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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/40043
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/40043
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

> Is writing solely about writing a plot?

# No. A plot is needed, but writing is about far more than the plot.

It is (IMO) impossible to write a good story without **conflict** going on. If there is no problem facing the protagonist, no momentous decisions, nothing they want but cannot reach -- I don't see a **story,** I see a slice of life or a description of something.

But No, writing a story is not solely about the plot. It is about entertainment of the reader. Your job is to assist the imagination of the reader, so they can be entertained. Things that have nothing to do with the plot are described all the time, things that could be excised without affecting the story. The appearance of most characters is not important to what happens, most descriptions of the setting or culture are not important to the story. JK Rowling doesn't have to describe the hallways or moving staircases or the spells gone wrong in class, they don't truly bear on the plot.

But all of that stuff is **_entertaining_** , and that is the only reason anybody buys your story or wants to read your story, so they can have some fun in their imagination (assisted by you).

The purpose of plot and conflict in a story is to create outstanding unanswered questions in the reader's mind about what will happen in the next few pages, in the next chapter, and by the end of the book. Conflict is interesting, whether it is the momentary conflict of disagreement in a conversation, or the epic conflict of risking everything to save the world. A plot, an overarching intent to make something happen (or make it not happen), is a framework that you can decorate with lots of conflict and writing about an interesting place, or interesting people, or interesting talents, all with the intent of entertaining the reader. The plot is their excuse to travel, question, strive, etc.

So while you will likely have a plot in your story (readers expect **something** ), by no means should every line be tied to the plot, that can be a boring story. But every line should be part of something entertaining, not just to you but to the reader.

Original score: 3