After the dots… comes the plot.
A common mistake that writers make when drafting is rushing through the conflict. (Please note that the conflict can be internal or external.)
Take this time now to figure it out and build that scene.
If Anna left from home (point A) and got a flat tire (the ‘X’ factor) on her way to point B, how did that happen and what did she do?
- Was she thinking about an argument she had with her hubby/boyfriend/loved one and overlook a log in the road?
- Did a car full of joyriders whiz by, throw something sharp out the window, Anna rode over it, wiped out and got seriously injured?
- Did Anna get the flat tire in a ‘dangerously’ woodsy section of the road?
- Did Anna get help from some guy who turned out to be a crazed lunatic?
- Did Anna get caught in a raging storm being caused by a landing UFO?
Focus on the ‘X’ – and notice that once X happens, it gets harder and harder (smaller x’s can pop up) to get to point B.
Keep this in mind to help your thoughts…
“There is only one plot—things are not what they seem.”
—Jim Thompson
Have at it. Write away!
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