The Problem Of Coincidence
I’ve submitted my new manuscript, and am busy brainstorming new story ideas. Some have potential, and some don’t. One didn’t fly because it depended on a coincidence. Truth is indeed stranger than fiction, and coincidences seem to happen all the time in real life. Some people don’t believe anything occurs by chance. They put coincidence down to some sort of cosmic plan – synchronicity. Paths always cross for reasons that are more important than you think. I quite like this theory, it resonates with me.
However there’s one thing I’m absolutely convinced about – coincidences don’t work in fiction. They’re the quickest way to ruin the suspension of disbelief that all authors rely on in their readers. They’re a bit (dare I say it) like Doctor Who‘s magical sonic screwdriver – all a bit too convenient. For your information, if you’re not a mad Doctor Who fan, some functions of the sonic screwdriver are as follows:
To pick locksBurn and cut all kinds of substances
Amplify sound-waves and the power of an X-ray machine beyond its normal capacity
Disarm weapons and electronic
Intercept and conduct teleportation
Act as a microphone
Conduct medical scans
Remotely control the Tardis and other devices
Track alien life forms
Control the properties of atoms
Operate computers
Provide Geo-location
Get cash from an ATM
Light candles
Act as a mobile phone
Disclose and deactivate camouflage
Destroy Weeping Angels
Disarm robots
Scan and classify matter
Create an “acoustic corridor” for speaking with someone far away
Act as a defensive weapon
And last but not least, to tighten and loosen screws
You see, I think that’s cheating. Along with allies or enemies appearing at just the right moment, un-foreshadowed random secrets and questionably handy skiIls possessed by the hero. Coincidences fall into the category of lazy writing – a sure sign of poor plotting. Readers roll their eyes. It’s alright to use them to get characters into trouble, but not out. Of course, it’s not a coincidence if it’s adequately foreshadowed. If a convenient character needs to appear, mention him earlier. If your hero can speak Latin, show him learning it, and for a plausible reason. This will keep the magic of pretence alive.
Congratulations to Carol Warner for winning the prize in last week’s draw. A copy of Turtle Reef and Billabong Bend will be heading your way soon! I’ll email you for your postal address.
