FANTASY AUTHOR KATHRYN FOGLEMAN
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3 Keys To Focus Your Story

7/18/2022

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Many writers focus only on the plot of their story. They have a fantastic idea, but the story wanders and stagnates. Why? Was it because they were a pantser? Or did a plotter go stale? Neither. Usually, the author simply did not ask their story the right questions.

Story is about someone solving a problem. It’s best to know exactly what that problem is before you hit the publish button, or even begin to write. If you can concisely sum up what your story is about, it will be far easier to write, and have a much better chance of getting attention.

How do you sum up a complex story?

Try summing up your story by explaining what your theme, conflict, and plot are, and how they work together to solve the story problem.

  • Theme. What are you saying about human nature? What is your main character's biggest flaw that readers will relate to? Theme is the central idea of any story, and the universal truth that the story teller is exploring. Often it is directly tied to the main character's biggest flaws.
  • Conflict. What flaws, things, or people must the protagonist overcome to achieve their goal? The conflict, internal and external, is the heart of the issue to be solved or overcome. This is what the reader is constantly thinking about as they read.
  • Plot. What are the external events that force the protagonist to deal with their inner issues? What big thing (and I mean BIG) happens that forces the main character into action? Remember that escalating progression of external cause-and-effect events force humans to face and deal with their issues. If it weren't for things getting out of hand, we would never change anything in our lives. Same goes for the main character.

Once you are able to explain what your theme, conflict, and plot are, you will find it much easier to sum up your story in a short paragraph (and even put it together in a gripping synopsis!). Once you can sum up your story, you can keep it focused, keep it strong, and it will make editing SO much easier for you.
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Book Recommendations (with Amazon Affiliate Links)

If you’d like to check out a well written book synopsis that outlines the 3 keys of their story, I recommend you read the synopsis of these well written books. 
(BTW, these are Amazon Affiliate links. If you buy these books, you help their author, and you help me as well):
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    The beasts of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls. - Isaiah 43:20

    The Author

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    Kathryn White

    Self-published author of the fantasy series, Tales of the Wovlen, Kathryn spends a great deal of time in the world of her imagination, having tea with fire breathing dragons, writing books on flying space ships, and practicing her mad scientist laugh with gusto. However, on occasion, she returns to this world just to play with her dog, blog about her fun, and coach people through writing self-doubt.


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  • Welcome
  • My Blog
  • Bookish Help!
    • Social Media Management
    • Writing Coaching
    • People That Help You
    • My Podcast
    • Writing Prompts
  • Here Be Books
    • All the Books!
    • Tales of the Wovlen
    • The World
    • The Characters
    • Legends and Lore
    • Pronunciation Guide
  • Connect