How to fix plot holes in your novel draft | Novel revision tips

When you revise your novel manuscript, you will want to start by addressing the biggest issues first. For example, you might begin by addressing any major structural issues you may have found during the evaluation stage of the novel writing process, such as plot holes.

A plot hole is a gap or inconsistency in the storyline of a novel, movie, or other narrative work that contradicts the established rules or logic of the story. It’s a flaw in the plot that can make the story confusing, illogical, or unrealistic. For example, a plot hole could occur when a character suddenly acquires a new ability or skill that was not previously established, or when an important detail or event is omitted without explanation. Another common type of plot hole is when a character acts in a way that is inconsistent with their established personality or motivations.

Here are some tips on how to fix a plot hole in a novel draft:

1. Identify the plot hole. The first step in fixing a plot hole is to identify the problem. This can be difficult, as you may be so familiar with your story that you don’t even notice that a plot hole exists. Try reading your draft aloud or ask a friend or beta reader to read it for you. Once you’ve identified the plot hole, you can start to brainstorm solutions.
2. Consider the context. When you’re trying to fix a plot hole, it’s important to consider the context of the story. What are the rules of the world that you’ve created? What are the characters’ motivations? Once you understand the context, you can start to think about how to fix the plot hole without breaking the rules of your world or the characters’ motivations.
3. Think creatively. There are often many ways to fix a plot hole. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with a creative solution. The best solution is often the one that is the most logical and believable, but it’s also important to make sure that it’s not too predictable.
4. Be willing to rewrite. Sometimes, the only way to fix a plot hole is to rewrite the scene or chapter where the problem occurs. This can be frustrating, but it’s often the best solution. If you’re not willing to rewrite, you may end up with a story that is full of plot holes.
5. Get feedback (again). Once you’ve fixed the plot hole, it’s a good idea to get feedback from others. Ask a friend, beta reader, or critique partner to read your draft and see if they can spot any new plot holes. Getting feedback can help you to make sure that your story is as polished as possible.

Plot holes can be frustrating for readers and can take them out of the story. They can also undermine the credibility of the story and make it difficult for readers to suspend their disbelief. That’s why it’s important for writers to carefully review their work and ensure that the plot is consistent and follows its own internal logic. Fixing these issues may require significant rewriting or restructuring of the manuscript. Fixing plot holes can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of the writing process. By following these tips, you can improve your chances of creating a polished and believable story.

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Now that Jack has been forced to reflect on everything he has to lose, he resolves to do better. He’s determined to spend more time at home with his family and repair the relationships that have suffered over the years while he’s been so focused on work. But as Callie’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, Jack realizes he has a lot more room to improve than he realized – and it might be too late to save his daughter after all.

For fans of We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Push, and Baby Teeth.