Five effective ideas for plot development

Plotting your story is key to an unforgettable read. Otherwise, an incoherent plot will wane your readers’ interest as they sift through the pages and eventually lose their interest in your book.

Below are some of the proven guidelines for developing a great plot that no reader will ever forget.

Follow a logical timeline of events

It is easier to develop a plot when you know when certain events are supposed to happen in the book. Draft your plot in summary form so that each part has a brief description that gives you an idea about what happens there. This will serve as a condensed visual reference to help you recall where your story has led you so far, and understand the overarching flow of events.

Develop your character in an interesting manner

It is often best to establish your main character’s goal at the start of your writing process. This is to lay down a clear path toward where you intend to lead your character to. From that premise, you can invent intriguing ways to develop your character.

Follow the 5 Ws

Just like in journalism, writing a fictional book requires answers to the 5 Ws: who, what, where, when, and why. So your task is to address each of these questions, with details that illustrate how these areas develop as the story proceeds.

Make use of subplots

Subplots are a subordinate plot that support your main plot. These are small events that lead to a bigger story in the book. A subplot can also be used to underscore some issues you wish to address through your work.

Consult someone else to review your plot

Consider seeking third-party opinions. This is an important step in order to make sure your plot is logical and consistent. A compelling plot leaves no room for inconsistency. Peer feedback is important to plug any hole in your story.