Test Your Plot – Finding A Fresh Angle Is Easier Than You Think

In this post, we talk about finding a way to test your plot. We include techniques for developing a fresh, unique plot.

In her book on plotting, Plot Perfect, Paula Munier shares some great techniques for developing a fresh, unique plot – one that will stand out in the slush pile, and grab an editor or agent’s attention.

One of them is called ‘The only difference is…’ We tried this approach during a recent writing session at Writers Write and the results were amazing.

Test Your Plot – Finding A Fresh Angle Is Easier Than You Think

This is how you can try it:  

1. List one or two of your favourite genres. Example: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, etc.
2. Jot down characters or character types you’d find in this genre. These can even be real or famous people. Example: Jacob Zuma, Helen Zille, etc.
3. Throw in some inciting incidents, triggers or life events. Example: Moving house, girl meets boy, a supernatural creature appears, etc.
4. Brainstorm some ideas for plots tied to this genre. One or two lines is cool for now. Example: Two idealistic teenagers fall in love at an inter-school event. A politician finds the perfect home. A ghost from the past manifests in the present.
5. Now play around with the idea of a major or intriguing complication to the story using the prompt, ‘The only problem is…’

How does it look on the page?

You may come up with a few scenarios:

A rising black politician finds the perfect home for his family in Johannesburg – pressed ceilings, chandeliers, hardwood floors. The only problem is that it’s haunted by the mansion’s former mistress – a snooty imperialist ghost. No matter what they do – from burning sage to hiring a sangoma – they can’t get rid of her.

Or:

Two idealistic headstrong teenagers falls in love at an inter-school event. The only problem is that their parents are leader of opposing political parties. A forbidden love affair when you’re sixteen is exciting – but when they’re kidnapped by radical political activists, the stakes are raised.

Play around with the ideas, sift through them, until you find one that excites you and explore it as a full-length novel or screenplay.

by Anthony Ehlers

If you enjoyed this post, read:

1. The Power Of A Blank Page: 5 Ways To Create A Space for A Story To Grow
2. Angry Characters And What To Do With Them
3. The Crowded Dream: Letting Go of Guilt

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