help with plot... - Writers Forum

prabjit · 01-06-2006, 12:18 AM

hey,

I just thought of a cool idea of having all these creatures in my novel and i have a basic concept of a plot. its about this sword that can bring back the dead and can destroy just about anything so my hero with his friends go and try to get the sword but theirs this evil band of antagonists also trying to get the sword... so now where can all my creatures come in and if you can give me a better plot than it'll be better... also if you can give me some ideas about what can happen like scenes. lol thanks for the help!

Oracle · 01-06-2006, 01:28 AM

A good way to improve your plot is to play the question game.
So, here's a list of questions you can answer to improve your plot:

1.Where did the sword come from?

2.Why does it exist?

3.Why can it do what it does?

4.Why do the protaganists/antagonists want it? (And think of Character-specific motives. Don't just say: To rule the world! or something like that).

5. If your antagonists are motivated by power, why do they want this power?

Just ask yourself every possible question you can think of. It'll help you flesh things out a little.

As for your creatures, work them into the adventure somehow. Maybe have your heroes encounter them, or maybe have them play an important role in obtaining the sword.

Dresdor · 01-06-2006, 01:46 AM

First, the questions. In theory, I should be able to ask any why question of the writer, and s/he should know the answer to it.

1. Why has nobody taken the sword before
2. Why do these "Heros" want it?
3. Why do the villians want it? (specifics, not just "to rule the world")
4. How did the heros meet, and why are they questing together?
5. How did the villians meet and why are they working together?
6. Is there any connection between the two groups?
7. Why was the sword made, who created it, why was it put where it is now?
8. Was it ever used before? When? How?

Obviously, these are limited questions, but they are things you need to know when writing this to avoid a lot of plot holes and create a story that rings true.

Now, for ideas on scenes. Obviously, you will have some climactic encounter between the two groups...probably near the end. There will also probably be traps in or around the sword, so both groups will need to work their way around those. The evil group will probably try to hinder the good one in every way possible, stuff like burning down the inn where they're sleeping and leaving traps behind, stealing their horses etc.

prabjit · 01-06-2006, 02:26 AM

lol awsome! i know have a believable plot but now i just need scenes... the story will go on when they actually get the sword and then i need a plot for when my heroes actually get the sword (because more than a quater of the book is the heroes trying to get the sword) so i have a half and a quater left lol. more scene suggestions would help
thanks though for the help!!

Dresdor · 01-06-2006, 02:30 AM

Answer question 2 and I can help you a little more.

prabjit · 01-06-2006, 08:20 AM

the heroes in my novel want it because with it they can defeat this kingdom and his army (the antagonists). i'm thinking of a better reason but none are comming that are better than that lol thanks!!

Dresdor · 01-06-2006, 09:03 AM

So why do they want to defeat this kingdom?

prabjit · 01-06-2006, 09:26 AM

because this kingdom wants control of all their land and because the king killed the main heroe's family because they fought back his rule. lol sorry for the bad spelling lol thanks!

Flayed and Eaten · 01-06-2006, 09:49 AM

Fleshing out a fantasy world can be both extremely fun & extremely trying. Most people have offered advice on your plot, so I'll try to help you with your creature questions.

Basically, I suggest you come up with a profile for each and every creature your story is going to contain.

For instance, say you have a creature called the Ja'Arhad. How is it pronounced? What is its diet? What are its mating/reproductive habits? Is it solitary? How about predatory? Does it fear man?

Write yourself a nice little profile sheet. It doesn't have to be extremely neat and detailed, just enough so you know your creature.

Example: The Ja'arhad usually grazes at the base of mountains in small groups of 5-8, consisting of one bull and several cows/calfs. It dines mainly on fruits, but has been known to become insectivorous when the supply of berries is sparse. It generally mates twice a year during which time it is in a frenzy and can become violent to other species. Other than that it is a shy, docile creature that will usually scurry away when approached.

If you know your guidelines and stick to them during your story, your readers will generally pick up on what your creatures are like.

Now, say your heroes are in the plains, fast approaching a mountainous region. You want suspicion to be aroused, because the villains are setting a trap in the mountains for our group. Stick the herd of Ja'Arhad out in the plains. Then, through small conversation, your heroes know something is wrong, because the Ja'Arhad are out of their environment. So either A.) They are foraging because food has become scarce, or B.) something has spooked them. Perhaps one of your characters observes the weather has been optimal for vegetation this year, which makes the Ja'Arhad being out in the plains very suspicious.

Have fun with the project! I look forward to reading it one day soon!

-Flayed

prabjit · 01-06-2006, 09:55 AM

thats a awsome idea! lol i'm starting it right now lol thanks! anymore ideas and advice on plot and scenes?

prabjit · 01-06-2006, 12:40 PM

k i got the basic character and creature outline done lol now i need some scene idea's and some idea's on where my creature's come in.

suzakugaiden · 01-06-2006, 03:32 PM

Two tips:

A) Write your posts... better. You'll be more likely to be taken seriously if you don't write like a 12-year-old girl who's only used to AIM.
B) Come up with your own ideas. It's your story. You're writing it. Not us. Asking for opinions is one things, but being all, "LOOLZ NEED IDEAS PLZ" isn't anything we can be expected to do, and it's not going to help you any.