Tuesday, June 27, 2006

It's the plot, stupid!

Saturday, after the launch, we went to a pub. A couple of friends I haven't seen in a while were there too. A husband and wife, collaborating to write their Fantasy saga.

So of course I immediately took advantage of the fun situation and started whining. "Something was off with my writing lately," I complained.

After some questions and probing on the wife's behalf (the husband preferred the more fun activity of drinking and less-deep discussion), we got to the bottom of it. No follow through with the plot.

What does it mean? I'm not even sure myself, but let's see if I can explain. I hold back on ideas never bringing them fully to the surface. They remain in the background and as such have minor influence on the plot. (A brand-new problem, just as I thought I've been through them all).

Why? I guess it's probably because I feel these plots were done before.

Then, my friend reminded me of something I totally forgot. According to some, there are only so many plots in the world. Pick a number, and you'll get a corresponding number of plots.

Here are, for example, the 20 basic plots as taken from The Internet Public Library:
  • Quest
  • Adventure
  • Pursuit
  • Rescue
  • Escape
  • Revenge
  • The Riddle
  • Rivalry
  • Underdog
  • Temptation
  • Metamorphosis
  • Transformation
  • Maturation
  • Love
  • Forbidden Love
  • Sacrifice
  • Discovery
  • Wretched Excess
  • Ascension
  • Descension
So yes, indeed, when it comes right down to it, I've used a number of the above plots, specifically sacrifice, love, metamorphosis (what's the difference between metamorphosis and transformation?), temptation and rivalry. But I have a problem calling them plots. I'd call them concepts, themes, premises, not necessarily plots.

I also realized something else about my "plot problems" yesterday, but that will have to wait for tomorrow.

So what do you, fellow writers, think about basic plots?
Anyone have the same non-originality fears repressing his/her writing?
Advice?
Read the rest

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13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I get a little scared when I hear/read about what's been done before. But, I try to remain confident that my story and voice will be original as will my version.
I agree with you that those 'words' are more themes than actual plots - especially when plot is defined as the arrangement of action and events.

Flood said...

I am always worried about nothing-new-under-the-sun. As BNL sings, "it's all been done."

Still, I try to tweak what seems to be something familiar with a twist of some kind. Sometimes, though, the whole thing depresses me and I feel like packing it in.

I still quest for the plot that's never been written. Has to be out there somewhere.

Anonymous said...

You can get a group of writers in a room, tell them to write about any of those plots and you would probably get a different story from each. I think that it's what you do with the plot that makes it original.

Georganna Hancock M.S. said...

Right. As you saw at the IPL, only one to 36 basic plots exist. I saw a 37th one proposed, but I've lost the reference to the URL, darn! Anyway, the delight is in the details. The plot is only the skeleton, the framework; you can dress it up as much as your imagination can create. Put it in space, and you have a sci-fi story. Emphasize a love relationship and you get a romance. The possibilities are endless!

Melly said...

Nienke, original voice as opposed to original plot, that's a good thing to remember. Thanks :)

Flood, good luck with your endeavours and let us know if you find that plot. I, for one, will be most interested in reading it :).

Really good point, Fred. The originality comes from the handling of it.

Ken, that's a good point too. To allow the character to drive the plot.

Eric, I hear you loud and clear. Perhaps I should learn a thing or two from your attitude towards it.

Georganna, I vote for a space love story :)
No, you're absolutely right!

Flood said...

Just wanted to say that redchurch's admonishings really spoke to me. I *am* constantly worried about formulas.

Melly said...

Eric, you're not alone. Not at all.

And Flood, Eric (redchurch) and I have had many discussions re formula (as he alluded to). These discussions usally tend to become heated debates with me shouting 'No to formulas' and Eric doing what he does best, which is basically holding a mirror to my face and call me on it! :)

Anonymous said...

My stories tend to be character-driven instead of plot-driven. Going by the list you gave, I'd have to say that my stories fall under Escape and Revenge. Sometimes they entertwine.

As for fear of unoriginality (or worse, stagnation), I get that a lot. I proceed and finish the story anyway.

Melly said...

Oh, Jayne, I hear you. I had that from people too where they rendered me completely paralyzed as far as my writing goes.

Eric (1), we would love to hear your insights.
Eric (2), I don't have much to add or say here that I haven't before. I guess it's the point we approach this that might be different.

Deborah, me too. I finish my stories but with the last two I was unhappy with the plot result. Hence the whining.
I'm not sure if I'm character or plot driven.

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure if I'm character or plot driven.

I read somewhere that character-driven plots involve the characters reacting to the events in the plot. Plot-driven stories force the character to take steps to solve a problem. Whether or not they succeed is another matter. That's my understanding, but I could be wrong.

Anonymous said...

I think it's a natural fear, and yes, I do worry about doing it myself, but I still don't think the fear is justified. Surely all 'basic' plots or concepts have been done before, but each time it's presented in a new way that makes it original. So long as you're doing that, there's nothing wrong.

Melly said...

Deborah, I'm still not sure. Could it be both?
I think I tend to be character driven, but occasionally plot. If that's possible.

Benjamin, you know what? I totally agree. Gosh, you really put it well. It is a natural fear, one we should deal with, but one that is good to have! Absolutely!
(As long as it doesn't paralyze of course)

Melly said...

Eric, how could I have missed this comment. Excellent points. Thanks :)