The art of plotting

[John Dean]

I am ten thousand words into the latest DCI Jack Harris novel for The Book Folks, which means that plotting is very much at the forefront of my thinking.

To make a plot work, you need a strong story and in crime fiction that comes from watching characters overcome challenges – a murder, a mystery etc.

My initial plots tend to be very sketchy, very much the bare bones with the remainder added during the writing process. Sometimes, the finished novel bears little or no resemblance to the initial plot I had jotted down but I find that thinking it through is a crucial part of the writing process.

A good idea is to write a synopsis at the beginning of the writing process – jot down what happens in each chapter. It is worth having sub-plots – yes, a character is solving a murder but there also may be a series of baffling seemingly unconnected burglaries, or perhaps something is happening in  their private life. These keep things fresh for the reader. Also, some can be red herrings to throw the reader off the scent.

It can help to follow this structure:

Exposition: The beginning of the story, the exposition prepares the way for upcoming events.

Rising Action - The rising action occurs when the main problem or conflict is addressed with action. The rising action always leads up to the climax. During the rising action, the protagonist often encounters some sort of crisis that creates tension.

Climax or Turning Point - The climax is the pivotal point in the story when the protagonist deals with the playing out of events. The climax often centres on the protagonist's most difficult challenge or bleakest moment. The climax is the most exciting part of the story and initiates a turning point in the characters' lives.

Falling Action - The falling action occurs immediately after the climax and details the consequences -- good or bad -- that the characters must deal with after the turning point of events. It leads up to the resolution and sets the stage for the final chapter of the story.

Resolution: End of the Story - The resolution tells us what happens to the characters after the main events happen. Loose ends are tied up, unless the author plans to write a sequel and purposely leaves room for further plot developments. The resolution leaves readers with a sense of closure, so they understand the fate of the protagonists and antagonists.