by Linda O. Johnston
We’re all novelists here at Writers in Residence. That means we all tell stories that may have some origin in fact, or not. But what we finish up with is fiction.
Whether I’m writing romantic suspense or mystery these days, the genres I’m into most, there always needs to be a plot. I’m not sure what the best definition of “plot” is, but in my estimation it’s how a story starts and continues and develops, with one thing that happens leading to the next until the grand finale, and then the wrap-up.
Where do my plots come from? My mind! I ponder them a lot as I plan a story and then write it, with things sometimes changing from what I originally intended. I make it somewhat easier on myself by plotting in advance, and I’ve even developed my own plot skeleton, pages with blanks to be filled in with people and how they interact and what they’re up to, whether it’s romance or murder, or a combination!
So, you other writers here. How do you plot? Do you enjoy it? Are you usually happy with the result when you finish a draft or manuscript?
I’m usually happy. But any issues may be the key to my figuring out my next plot.
The Writers in Residence 
Linda, like you, I’m usually happy with my plot. The end result is often different from my original idea, and I enjoy that evolution. I like what oh say here: “But any issues may be the key to my figuring out my next plot.” So true.
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Seems like I’m always thinking and plotting, Maggie, and modifying when it makes sense!
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When I get an idea for a story, I might know what the ending will be, but there are times it changes before I’m finished. I also might know my characters, but I can add or change one as the story progresses on the page because I learn new things as I write. So maybe I let the story take me to the end. It’s more fun that way, for me and the reader.
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I don’t necessarily follow my plot skeleton exactly, Gayle. Things, people, and even plots may change before my stories are complete. I agree that it’s more fun to be flexible!
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My plot – or my storyline – can come from anywhere. Sometimes I get an idea for the ending first – and then work backwards. And I am always thinking about it, making mental adjustments. That is one of the fun things about writing fiction…
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That is fun, Rosemary. Any way of writing may work for us, and it’s fun to experiment.
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For me, plotting depends on my project. Writing a multi-book saga requires a linear connection between plot lines. With historical novels, such as my series, I must take the time period into consideration. With general fiction I’m open to anything I can make plausible. As a general rule, I use a guide, which you’ll find in this archival post:
https://thewritersinresidence.com/2016/01/20/from-screen-to-page-part-3-by-miko-johnston/
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Wow, a helpful guide and reminder, Miko. Looks as if you and plotting are good colleagues!
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