Thread by @AlyssaMatesic

There are a million different ways to plot a book, and figuring out the best way for your plot to unfold can be tricky.

Here’s a framework for evaluating your plot’s effectiveness. Ask yourself these questions to determine if it holds up (an #amwriting 🧵):

1. Is there a clear point of conflict? To keep your reader engaged, your story MUST have a central conflict that they will want to see play out. Use this template: Protagonist wants X, but Y is stopping them.

Ideally, you’ll introduce this conflict within your first chapter.

2. Are the stakes high enough? The conflict must meaningfully impact the protag’s life somehow. Show us the consequences! This creates tension & keeps readers invested.

Add to the previous template: Protagonist wants X, but Y is stopping them; if they fail, Z will happen.

3. Does the protag face obstacles? Your protagonist should face several obstacles that hinder their success. Make them work for their objective! This is the “Y” portion of the template we’ve been using. It keeps the protag from quickly achieving their goal & adds to the conflict.

4. Is your plot focused? Once you establish conflict, stakes & obstacles, keep your plot tightly focused on that. Avoid veering off into unnecessary subplots that aren’t connected to the main plot & overshadow or distract from the primary conflict.

5. Do the scenes build on one another? Each scene should deepen the main conflict, propel your protag forward, create a sense of continuity & build up to the climax, where we see the protag succeed or fail. This helps you avoid plot holes & keeps readers turning the pages.

Is your plot effective? Ask yourself:
1. Is the conflict clear?
2. Are the stakes high enough?
3. Does the protag face obstacles?
4. Is the plot focused?
5. Do the scenes build?

If not, your plot may have weak spots worth addressing. #writingcommunity