How Planning Can Help You Avoid Plot Holes

There is no one correct writing style. Find what works for you. Here are some things that helped me a long my novel-writing journey.

Before I Start Writing:

• I am a plotter or a planner. I do an outline for each chapter before I start writing the book. It’s usually in paragraph (narrative) form instead of the way your fourth-grade teacher taught you. When I start writing, I make notes all over it.

• I find that I can write much faster, and the story is much more organized if I map it out. When I tried to “pants” it, it took my years to finish the book.

• I mark the funny scenes, red herrings, key mystery points, and romantic elements in different colors, so I can visually see where they are in the story.

The Outline

• This helps me know what happens in each chapter.

• It also causes me to make sure all open items get resolved before the end of the story.

• By thinking through the contents of each chapter, I don’t usually get stuck on a story point that bogs down the writing.

• I still have a day gig, so I write in small chunks in the morning and at lunch. The outlines helps me start and stop a session without having to play too much catch up.

• By the time I start to write, I know the killer, victim, and the motive. I’ve also thought through the motives and means of the other characters.

• The outline helps me see where my story is plausible or just off base.

I usually follow my outlines, but there are time when the characters get their own ideas, and things go off script. The outline also helps me when I have to write the synopsis or marketing materials for the book.

My Best Plotting Happens While Driving...

I do a lot of presentations and workshops about mysteries and writing, and one of the most frequently asked questions is, "Where do you get your ideas from?"

And my answer is always, "Everywhere." I'll read something or see a TV show that sparks an idea. (I record a lot of history, science, and home renovation show. Mythbusters is a wealth of information for mystery/thriller writers.) I've keep a notebook with me. I am always jotting down snippets of conversations, a cool name, or something unusual. I used to save newspaper clippings and magazine articles. Now, I add interesting pictures and links to my Pinterest boards.

Sometimes, a story or a plot line starts with an interesting location or event. I noodle on it for a while and come up with a plotline for a novel or a short story. When I visit places, I take pictures, so I can describe it later.

I usually outline my writing. I color code areas where humor, romance, and mysteries appear, so I can see if I spread them out enough. I tend to do my best plotting while I'm driving. There is a fairly straight stretch of interstate on my way home from the city. I've plotted many a mystery or murder during that commute. 

Google Maps is a great tool to find locations and to see what they look like. Is there a lake near that housing development? Does that road go through a specific town? Are their fields or mountains nearby? Where is a great place to hide a body? 

The Internet can be a big distraction. I went online to check something and ended up watching cute puppy videos. But it is a FABULOUS reservoir of information. It makes getting in touch with SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) so much easier. Twitter is great for putting out ideas and receiving feedback from others. I've posted questions, and people in the know are always kind enough to respond. 

I know that I'm going to have to explain my Google searches one day. Honestly, I was just checking on that kind of poison for a mystery that I'm writing.

Life is full of experiences that make their way into my writing. Be observant. You'll never know what you'll encounter. 

What I Learned from a Plotting Party...

My Sisters in Crime chapter had a plotting party for our annual (before the) holiday get-together. Everybody brought ideas or stories they were working on, and we brainstormed as a group. We had fun, fellowship, and food (and lots of chocolate). Here's what I learned...

1. Always have chocolate when you're plotting your story! 

2. When you start to plot a book or short story, start with a character and his or her motivations. why would he/she do something?

3. Give all of your characters a quirk or some unique feature that makes them memorable.

4. Tame the number of characters. You don't want to confuse your readers.

5. For mysteries, hide clues in plain site.

6. Name your characters names with different first letters. Make sure that you don't have sound-alikes like Chris, Kristine, and Crissy. 

7. Don't reveal everything to your readers at once.

8. Everything in your plot needs to advance the story. If it doesn't, it needs to be cut.

9. Your characters need to be at a crossroad in the story from time to time. They'll have to make decisions.

10. If you get stuck, relax and do something else. Your subconscious mind will help you guide your characters. You'll come up with where the story needs to go.

11. Your sleuth needs to be in jeopardy. There needs to be conflict.

I've never been to a plot party before, and I learned a lot about how others' write and organize their work. Writing is usually a solitary sport, so it was fun to get together with other writers.