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Q&A How can I avoid a predictable plot?

How can I avoid a predictable plot? Don't plan the storyline. If the writer doesn't know then how can the readers? (Only if the writer's thinking is predictable, not a savoury answer sure.) ...

posted 5y ago by Mr Bumble‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

Answer
#4: Attribution notice removed by user avatar System‭ · 2020-01-05T04:32:07Z (over 4 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/39974
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#3: Attribution notice added by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-08T10:07:40Z (over 4 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/39974
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision by (deleted user) · 2019-12-08T10:07:40Z (over 4 years ago)
> How can I avoid a predictable plot?

Don't plan the storyline.

If the writer doesn't know then how can the readers? (Only if the writer's thinking is predictable, not a savoury answer sure.)

Have a read of this [blogpost](http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/6-secrets-of-writing-a-novel-without-an-outline) on writersdigest.com, it'll push your boundaries if you let it. Paradox:

> In storytelling, what will happen informs what is happening, and what is happening informs what did. You cannot know where a story needs to go until you know where it’s been, but you cannot know where it needs to have been until you know where it’s going.

#1: Imported from external source by user avatar System‭ · 2018-11-08T00:47:09Z (over 5 years ago)
Original score: 2