When Your Story is Stuck - Great Plot Twists

As I discussed in my last blog, How to Find the Inspiration to Write, sometimes the most challenging part of writing is getting started. I often find that I have to begin writing to become inspired. Once I have some prose on the screen, my creative juices begin to stir, and I am typing 100 words a minute. Ideas are falling like rain, and then, just as quickly as they started, I'm stuck!

For example, Ellen is about to break up with Tucker. I write the scene:

Earlier, we walked around the park, and now we are eating at Ellen's favorite restaurant. I couldn't help but notice her face throughout the entire day. She looked irritated. Maybe it is that time of the month? Lady problems, possibly?

"Tucker," Ellen says, her face so serious. "I need to tell you something."

Sensing that her ensuing words will match the grimace on her face, I quickly interject to soften that blow, "First, let me tell you how much you mean to me." I pull the ring from my pocket, "I bought you a promise ring. One day, I want to make you my wife, Ellen Michaels."

Ellen shakes her head. "I don't think we should see each other anymore. I'm bored, so very bored." Her dark chocolate eyes meet mine….??

Now what?! I'm stuck. How does Tucker respond? Hoping not to lose my fluidity, I quickly check my manuscript outline. The outline simply states that Tucker and Ellen break up. But how do I create that scene?

Even with the best outlines, our writing is never a simple journey from A to B. There are often so many different roads that we could take.

Perhaps I can help you with a list of some rather compelling plot twists. Together, let's find out what happens to Tucker and Ellen. 

1.      A Divine Act. Perhaps something unexpected or uncontrollable happens. A chandelier falls on the table, crushing the promise ring under its blow.

2.      Illness. Have a character get sick. Tucker has an allergic reaction to the shellfish he has just eaten.

3.      Fight or Flight. Do your characters stay and fight, or do they run? Tucker runs out the front door.

4.      Block a Passage. Tucker runs for the front door while two hefty men enter. He is unable to escape.

5.      A New Person Appears in the Scene. Ellen's ex-boyfriend approaches from behind. She stands, and he gently places her coat over her shoulders.

6.      True Feelings. Someone admits their true feelings. Oh wait, Ellen already did that!

7.      Weather Breaks. A change of weather. Tucker begins to speak but cannot finish his sentence as a lightning bolt strikes a car parked just outside the restaurant's front window. The glass shatters.

8.      Uncharacteristic Character. Tucker jumps from his seat and onto the table. He begins to sing a love song to Ellen. Perhaps he is not dull after all?

9.      Unknown Fear. A spider crawls across the table. Tucker screams like a little girl, and runs from the restaurant.

10.  Protagonist Gain. The story's protagonist receives a new benefit. The attractive waitress returns with their dessert and slips Tucker her phone number.

11.  Something Breaks. Tucker opens his mouth to speak, but quickly falls to the ground as his chair gives way.

12.  Sudden Death. I'm not going there, too dark.

13.  Without a Trace. Tucker runs from the restaurant, never to be seen again. Ellen searches for years but finally moves on.

You know that I am just having some fun here, but this is a good list to keep handy, and the next time you get stuck…

14.  Bring in the monster.

Your turn. Comment below with some of your best plot twists. Just enter your name and comment.