Welcome, fellow writers! If you’re reading this, you’re probably an aspiring author, and we all know that creating a solid plot is crucial when it comes to writing a great story. However, even the most experienced writers can make mistakes and find themselves stuck in a plot hole. That’s why today, we’re discussing common plotting mistakes to avoid.

1. Not Starting with a Clear Plot Point 📍🤔

Choosing your starting point is key in creating a compelling storyline. Starting in the middle of nowhere might seem like a good idea, but it can leave the readers confused and unsure about what the story is trying to tell them.

Consider your plot and give it a direction. Think of it as a GPS; you need to have a starting point and an ending point. You can always take detours, but without a clear direction, you’re likely to derail your story.

A GPS showing a starting point and a destination.

2. Overcomplicating the Plot 🤯📈📉

As writers, we want to create a complex and challenging plot that will keep readers on their toes. However, too much complexity can hurt the story. It’s important to balance complexity with simplicity in your plot.

If your plot is too convoluted, readers might get lost in the story and stop being invested. To avoid this, try to focus on the main plot point and let the characters dictate the twists and turns in the story.

A flowchart of a simple plot with one main plot point.

3. Neglecting Character Development 🎭👤👥

Characters are at the heart of any good story. Readers need to feel invested in them in order to care about their journey. Neglecting character development can lead to a story feeling flat and lifeless.

To develop your characters, think about their backgrounds, motivations, and flaws. Allow them to grow and change throughout the course of the story. When the readers are truly invested in your characters, they’ll care about what happens to them.

A picture of a character profile sheet with questions to ask about the character.

4. Forgetting About the Stakes 🔪💣💸

Stakes are what make a story interesting. Without them, there’s no tension, and the story will feel pointless. Stakes can come in many forms, including physical, emotional, and financial.

To create believable stakes, think about what the consequences of failure would be for your characters. If there are no consequences, the story won’t feel like it matters. Make sure to raise the stakes as the story progresses to keep the readers engaged.

A picture of a scale, with one side labeled "stakes" and the other "consequences".

5. Having a Predictable Plot 🤫🔮👀

We all love a good plot twist, and stories that keep us guessing are usually the ones we remember. However, if your plot is too predictable, readers will lose interest quickly.

To avoid predictability, try to think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to take risks and surprise your readers. Twist endings can be great, but don’t forget that sometimes it’s the journey that matters most.

A picture of a book with a big question mark on the cover.

Conclusion

Don’t let these common plotting mistakes derail your story. With some careful planning and consideration, you can create a compelling plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Remember, your story is unique, and it deserves to be told in the best way possible. So grab your pen and paper, and start writing the story of a lifetime!

A picture of a quill pen on top of a paper with the words "The End" written on it.