Monday-Monday My reaction to the word ‘plot’

I interrupt this post for a special announcement! Did you notice the new slot where you can sign up for my newsletter? I promise not to spam with a barrage of information. In fact, I’m planning on once a quarter. I thought it would be a fun way to stay in touch. You’ll get information and sneak peeks before anyone else! Who knows, there might be a contest from time to time. 

Since I love research, let’s start with the dictionary definition of the verb – to plot:

1. Secretly make plans to carry out (an illegal or harmful action)

2. To form a plot for; prearrange secretly or deviously

3. To conceive and arrange the action and incidents

My definition:

Actually, all four of those work for the genre I write. But to me, this is a four letter word never to be spoken in the presence of children. It’s as alien to my thought process as a little green man showing up on my doorstep selling Girl Scout cookies. In fact, if cornered by it, I’d probably run shrieking from the room.

I’m just not convinced I need to break the habit of letting the story unfold and then going back to ensure I’ve tied of any loose ends. I love the surprise that comes when the story takes me down an uncharted (plotted) road or an unplanned character shows up almost stealing the story. It’s part of the fun and excitement of telling the character’s stories.

While writing The Green-Eyed Doll, the dog and my hero’s best friend surprised me by having such compelling personalities. As an aside, I’ve had a few requests to write Ash Hunter’s book, and as demanding as he is, he’ll probably get his way someday.

But, and you knew there was one, through some innovative classes taught by creative instructors, I’ve learned the value of at least laying out the pinch points and the black moments ahead of time. I actually made it half way through writing a synopsis before I started the story. I haven’t plotted out the solutions to those conflicts.

I want my characters to deal with the conflicts I place in front of them in a way that fits their personality. Is this the correct way to write? In my humble opinion, there is no ‘correct’ way. It’s what works for that author at that particular place and time.

 But I’m getting better. Coming out of hiding from time to time.

I may even develop a twelve step program. How about it? Got any ideas on what some of those steps should be?