The basic definition of a plot is a casual sequence of events that make up a story. This does not mean the events need to be in order. In fact, many stories prove successful back-tracking as I have done in my book(s). The most important part of the plot is what drives the story, and how the events connect throughout the chapters, eventually coming to a conclusion which leaves readers satisfied. I've been asked by readers how I come up with stories and make them into a book. The answer is, I make sure my events throughout the story connect with the main plot of the book so that readers understand the resolution at its end. For me this is the most important part of writing, making sure characters and scenes throughout the story connect, sometimes in a large way, sometimes in a small way, but they must connect in order for readers to make sense of the story. This can be easily achieved if the book is 400-plus pages long, however, many readers prefer books 300 pages or less. This is where connecting scenes in a story can be challenging. 300 pages is not long and the writer must be concise, convincing, and the story entertaining. Not an easy task when you consider over a million books are published each year, leaving readers a multitude of topics to choose from. But then, if it weren't challenging, where would the fun in writing be?
If you want to write a book, I suggest outlining your book in 25 words or less. Call it a blurb. This will tell the reader what it's about. Then create character names. Write descriptions of them in your notes, and how they will connect with the main character(s). You should know how the beginning of your book will start, and what you want up to the middle, but be prepared for major changes as you write your story. Nothing ever goes as planned, and you will find yourself making changes as the pages flow. I like to have an ending in mind and written in notes, too, but this almost always changes, especially as you develop your characters and plot in words. Depending on the plot, you may not be able to keep your book under 300 pages, but that's okay too. Certain stories need to be longer due to the plot. This was the case with my second book, 'Who's Minding the Store?' My first book, 'The Sandman' was a modest 309 pages, but this was due in large part to it being an action-thriller. Those type of stories are relatively easy to keep short and entertaining. This is due in part to readers' ability to easily piece together the plot as they read chapter to chapter. In my second book I had characters the reader needed to know more about. This meant diving into characteristics commonly shared by you and me, and this resulted in a much longer book. It's also testament when it comes to writing a book, always expect the unexpected. Nothing ever goes as planned, and you'll find yourself adding characters and scenes and coming up with new endings you never dreamed of creating. But this only makes writing all the more fun. But don't forget the importance of keeping your story confined to a certain number of pages. The last thing you want is a book the size of an encyclopedia. Readers will only move on to the book on the next shelf if you're not careful.
Keep on reading!
David Lucero, author
If you want to write a book, I suggest outlining your book in 25 words or less. Call it a blurb. This will tell the reader what it's about. Then create character names. Write descriptions of them in your notes, and how they will connect with the main character(s). You should know how the beginning of your book will start, and what you want up to the middle, but be prepared for major changes as you write your story. Nothing ever goes as planned, and you will find yourself making changes as the pages flow. I like to have an ending in mind and written in notes, too, but this almost always changes, especially as you develop your characters and plot in words. Depending on the plot, you may not be able to keep your book under 300 pages, but that's okay too. Certain stories need to be longer due to the plot. This was the case with my second book, 'Who's Minding the Store?' My first book, 'The Sandman' was a modest 309 pages, but this was due in large part to it being an action-thriller. Those type of stories are relatively easy to keep short and entertaining. This is due in part to readers' ability to easily piece together the plot as they read chapter to chapter. In my second book I had characters the reader needed to know more about. This meant diving into characteristics commonly shared by you and me, and this resulted in a much longer book. It's also testament when it comes to writing a book, always expect the unexpected. Nothing ever goes as planned, and you'll find yourself adding characters and scenes and coming up with new endings you never dreamed of creating. But this only makes writing all the more fun. But don't forget the importance of keeping your story confined to a certain number of pages. The last thing you want is a book the size of an encyclopedia. Readers will only move on to the book on the next shelf if you're not careful.
Keep on reading!
David Lucero, author
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