

Does your character want something? Make sure your character always has a goal. Remember - if your story is slowing down, you should always check for two things: If a plot element feels too "out of the blue," you can revise the earlier part of the story to prepare for it. Use these plot elements in ways that reveal something about your main character or the main problem s/he's facing in your story. Choose one that feels right for the type of story you're writing. Not every all of the options below will fit well into every story. This person makes a very persuasive argument. Someone tries to convince your character to do exactly the opposite of what she/he has been doing so far in the story. Your character discovers that his/her home/bedroom/desk/computer has been searched.Ģ0. Your character notices a stranger staring at him/her.ġ8. Someone gets drunk and says something s/he shouldn't.ġ7. Your character's home gets flooded and s/he has to find somewhere to stay. Your character accidentally takes home the wrong purse/jacket/briefcase/phone and finds something interesting in the one s/he takes.ġ5. Someone starts flirting with your character's romantic partner or potential romantic partner.ġ3. Someone your character thought was a friend or ally suddenly turns against him or her.ġ1. Your character gets a job offer that would require him/her to make dramatic lifestyle changes.ĩ. And no, we’re not talking about common tropes like elves, dwarves, trolls and dragons We’re referring to much broader elements general concepts within which you can be as inventive and imaginative as you like. Perhaps something thats a myth in reality is real in your fantasy. The police suddenly show up and arrest your character.Ĩ. Fantasy readers expect certain things from the books they consume. In fantasy, it could be a wardrobe that leads to a magical world created by CS Lewis. Your character becomes physically attracted to someone inappropriate.ħ. A relative your character doesn't get along with shows up on your character's doorstep.ĥ. And ends up someplace more interesting.ģ. Your character gets lost on the way somewhere. An ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend shows up in your character's town.Ģ. Raymond Carver offered this advice to writers: "When in doubt, have a man come through a door with a gun in his hand."ĭepending on your story, that's certainly one option. Not sure what should happen next in your story? Are things getting boring?
Fantasy things to write about free#
For more fiction-writing help, be sure to join our free email group. What Happens Next? 20 Story Ideas On this page, you’ll find story ideas to keep your fiction from running out of steam in the middle.
