 Action/Adventure: December 10, 2008 Issue [#2759] |
  Action/Adventure
This week: Edited by: NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth  
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"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." Walt Disney
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How Did I Get Here?
Plot, a.k.a. storyline, is the plan you have for your work. The scheme, or main story(as opposed to subplots). Everyday, you plot. Plot your route to work --maneuvering through heavy traffic. You plot your workday, schedule meetings, how you might walk by the new QT in the office. How will you get from Point A(your desk) to Point B(the water cooler) at the precise time said QT should be there?
All of this is done in a logical manner, one that you understand.
As action/adventure writers, we are lucky in a sense. We can throw logic out the window; watch it land in a pit of snakes, to be swooped up by a sidekick hanging onto a rope ladder connected to the company helicopter flown by a rookie pilot. However, we still want our readers to follow our actions.
But what makes a good plot? In simple terms, the plot is a sequence of events arranged by the author.
While plot possibilities are endless; your main character has to eat, sleep, and leap over tall buildings in a single bound. He (or she) has to execute his actions in a way readers accept. And, in doing so, he must adhere to a few “things”. These “things”, also known as elements help to ensure reader buy-in.
In order for readers to accept the plot they need the following things:
First, readers like background information, or the “set-up”. They need to know enough background to understand the story. Why is Dorothy wearing the ruby slippers? Where is she going and why does she have a lion, scarecrow and tin man following her.
Second, they need to know the main character’s goal, want, need, etc.
Third, they want to see an obstacle, you know, a hurdle, a wrinkle. Some type of barrier. It’s much more fun to read how Mario had to fight off fire-breathing dragons, a swarm of bees, and buzzards who drop bombs on him during his quest to save the princess and the planet as we know it. After all, who wants to read the following? Mario wakes up one day, gets a call from his friend. Learns the princess is in trouble, sets out to save her and does so.
Fourth, readers need a climax. The point in the story where it seems the protagonist is sure to fail, is in the greatest danger, will surely crumble to dust…
Then, finally, readers want a resolution. Preferably one where the main character wins the girl, saves the world, gets to eat chocolate the rest of his life without worry of weight gain. Oh wait, that’s MY goal.
Getting your readers to accept your storyline is easy, just make sure your elements are present and you’ll create stories with exciting plots that keep your readers turning the pages for more.
Until next time,
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