Generally speaking, you begin a story because you're excited about the idea. If you're doing nano, it's probably a big deal the story you picked to work on next month. You've probably been brainstorming characters and creating a setting and pondering theme and searching for plot, if not for several months before now, at least some this month.

If I had to guess, I'd say you're pumped for it. And who wouldn't be? New story! New idea! Or idea-you've-had-for-ages-and-are-finally-getting-to-write idea! Excitement! Fun! YAY!

But eventually, you have to move past that state of ecstasy and infatuation. You have to face this unpleasant thing called reality. And the reality is that finding a spectacular plot for your concept is not easy. It's tough. 

Finding the right story idea can often feel like searching for water in a desert. You're slugging through the endless waves of sand, your entire body is sweating and you're gross and sticky and hot. You feel a rush of excitement as you see something sparkle in the distance, but as you run towards it, it stays just out of reach. And you realize it was just an illusion the whole time. A mirage.

And that's a risk we run in every story. Following the mirage first, before finding the real oasis.

What do we do then?

We edit. That's what editing is for.

But for now, let's look at some ways to find that plot in the first place.

There's a reason I kicked off this mini series with a post on characters. They're really important because, when created and fully developed, they will drive your story. You'll be sitting there, agonizing over your plot when suddenly BANG. Your characters break down the door and charge, carrying your story with it. You snatch up your notebook and race after them, yelling after to hold on! wait! come back! you weren't done with that idea yet!


This seems like an obvious one (and it kind of is) but I'm serious. Think outside the box. Think about other books in your genre or books with similar components to yours, and try to create a plot that's polar opposite to them, or has hints of them to spice it up, or just to avoid their influence all together.

Sometimes, not going with your first idea is a good idea. I heard a piece of advice once that went something like, "Discard the first idea you get. And the second. And the third. Then, only when you surprise yourself, you can write that."

And that's a good thing to think about, especially if you're crafting plot twists.


To condense the long list of advice I have for you on this topic into three tips is quite a feat. But I think this encompasses everything.

You're not going to feel perfectly and fully confident in every scene you put into your story. You're going to have a little doubt, a little insecurity, a little unease.

That's normal.

And you've got to push through it. Just do it. Write the book. Pick and plot thread and write it if one won't come to you. Grab it with both hands and wrap a leash around it and make it work for you. Often, that's what it takes to get our stories up and running.

You've got to be a little bold. And it's scary and uncertain, but I know you can do it. <3

Do you struggle with creating a plot? What tips do you have for finding a great story for your idea?