Have You Tested Your Plot?
As a writer, you spend months (if not years) crafting your story, forming your characters, and plunging them into a world of your own creation. You dream up conflicts and plot twists, hoping to keep your reader turning pages until the very end. But have you tested your plot? Before committing to a final draft, it's important to determine whether your story arc holds up to scrutiny. Here are some reasons why testing your plot is crucial, and some tips on how to do so effectively.
Why Test Your Plot?
1. It Helps Identify Plot Holes
A plot hole is any inconsistency or gap in logic that renders the story confusing or unbelievable. When you're writing a first draft, plot holes are often inevitable; after all, you may not have thought through every detail at that point. However, if you fail to identify and repair them early on, these plot holes can erode the credibility of your entire story. By testing your plot, you'll catch any inconsistencies or gaps in logic before they become major problems.
2. It Helps Ensure Character Consistency
One of the key elements of a strong story is the consistency of characters. We expect characters to react in a certain way based on what we know about them, and when they act out of character, it can be jarring and disruptive to the narrative. Testing your plot allows you to make sure that your characters' motivations and actions are consistent throughout the story.
3. It Helps Determine Pacing
A well-crafted plot moves at the right pace, neither rushing through important moments nor dwelling too long on unimportant ones. However, pacing is difficult to judge when you're the one crafting the story. Testing your plot by sharing it with other writers or beta readers can help you get an objective view of whether the pacing is working or if some sections of the narrative need to be trimmed or expanded.
4. It Helps You Find Your Story's Heart
Some stories begin with a premise or a set of characters, but it's not always clear what the central message or theme of the story is. Testing your plot helps you identify the questions your story is exploring and the key themes that emerge from the narrative. This, in turn, helps you better understand how to refine your story to make it more resonant with readers.
How to Test Your Plot
1. Share Your Work with a Trusted Critique Partner
Perhaps the most effective way to test your plot is to share your work with someone you trust to give you honest feedback. This could be a critique partner or beta reader who is familiar with your genre and writing style. They can help identify plot holes, pacing issues, inconsistencies in character, and other problems that you may have missed.
When seeking feedback, be open to criticism and try not to take it personally. Remember, you're testing your plot, not your abilities as a writer. It's better to identify problems now, when you still have a chance to fix them, rather than putting your work out into the world and receiving negative reviews.
2. Create a Plot Map or Synopsis
Another way to test your plot is to create a visual representation of your story arc. This could be a plot map that shows the rising and falling action, the major conflicts, and the resolution, or a detailed synopsis of the story from beginning to end.
By stepping back and assessing your story in this way, you'll be able to identify any plot holes or inconsistencies with a more objective eye. This exercise may also help you refine your narrative by allowing you to see what's working and what's not.
3. Consider Your Characters' Motivations
When testing your plot, it's important to pay close attention to your characters' motivations. Ask yourself why each character is doing what they're doing, and whether those motivations are consistent throughout the story. If a character acts out of character at any point, it may be a sign that your plot needs some revision.
4. Look for Patterns and Themes
As you test your plot, pay attention to any patterns or themes that emerge. What are some recurring motifs or symbols in the story? What questions are you exploring in your narrative? By identifying these key elements, you can make sure that your plot is cohesive and that your story has a clear message.
5. Seek Professional Editing Services
If you're struggling to test your plot, or if you feel like there may be problems you're missing, it may be worth seeking professional editing services. A developmental editor can help you refine your plot, point out any character inconsistencies or pacing issues, and identify areas where your story needs more work. While this may be a more expensive option, it can be a worthwhile investment in your writing career.
Conclusion
Testing your plot is an essential part of the writing process. By identifying plot holes, addressing character inconsistencies, refining pacing, and identifying key themes and motifs, you can create a strong, cohesive narrative that resonates with readers. Whether you share your work with trusted critique partners, create a plot map or synopsis, or seek professional editing services, the key is to approach the process with an open mind and a willingness to revise and refine your story until it shines.