Are you worried about plot holes in your story? Don’t stress anymore! This blog will guide you through everything you need to know.
When we spend so much time on our stories, it can be difficult to determine where your story’s plot lacks. Plot holes—those annoying inconsistencies and gaps in the story—can appear even in the best stories. They can break the flow, confuse readers, and make your world less believable.
So, if you want to be a successful author, it’s important for you to identify and fix these plot holes. This will keep your story solid and provide an enjoyable experience for your audience.
In this post, we are going to explore what plot holes are, how they can appear in your writing, and most importantly, how to fix them. Whether it’s an overlooked detail, a logical inconsistency, or a character action that doesn’t quite fit, knowing how to spot and solve these issues will enhance your storytelling.
Let’s move on to the next section without wasting any time.
What Are The Plot Holes?
Here you see the quick definition:
A plot hole is basically a gap or inconsistency in a story that doesn’t fit with the logical progression set by the plot. These inconsistencies can be things like events that just don’t make sense, or statements that go against what happened earlier in the story. They’re usually unintentional and happen when writers make mistakes or overlook something.
For example, in a mystery novel, there’s a problem when the main character finds an important clue in a locked room, but later, we learn they never actually went inside.
This mistake creates a big gap in the story because the character shouldn’t have been able to find the clue without getting into the room. It confuses readers and makes them doubt if the story makes sense.
So, it’s really important to fix these issues in your story. Whether you get affordable ghostwriters for hire or do it yourself, it’s crucial to learn how to fix them properly.
How To Fix Them? – 5 Practical Tips
Plot holes can be a writer’s worst nightmare, but don’t worry! By using a smart approach and some useful advice, you can successfully find and solve these annoying inconsistencies in your story.
Here are five practical strategies to help you deal with plot holes directly:
- Create a Plot Checklist
Before you start writing, equip yourself with a detailed plot checklist. This list should cover important aspects like character development, plot twists, story structure, and logical flow.
By having a guide to essential plot elements, you can make sure everything you need for your story is included and reduce the chance of missing important details that might create plot holes.
This checklist acts as a valuable reference tool as you write, helping you maintain focus throughout the process.
- Make Timelines
Timelines are crucial for keeping your story perfectly flowing. You can make timelines for each character and subplot, noting down key events in the order they happen.
This visual helps the plot, lets you follow your story’s flow, and makes sure things happen logically. By matching timelines with your plot checklist, you can catch any inconsistencies that might cause plot holes.
- Stay Mindful of Your Characters’ Identities
Characters are the main elements that drive the plot forward. So it’s essential to stay mindful of their identities throughout the writing process.
Each character should have a distinct personality, background, and set of goals that inform their actions in the story. When dealing with plot holes, think about whether the events make sense for each character.
While doing this, it’s better to avoid making characters act in ways that go against their established traits just to move the plot forward, as this can create big inconsistencies.
- Pause Between Drafts
Taking breaks between drafts of your manuscript can be really helpful. When you take a step away from your work, it will give you a chance to see it with fresh eyes.
During this time, your mind can subconsciously consider potential plot holes. With a clear mind, it will be easier for you to identify the manuscript. By taking breaks between drafts, you can approach your revisions with a clear mind and spot and fix plot holes more easily.
- Ask for Feedback from Others to Identify Plot Issues
One of the greatest ways to find plot holes is by asking people for feedback. You can share your manuscript with trusted beta readers, critique partners, or writing groups and ask them to give honest feedback on the plot.
Having fresh perspectives can uncover things you might have missed. Take their feedback seriously and use it to guide your revisions, fixing any plot issues they identify to make your story stronger overall.
Conclusion
Ultimately, plot holes are a natural part of writing. The key is to be hardworking when creating your story. Take your time, and don’t rush. Pay attention to the details because that’s where the magic lies.
