Plot Articles

Why You Should Never, Ever Outline Your Novel

By Allison GraceAre your characters out of control? Is your draft a dumpster fire? Have you given up hope of ever finishing a coherent story?If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. Face it. Life is busy. No one has time to create a fifty-page...

From Plot Bunny to Bestseller: How to Write Your First Novel in Six Easy Steps

4 Powerful Ways to Raise the Stakes in Your Story

By Jodi ClarkYou’ve probably heard the term “stakes” floating around in the writing community. Whether you’ve only heard them once or you’ve been hearing about them for a while, understanding what they are is crucial to developing an emotionally gripping story.Without...

So You Think That You Can Pants: 3 Steps to Writing a Novel Without an Outline

The Beginner’s Guide to Subplots: How To Write Them + 5 Subplots to Add To Your Novel

The Beginner’s Guide to Subplots: How To Write Them + 5 Subplots to Add To Your Novel

Sep 3, 2021 | Plot

By Chelsea Hindle"What's a subplot?" you may have asked as you clicked on this article. Well, chances are, if you've...

Four Aspects of a Riveting Plot and How to Apply Them

Four Aspects of a Riveting Plot and How to Apply Them

Aug 30, 2021 | Plot

How to Add Conflict to Your Plot: Three Easy Ways to Get Started

How to Add Conflict to Your Plot: Three Easy Ways to Get Started

Aug 27, 2021 | Plot

How to Create a Seriously Satisfying Ending

How to Create a Seriously Satisfying Ending

Dec 22, 2017 | Articles, Plot

"The first page sells this book. The last page sells your next book." This simple yet helpful saying...

How to Craft Bittersweet Endings that Don’t Turn Off Readers

How to Craft Bittersweet Endings that Don’t Turn Off Readers

Dec 15, 2017 | Articles, Plot, Theme

Fairy-tale happily-ever-afters are fun. Contrary to popular belief, they can even be deep, meaningful, and effective....

Five Ways to Create Nail-Biting Internal Conflict

Five Ways to Create Nail-Biting Internal Conflict

Aug 25, 2017 | Articles, Characters, Plot, Theme

By Brandon MillerWhat do character, theme, and tension have in common? They are...

How to Manipulate Your Antagonist’s Goals to Enhance Suspense

How to Manipulate Your Antagonist’s Goals to Enhance Suspense

Aug 21, 2017 | Articles, Plot

By Gabrielle PollackYour character wants something. But someone else in his...

How to Achieve Multiple Levels of Conflict in One Scene

How to Achieve Multiple Levels of Conflict in One Scene

Aug 7, 2017 | Articles, Plot

By Kate FlournoyConflict is often viewed as two forces that clash and cause tension, but it's much more complicated...

Are You Helping Your Protagonist Cheat Her Way to Victory?

Are You Helping Your Protagonist Cheat Her Way to Victory?

Apr 24, 2017 | Articles, Characters, Plot

By Rachel KellerYou’ve written a novel that you love (ironically) beyond words...

Seven Reasons Writing Fanfiction Can Make You a Better Writer

Seven Reasons Writing Fanfiction Can Make You a Better Writer

Apr 7, 2017 | Articles, Characters, Plot

By Sierra RetDisciplines in the writing field that were once considered...

Five Overused Clichés in Christian Fiction (and How to Avoid Them)

Five Overused Clichés in Christian Fiction (and How to Avoid Them)

Mar 31, 2017 | Articles, Plot, Theme

By Josiah DeGraafI have a love-hate relationship with Christian fiction.On the one hand, the genre has immense...

Three Things to Do When You Realize Your Plot Is Cliché

Three Things to Do When You Realize Your Plot Is Cliché

Mar 27, 2017 | Articles, Plot

By Jamie DougallA brilliant new plot enters your mind. It charms you with...

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