might different genres require unique approaches to plot development?

Different genres necessitate unique plot development approaches to meet their distinct conventions and audience expectations.

For example, mystery genres often rely on intricate plotting with clues and red herrings to build suspense, while science fiction might prioritize innovative concepts and world-building to explore speculative futures. Romance, on the other hand, focuses on character relationships and emotional arcs, requiring plots that facilitate character growth and interaction.

Each genre's unique requirements influence how a plot is structured, paced, and resolved, ensuring it resonates with its intended audience.