Writing with Plot Logic
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Writing a novel can be an exciting yet daunting task. There's a lot to balance: intriguing characters, an interesting setting or sense of worldbuilding, and a captivating narrative structure. But what often gets overlooked is the foundation of your novel—the plot logic itself, which underpins everything else. A great plot structure can make or break your novel. This is where plot logic comes in. I’m here to guide you through the process. In this article, I’ll explore what plot logic is, the significance of cause and effect in storytelling, how to execute effective plot logic for maximum emotional impact, and common mistakes writers make with their plot logic.
What Is Plot Logic?
Plot logic, in simple terms, means connecting plot points in a cause and effect sequence. Every event in your story should be an effect of the previous event, setting a chain reaction of character action and reaction that brings a satisfying conclusion. There should be no random events or unsupported conclusions, and you should close the loops you end up opening throughout. If a character does something out of character, it needs to fit into the overall narrative. The beauty of plot logic is that the story will appear more natural and realistic, with an established flow that mesmerizes your readers. It will also increase character relatability for readers.
The Significance of Cause and Effect Plot Logic
Cause and effect is crucial when it comes to plot logic. It gives your story structure a logical flow, making it a seamless and cohesive whole. Every decision made by the main character should lead to a particular consequence. The ultimate goal is to keep the reader engaged, and the cause and effect element does this by creating anticipation, conflict, and tension. When readers realize that every decision has a consequence, the emotional stakes increase, and readers end up caring for your characters more deeply.
Executing Effective Plot Logic
To execute effective plot logic, first, you need to develop a novel outline or memoir outline for your project. At this point in the game, there’s no getting around some robust planning. From there, examine how each event or decision lines up with the character selecting the next logical step. The reader wants sensations, emotions, and experiences, and by building a story with intentional and deliberate cause and effect, you provide just that.
Connect plot points in unexpected but logical ways, twist the outcomes, and give your character reactions via the tool of interiority. However, never leave the reader with a sense that anything is entirely random. The best way to create a great plot is by outlining your story and working with a strict plot structure.
Common Mistakes in Writing Plot Logic
Many writers fail with plot logic, especially if they’re not yet used to writing in this way. They either create plots that are too complex with no coherent flow, or the plot becomes obvious. In other cases, writers may add too many random or unsupported events, which can confuse and discourage their readers, especially since this often results in a passive character who is just along for the ride. To avoid such mistakes, ensure the cause and effect of every event is logical and true to the character's personality and experiences. Avoid creating plot lines just for the sake of adding momentum and speeding up pacing. Instead, ask yourself whether it serves a purpose in the overall flow of the story.
Crafting an appealing novel structure using plot logic is an essential aspect of writing a novel or memoir. It captures the reader's attention, keeping them engaged while maintaining cohesion within the story. By following the tips outlined above, you'll be well on your way to mastering plot logic, building stronger stories, and pleasing your readers with your narrative. Remember, when executed correctly, plot logic can bring a sense of realism to your book, even if you’re writing a fantasy genre, enriching your characters' experiences and keeping your readers coming back for more.
Click here to purchase Writing Irresistible Kidlit, my book on fiction craft for MG and YA novels, out from Writer's Digest Books. This will show you my writing craft philosophy and give you lots of valuable advice, including tips for the novel revision process and self-editing. There are over 35 example novels cited and discussed throughout. It’s a valuable resource for any writer’s toolkit.
Click here to purchase Successful Query Letters, my book on query letters, including over forty examples with comprehensive notes on each one. There’s a ton of submission advice, best practices, and insider information in these pages, and you’ll really enjoy seeing what other writers are doing in the slush.