Episode 59: Rhonda M. Lawson - Building Believable & Compelling Plots
Oct 25, 2023
auto_awesome
Rhonda M. Lawson, literary strategist and 23-time author, shares tips on crafting compelling plots through foreshadowing and character development. Topics include character-driven plots, believable storytelling, character complexity, beta readers' role, and an AI editing service.
Dropping subtle hints throughout the story enhances believability and engages readers emotionally.
Engaging beta readers for feedback can help identify plot holes and develop complex characters.
Deep dives
Developing Believable Plots
When creating a believable plot, dropping breadcrumbs throughout the story is crucial. These breadcrumbs should subtly hint at upcoming plot twists without giving them away entirely. Developing a complex character with relatable motivations and emotions enhances the believability of the plot. By engaging readers' emotions and making them care about the characters and their outcomes, a plot becomes more believable and compelling.
Character-based Writing
Character-driven storytelling allows for the creation of relatable yet flawed characters. By crafting characters that readers care about, even when they make questionable decisions, the story becomes engaging. Providing reasons for character behaviors, even if they may seem irrational, adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
Utilizing Beta Readers
Engaging beta readers after completing a second draft can offer valuable feedback on the plot's coherence and character development. Beta readers play a crucial role in identifying plot holes and inconsistencies, helping refine the story. Seeking beta readers within the writing community or using paid services can provide varied perspectives on the work's strengths and weaknesses.
Crafting Compelling Plots
Crafting compelling plots involves evoking reader emotions, ensuring characters' actions and motivations resonate with the audience. Featuring characters with relatable yet intricate personalities maintains reader engagement. Revealing plot twists effectively by dropping subtle hints throughout the narrative keeps readers invested and curious about the story's unfolding.
Literary strategist, book coach and 23-time published author Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson joins us with actionable tips on building compelling plotlines through planning, foreshadowing and character development.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
Did you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes? Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode