Comments on: Seven Deadly Novel Writing Sins: Plot Problems https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/ Helping writers become bestselling authors Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:00:36 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 By: 3 Big Problems with Describing Emotions, LINKS & an Update | WRITERS HELPING WRITERSWRITERS HELPING WRITERS https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-119227 Fri, 11 Jul 2014 17:21:29 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-119227 […] Sin # 4 Plot Snafus […]

]]> By: Stepping Out & 7 DEADLY WRITING SINS | WRITERS HELPING WRITERSWRITERS HELPING WRITERS https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-17744 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 04:21:05 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-17744 […] SIN #4: Plot SnafusSIN #5: Flat Wordsmithing […]

]]> By: The Seven Deadly Sins of Novel Writing | WRITERS HELPING WRITERS https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-16365 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 19:44:49 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-16365 […] Sin # 4 Plot Snafus […]

]]> By: Rae https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-8846 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:54:10 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-8846 I’m linking my boyfriend to this. He’s convinced that the coincidence that made the plot of Cowboys & Aliens possible doesn’t ruin the movie. I’m convinced it does.

]]> By: C. L. Mac Neil https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-7330 Wed, 04 May 2011 02:02:08 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-7330 I think I re-read this three times already– plot gaps are something I struggle with and your comments on avoiding them were quite useful! Thanks!

]]> By: Marian https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3113 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:25:33 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3113 Great post. 🙂

You might also get away with a coincidence if the that makes things worse for the protagonist. It’s a sign of weak plotting when the writer uses it to get out of a tight spot, but if it means the hero will have to think that much faster…

]]> By: Tara McClendon https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3112 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:31:52 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3112 Great things to consider. My husband is great at catching plot holes. He likes to call them “times when I forget my own rules.”

]]> By: Angela https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3111 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:23:56 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3111 Ralfast, I’m the same way–loooots of notes!

Carmella, thanks for the visit!

Emily, so glad the series is helping you!

Karen, thanks for the bookmark!

Tricia, I agree, they do solve a plot tangle, but sometimes the price is the reader’s believability.

Susan, I’m a bit of a pantser too!

Kathy, I agree–sprints to the finish are so disappointing!

Ronni and Deb–thanks!

Erica, character’s motivations are very relevant!

Aaron, Yuna and Christina, thanks!

Mary, This is one thing I have to watch out for as well. I’m in the ‘have too many ideas on how to weave subplots in’ camp, and sometimes I go overboard.

Bish, thannks for your comment! I’m glad this helps.

PJ, I like your analogy. And yes I agree that the character is ultimately in charge of risk and reward. 🙂

Erin, Conda and Kara, thank you so much!

Shannon, I’m blushing! Glad you’re finding the series helpful. 🙂

]]> By: Shannon O'Donnell https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3110 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:04:21 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3110 I think I need to work on plot pacing. This is another fabulous post, Angela. I’ve begun printing them all and keeping a “Bookshelf Muse” writing folder! 🙂

]]> By: Kara https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3109 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:35:48 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3109 Lots of great and important information. Thank you for sharing!

]]> By: Conda V. Douglas https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3108 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:49:15 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3108 Great reminder about subplots taking over–if they’re that strong, then they need a novel of their own.

]]> By: Erin Cole https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3107 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:28:11 +0000 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/the-seven-deadly-sins-for-novel-writing-part-iv/#comment-3107 Excellent information. Thanks!

]]>