Create a timeline that organizes the events of your story. If you’re making up the plot as you go along, keep track of the events as they develop. This timeline will help you ensure the events unfold in a logical order.
Write down the names of your characters on a separate sheet of paper. Beneath each name, jot down a list of traits, including insecurities, motives, hobbies, likes and dislikes. This list will help you create strong characters whose actions will affect the plot. Don’t hesitate to give the heroes a few negative traits and the villains some positive traits to make them more nuanced figures.
Evoke imagery, rather than dispense information. For example, rather than write, “Mark was a punctual fellow,” describe Mark’s tendency to gaze at his wristwatch or rush from place to place. You can also use dialogue to reveal his characteristics. This will increase the vividness of each scene.
Develop the external and internal conflicts of the story. Allow the main character to solve the story’s major conflict in a grand scene near the ending. Avoid saving the hero through a last-minute twist that doesn’t fit with the rest of the plot.
Allow the setting to influence the events. For example, if the story takes place in the desert, allow a sandstorm to separate the characters.
Cut scenes that don’t add to the overall story. For example, you don’t need to write a detailed scene in which the main character goes to the bathroom or eats breakfast unless the event impacts the plot. These filler scenes will slow down the pace of your story and bore readers.
Tie up loose ends to complete the story. In some cases, an ambiguous ending can add to the appeal of a story. Consider the reaction of your audience before you decide to leave your characters stranded or mysteries unsolved.