A Sweet Guide to Plotting Your Bestseller
Ready to cook up a story that'll have your readers lining up like it's state fair season? Welcome to The Writer's Funnel Cake, where I break down the art of plotting using everyone's favorite carnival treat: the funnel cake!
Story Plot: The Whole Cake 🎡
Your story plot is the entire funnel cake you serve your readers. It needs to be satisfying, well-structured, and leave a lasting impression.
How to create a delicious story plot
- Start with a strong premise (your batter recipe)
- Add a compelling central conflict (the sizzle when a batter hits oil)
- Weave in subplots for added flavor (the swirls and loops)
- Ensure a satisfying resolution (the perfect golden-brown finish)
Example: In "The Hunger Games," the premise is a dystopian world where children fight to the death. The central conflict is Katniss's struggle to survive the games. Subplots include her relationships and the brewing rebellion.
Character Arcs: The Batter 🥚
Character arcs are your story's batter – they're what your funnel cake is made of and determine its substance and flavor.
Steps to craft compelling character arcs
- Start with a clear initial state for your character (mix your ingredients)
- Introduce challenges that force growth or change (pour the batter into hot oil)
- Show gradual transformation throughout the story (watch it cook and change)
- End with a noticeably different final state (a golden-brown, crispy creation)
Example: In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet starts as an uncooked batter—witty but judgmental. Through the heat of various interactions and challenges, she transforms into a golden, more understanding, and self-aware character.
Chapter Plots: The Swirls ➰
Each chapter should be like a swirl in your funnel cake—unique but connected to the whole.
Tips for creating your chapter swirls
- Begin each chapter with purpose (start your pour)
- Maintain tension or raise new questions (keep the batter flowing)
- End with a hook to pull readers into the next chapter (connect your swirls)
- Vary chapter lengths and structures for pacing (create interesting patterns)
Example: In "The Da Vinci Code," each chapter is a distinct swirl, focusing on a specific puzzle or location, but all are part of the larger cake of the overarching mystery.
Scene Plots: The Crispy Bits 🥨
Scenes are the crispy, crunchy bits that add texture and excitement to your story-cake.
How to craft effective scenes
- Establish a clear goal for each scene (aim for the perfect crunch)
- Introduce conflict or obstacles (create texture)
- Show character development or reveal important information (add flavor)
- End with a change in the story situation (leave readers craving more)
Example: In "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the troll attack scene is a perfect crispy bit—it has clear tension, shows character growth, and changes the relationship dynamics.
Sentence Plots: The Crumbs ✨
Sentence plots are like the delicate crumbs of your funnel cake—small but crucial for the overall experience.
How to craft effective sentence plots
- Vary sentence structure and length (mix up your crumb sizes)
- Use strong, vivid language (make each crumb flavorful)
- Ensure each sentence drives the story forward (every crumb counts)
- Pay attention to rhythm and flow (create a satisfying texture)
Example: "The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed." This opening line from Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" series is a perfect crumb—short, intriguing, and sets the entire story in motion.
Subplots: The Sweet Toppings & Fillings 🍓
Subplots are like the toppings and fillings to your funnel cake—they add extra flavor and interest to your main story.
How to create effective subplots
- Ensure they complement the main plot (choose complementary flavors)
- Use them to develop secondary characters (mix up your choices of toppings)
- Add depth and complexity to your story world (create layers of flavor by injecting your cakes with different fillings)
- Provide contrast or parallel to the main plot (sweet and savory balance)
- Be careful not to overshadow the main story (don't bury the cake!)
Tips for balancing subplots
- Introduce subplots after establishing the main plot
- Weave them in and out of the main story
- Resolve subplots before or during the main plot's resolution
- Limit the number of subplots based on your story's length
Example: In "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," the main plot revolves around the threat of escaped prisoner Sirius Black. Subplots include:
Hermione's heavy course load and use of the Time-Turner (adds complexity to the world and Hermione's character)
Harry learning to cast a Patronus (develops Harry's skills and ties into the main plot)
Buckbeak's trial and scheduled execution (provides tension and ties into the main plot's resolution)
Pacing: The Oil Temperature 🔥
Just as the oil temperature is crucial for a perfect funnel cake, the pacing is vital for your story.
Techniques for managing story pace:
- Vary the speed of your plot developments (adjust your oil temperature)
- Use chapter and scene length to control pacing (control cooking time)
- Balance action, dialogue, and description (create texture variety)
- Build to key moments (aim for that perfect golden brown)
Example: In "The Martian," Andy Weir masterfully adjusts pacing by alternating between tense survival moments on Mars and the slower-paced, strategic planning on Earth.
Style and Voice: The Powdered Sugar 🍚
Your unique style and voice are the powdered sugar that makes your funnel cake distinctly yours.
Steps to develop your style and voice:
- Identify your natural writing tendencies (your signature sprinkle)
- Refine your language and tone (sift your sugar)
- Ensure consistency throughout your story (even coverage)
- Let your personality shine through (don't be afraid to be generous!)
Example: Terry Pratchett's Discworld series is instantly recognizable for its liberal dusting of satirical humor and footnotes—his unique powdered sugar mix.
Bringing It All Together: The Plate 🍽️
Your overarching themes, style, and vision are the plate that holds your entire funnel cake together. Without it, you'd just have a mess of batter and toppings on the counter.
How to create a strong foundation
- Identify your main themes (choose a plate that complements your funnel cake)
- Develop a consistent narrative voice (ensure your plate has a cohesive design)
- Ensure all elements (plot, characters, scenes) support your themes (make sure your plate can hold all the elements)
- Revise and refine for consistency (polish your plate to make it shine)
Tips for a sturdy story plate
- Keep your themes clear and consistent throughout the story
- Let your unique voice shine in every element of the narrative
- Ensure that every plot point, character arc, and subplot ties back to your main themes
- Consider how all elements work together to create a cohesive whole
Example: In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Harper Lee's themes of injustice, loss of innocence, and moral education form a sturdy plate that supports every element of the story. Her distinctive Southern voice and the coming-of-age narrative structure provide a consistent, appealing base for all the plot elements and character arcs.
Writer's Plot: The Funnel Cake Master 👩🍳
As the writer, you're the funnel cake master. Your skills, creativity, and perseverance determine the final product. Remember, even state fair champions started with a simple batter. Your journey as a writer is unique, and each story you create helps you improve your recipe.
Tips for mastering your craft
- Practice regularly (make lots of funnel cakes!)
- Experiment with different techniques (try new recipes)
- Seek feedback and learn from it (let others taste your creations)
- Stay passionate and have fun (enjoy the process)
Serve It Up, Chef!
Now that you have all the elements of a mouthwatering story cake on a sturdy, appealing plate, it's time to start cooking! Remember, like any good funnel cake, writing takes practice and a willingness to get a little messy.
Your unique blend of ingredients, toppings, and presentation will make your story cake truly special. So heat up that oil, prepare your batter, and get ready to serve a story that will have your readers lining up for seconds!
Happy writing, and may your funnel cakes always be golden brown and your plates always sturdy!