The Writing Life How To Balance Story And Plot
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Jul 18, 2022 Author and teacher Ashley Hickson-Lovence discusses the nuances of balancing story and plot in writing, emphasizing key plot devices and strategies for keeping readers engaged. The podcast also delves into the interplay of story and plot, the importance of theme in novels, and crafting unique narratives while breaking literary conventions.
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Rejection That Forced Him To Add More Action
- Hickson‑Lovence describes a pitching rejection that said 'not enough was happening' and kept him mindful to create action.
- That feedback prompted him to prioritize dilemmas and inciting incidents rather than quiet stretches.
Cut Scenes That Don't Change Anything
- Remove scenes that do not change a character's perception or create consequences; every scene must shift something.
- Hickson‑Lovence warns a mundane dinner or kitchen scene needs a perceptual change to justify inclusion.
Introduce Characters And Settings To Force Reactions
- Introduce subplots, minor characters, new settings or early antagonist encounters to force your protagonist to react.
- Hickson‑Lovence used a recurring real person from research to become his novel's antagonist and heighten conflict.