Notes on Writing Science Fiction

Chapter 8/Plot or Structure

Any thing which helps you think about your plot is good. 

I like this - no matter how damaged. Ask your self if you could put the plot of Hunger games into this structure- not without stretching. If the answer is no you don't need to have it to make your plot 100% amazing.  Like everything else you don't *have* to have it, but if your unsure what to do next then perphas these might put you on to a path

First plot point. 

Mid point - revel something to the reader. 

Second plot point - 

The last piece of information to let protagonist to go into ending. 

The protagonist should not be able to defeat the antagonist before now. ( see the previous section ) 

IT's all about Payoff. 

Pinch points - 

They raise tension by reminding the reader what is at stake or raising the stakes. 

Sub plot is a parallel plot between the main plot. 

The add depth, tension but also connected to the main plot. You can remove this without effecting the main plot. 

It's just like a plot but runs to the side of the main plot. 

Start with the synopsis and ask questions. The premise is the setting the antagonist ( bad guy(s))  and the protagonist ( hero)  

A good way of finding plot holes. 

You can't keep everything in your head. 

By the way - people think your opening chapter should be a mini-three act plot in it's own right. This is what the three act plot is. Again don't worry if you don't have one. Don't force it in if you don't. To be honest I've read a huge amount of good opening on Wattpad - even on books which don't do well.