Well hello there, Reader,
This past weekend, I was packing books and breakables and several bags of plushies into boxes 📦 in preparation for the friendly team of guys to finally rip out the second-floor carpet I’ve absolutely hated since we bought our townhouse.
In 2009!
Seriously, after 17 years, a roommate, and 4 cats, the stuff was practically a biohazard. ☣️ And it wasn’t even new when we bought the house.
But…you’re probably thinking, new flooring is a strange thing to be excited about for your birthday. 🤔
Oh, did I mention it was my birthday 🥳 on Tuesday, Reader?
Anyways, enough about my shiny new floors. While I was packing things away into boxes, I finally had a brilliant solution for a plot hole in a story I started a few years ago.
A story I set aside because—well—I couldn’t figure out a way out of that plot hole.
I mean, we’ve all been there, right, Reader?
You’re writing along when suddenly—BAM!—a plot hole opens up beneath you like a massive sink hole. 🕳️ And there doesn’t seem to be a conceivable way to get out of it.
Finding yourself in a plot hole is somehow worse than hitting a brick wall. 🧱 Because at least in the case of the wall, you can use a sledgehammer.
However, before you fall into the bottomless pit of despair, { subscriber.first_name | strip | default: "Story Quester" }}, have you considered…
…talking to a cat? 🐈
Yes, a cat.
Those fluffy office companions that like to climb our bookcases, nap in our writing nooks, and photobomb our promo reels?
Yep, those ones. They’re purrfect for the job. 😸
And if you haven’t got a real one, you could always use a figurine or plushie. Similar to the Rubber Duck Method used by programmers during debugging.
What am I talking about?
Put simply, the Rubber Duck Method is a debugging technique wherein the programmer explains their code, step by step, to reveal hidden mistakes. I’ve just adapted it into what I call the Cat Method, where you relate the plot of your story to a cat. 🐈
It’s a simple, stress-free way to easily spot and fill story plot holes.
The Cat Method
- Relate your story in simple plot beats from beginning to end to a cat, plushie, rubber duck, or plastic dinosaur to reveal plot holes or other issues.
- Record these simple plot beats on note cards or in a program like Scapple.
- Talk through plot hole solutions with your “cat.”
- Transfer your completed plot solution to your preferred writing program.
NOTE: Scapple can be transferred directly into Scrivener!
And there you have it, Reader, a pain-free way to climb out of any plot hole.
Well, until next time, this is your friendly neighborhood storytelling Kat wishing you a wonderfully creative week.
Your cohort in storytelling,
Kat Vancil
🐱
PS 👉 You can download a FREE 30 day trial of Scapple to try it out for yourself here.
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