Revision Part 2: How to Deal With Plot-Holes

As writers, we all want to create engaging stories that captivate our readers from start to finish. However, plot holes can often disrupt the flow of a story and leave your audience confused or disconnected. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through identifying these pesky plot holes and provide practical solutions for mending them.

What Are Plot Holes?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of finding and fixing plot holes, let’s define exactly what they are.

A plot hole is a gap or inconsistency in your storyline that can disrupt the reader’s suspension of disbelief and make them question the entire story. They can be anything from characters suddenly knowing something they shouldn’t, events happening without clear cause-and-effect relationships, or even an entire subplot falling apart under scrutiny. Think about it like this: if you’re reading a novel and suddenly, without warning, a character’s backstory changes mid-chapter, wouldn’t you feel frustrated?

That’s what we mean by a plot hole!

Why Do Plot Holes Happen?

Plot holes can creep into your writing for all sorts of reasons. Maybe you got stuck on a particular scene or character development and didn’t take the time to tie everything together. Perhaps you were so caught up in the excitement of creating that you forgot about consistency. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to recognise when plot holes are forming and address them before they become major issues.

Part 1: Understanding Plot Holes

Plot holes are like unwanted potholes on the road of your storyline; they can cause readers to lose their way. But what exactly constitutes a plot hole? In essence, it’s an inconsistency or gap in our story that disrupts continuity and logic within the world we’ve created for our characters.

Part 2: Recognising Plot Holes in Your Story

The first step to fixing these holes is identifying them, and here it helps to think like a detective. Here are some strategies.

Take a break before editing: Distance can provide fresh eyes when revisiting your work; you might spot inconsistencies that were previously overlooked.
Use writing tools like Plottr, which visually maps out the storyline and helps identify gaps or discrepancies in our stories flow.
Read it aloud: This can help bring attention to awkward transitions between plot points.
Ask beta readers or fellow writers for feedback: Having others read and provide input on your work can be incredibly valuable in identifying areas that need attention.

You’re looking for

Inconsistencies: Check for any discrepancies between characters, settings, or timelines within your narrative. If a character suddenly changes personality without explanation or the setting shifts unexpectedly, you may have an inconsistency on your hands.
Illogical events: Make sure that each event in your story follows logically from the previous one. If something happens out of nowhere or defies the established rules of your world, it could be a plot hole waiting to trip up your readers.
Unresolved story lines: Ensure that every subplot ties back into the main story. Leaving loose ends can create confusion for your audience and may lead them to question the overall coherence of your story.

Part 3: Mending Plot Holes in Your Story

Once you’ve identified the plot holes, it’s time to fix them. Here are some practical solutions that will help you patch up those pesky inconsistencies and restore the smooth flow of your narrative:

Revisit your outline: If you have a detailed outline for your story, revisit these documents to ensure that all elements align with one another. This step can be particularly helpful if you’re working on a longer piece like a novel or screenplay where keeping track of every detail can become challenging.
Apply “plot tape”: Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. Use “plot tape” to fix any inconsistencies by simply adjusting your story in a way that makes sense and maintains the integrity of your story. This might involve adding an explanatory sentence or reordering events to create a more logical sequence.
Consider your reader’s perspective: As you work through mending plot holes, think about how your readers will perceive these changes. Will they notice any discrepancies? Does the revised story make sense from their perspective? By putting yourself in your reader’s shoes, you can ensure that your story remains engaging and coherent throughout.
Get feedback: Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from beta readers or writing groups. They may spot inconsistencies that you missed or offer alternative solutions for dealing with plot holes. Constructive criticism is an invaluable tool in the revision process, so embrace it and use it to strengthen your story.
Revise and repeat: Plot holes can sometimes be tricky to identify and fix. Be prepared to revise multiple times as you work through each inconsistency or illogical event in your story. Remember that writing is a iterative process, so don’t be discouraged if it takes several attempts to get everything just right.

Part 4: Preventing future Plot Holes

To avoid falling into the same plot hole traps again, consider implementing these strategies in your future projects:

Outline thoroughly: Develop a detailed outline for your story before diving into writing. This step will help you keep track of all elements and maintain consistency throughout your story.
Revisit your work regularly: Schedule regular check-ins with your work to ensure that plot holes don’t creep in unnoticed. By staying vigilant, you can catch inconsistencies early on and prevent them from becoming major issues later.
Stay organised: Keep track of character traits, setting descriptions, and other important details using tools like spreadsheets or note-taking apps. This level of organisation will make it easier to spot any discrepancies in your story as you write.
Get feedback early on: Share early drafts with writing groups or beta readers who can provide valuable feedback on plot holes and other issues before they become more challenging to fix.

A formula to help deal with the plot holes

I’m a big fan of listing things to help me learn and retain new information, so that said, lets dive into plot holes!

First things first: Give yourself some distance from the manuscript. Once you’ve finished writing your draft, take a break for a few days or weeks if possible. This will allow you to approach your story with fresh eyes when it comes time to edit.
Read through the entire manuscript: This will give you an overall understanding of the narrative flow and help identify any inconsistencies or discrepancies that may lead to plot holes.
Make a list of questions and concerns: As you read, make note of any unanswered questions, inconsistencies in character behaviour, or logical gaps in the storyline. This can be done by writing down these issues as they arise while reading. This list can be a game-changer during your editing process as it helps to ensure no stone is left unturned in identifying inconsistencies, whether they’re minor tweaks or significant plot holes.
Analyse your notes: Once you have compiled a list of potential plot holes, analyse them to determine if they are significant enough to disrupt the reader’s experience. Some inconsistencies may not be critical and can be left alone or explained away in later revisions. Try different approaches – read it aloud to catch awkward transitions and discrepancies in narrative flow, visualise the storyline using tools like Plottr or mind maps.
Address each issue: Now that you’ve identified your plot holes, start addressing them one by one! For minor inconsistencies – a character changing eye colour halfway through? Simply tweak it in the next draft session. But for larger issues affecting overall story logic and continuity.
Brainstorm solutions: For each identified plot hole, brainstorm possible ways to resolve it. This might involve adding new scenes, revising existing ones, or providing additional information that clarifies the issue. Integrate them into your manuscript. Make sure these revisions maintain consistency and flow throughout the story.
Use a storyboard: Preferably with Post-it notes, to visualise your story’s structure and identify plot holes more easily. Write each scene on a separate piece of paper and arrange them in the order they appear in your manuscript. This will help you see if there are any gaps or inconsistencies between scenes that need fixing.
Now it’s time to fix those plot holes! Here are some ways to do this:
- Add a scene: Sometimes, a missing piece of the puzzle is all it takes to fill in a plot hole. Write a new scene that explains an inconsistency or fills in a gap in your story.
- Remove a scene: Conversely, if you’ve included information that isn’t necessary for the overall plot, consider removing the scene altogether. This can help streamline your narrative and eliminate unnecessary confusion.
- Revise existing scenes: If a plot hole is caused by an inconsistency within a particular scene, go back and revise it to make sure everything aligns with your story’s logic.
- Rearrange the order of events: Sometimes, simply rearranging the sequence of events can help fix a plot hole. Experiment with different arrangements until you find one that makes sense.
Patch larger plot holes: This might require some creative thinking! Revisit your characters, world-building elements or timeline to ensure consistency throughout the story. Don’t be afraid of rewriting parts if needed – it’s all part and parcel in crafting a seamless story experience for readers.
Re-read and refine: Once all of the identified issues have been addressed, read through your work again to ensure that the changes made effectively eliminate any remaining plot holes. If necessary, make further adjustments until you are satisfied with the narrative’s coherence.
Finally, have someone else read your manuscript and give feedback: Fresh perspectives can often spot issues that you might have missed, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from beta readers or critique partners.

Guidelines

During the Writing Process

Keep a running list of questions or inconsistencies as you write: As you create your story, make note of any plot holes that come up so you can address them later on. This will help keep track of issues and ensure they don’t get lost in the shuffle.
Read through your work periodically to check for continuity errors: Set aside time every few chapters or weeks to read what you have written thus far, looking specifically for any inconsistencies or plot holes that may have arisen.
Create a timeline of events: Map out the sequence of events in your story on a calendar or spreadsheet, making sure there are no gaps or contradictions. This will help ensure that your narrative remains coherent and logical.
Consult with beta readers for feedback: Share your work-in-progress with trusted friends or fellow writers who can provide valuable insights into any plot holes they may have noticed.

During the Revision Process

Re-read your entire manuscript to identify major issues: Before diving into specific chapters, read through the entire story to get a sense of its overall structure and consistency. This will help you spot larger problems that might otherwise be missed during more focused editing sessions.
Review each chapter for plot holes: As you revise individual chapters, pay close attention to their connections with surrounding material. Ensure that events are properly set up and resolved within the context of your story.
Double-check character motivations and actions: Make sure characters’ decisions and behaviours align with their established personalities and goals throughout the story. This will help avoid any inconsistencies or confusing plot points.
Consider seeking professional editing assistance if needed: If you are struggling to identify and fix plot holes on your own, consider hiring a professional editor who can provide objective feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Fixing the plot holes you’ve found

Address inconsistencies in character behaviour and motivations: Ensure that characters’ actions align with their established personalities and goals throughout the story. If necessary, revise earlier scenes to better set up later events or rewrite sections where a character behaves out of character.
Revisit timelines and chronology: Adjust any discrepancies in your story’s sequence of events by adding, removing, or modifying scenes as needed. Ensure that the timeline is clear and easy to follow for readers.
Clarify confusing plot points: Add additional context or explanation where necessary to ensure that all aspects of your story are easily understood by readers. This may involve rewriting sections or providing more detail in dialogue or narration.
Seek input from others: Share revised portions of your manuscript with trusted friends, fellow writers, or editors for feedback on any remaining plot holes and inconsistencies.

Preventing future plot holes

Plan ahead: Outline your story before writing to help identify potential issues early on. This will allow you to address them as they arise rather than trying to fix them later during revisions.
Keep track of character motivations and goals: Maintain a document or chart with each character’s personality traits, desires, and objectives throughout the story. Refer back to this resource when writing new scenes or chapters to ensure consistency in their actions and decisions.
Revise as you go: Set aside time for regular revisions during your writing process to catch any plot holes early on. This will save time and effort later on when revising the entire manuscript.
Seek feedback from others throughout the writing process: Share your work with trusted friends or fellow writers at various stages of completion, allowing them to provide valuable input that can help prevent plot holes in future drafts.

Common mistakes to avoid

Have you ever stumbled upon a plot hole that’s as stubborn and annoying as an uninvited fly at dinner? Well, you’re not alone. Let me guide you through some common pitfalls to avoid when hunting down those pesky inconsistencies in your story – all while keeping it light-hearted!

Ignoring the big picture: Just like how you wouldn’t ignore the elephant in the room during a party, don’t forget about the overall structure of your narrative. Make sure that all parts of your story fit together cohesively and contribute to the main plot. I mean, who wants an elephant-sized plot hole?
Overthinking or underthinking fixes: It’s like Goldilocks – you want it just right! Don’t introduce unnecessary elements just to patch up a hole, but also avoid ignoring larger issues that might require more significant changes. You know how they say, “Don’t overcomplicate things” and “Don’t oversimplify”? That applies here too.
Not seeking feedback: This is like asking your friends if the dress makes you look fat or not before going to a party. Get feedback from beta readers or writing groups, they can help spot those pesky plot holes that might escape your notice.
Rushing fixes: Patching up a plot hole should be done carefully and thoughtfully, just like fixing a leaky roof on your house. Rushing could lead to more problems down the line. Take your time, think it through, and make sure you’re not creating new issues while trying to fix an old one.
Not understanding your story’s world: This is like knowing all the rules of Monopoly before playing. Make sure you understand the logic and rules of your story world so that any plot holes are consistent with those rules. Otherwise, it’s like playing Monopoly but suddenly introducing a rule that everyone has to be able to fly – confusing and disruptive!
Not identifying plot holes early enough: One common mistake is not recognising the existence of a plot hole until it’s too late in the writing process, making it harder to fix without causing major revisions. Make sure to regularly review your manuscript and keep an eye out for inconsistencies or gaps in logic.
Lacking character depth: Ever met someone who seems like an actor playing their part? That’s because your characters aren’t fully fleshed out. It can feel as if you just slapped some words together and called it a day, but remember – readers need to connect with them. So dive deep into each character – what makes them tick? What are their fears, dreams, quirks? Make sure they’re distinct within your story world.
Overlooking world-building details: A well-developed setting is crucial for a believable story. If you don’t provide enough context or explanation about your fictional world, readers may struggle to understand how certain events could take place. Make sure to include necessary background information and avoid leaving any gaps in the world-building process.
Skipping over cause and effect relationships: A plot hole can occur when a character’s actions don’t have a clear cause or effect within the storyline. To prevent this, ensure that each event is connected logically to other events, and consider how one action might lead to another in a coherent manner.
Overusing cliches: Ever read a book where the plot feels like you’ve seen it before – as if someone took an old fairy tale and slapped on some modern makeup, but kept all its predictable twists? That’s your next trick to avoid – cliches! Make sure each element of your story is fresh. Add a unique spin or unexpected turn that defies the reader’s expectations.
Ignoring plot points: Ever been reading and suddenly realise you missed an important scene, like forgetting to add salt in cooking? That’s what happens when plot points are missing from your story – it leaves a bitter taste! Ensure all five major plot points (excitingly known as the “Five Pillars of Plot”) make their appearance. Whether you’re planning out each scene or editing, these pillars should be non-negotiable elements in every novel.
Failing to revise your manuscript: Lastly, not revisiting your work can result in plot holes going unnoticed or being left unfixed. Always take the time to review your story multiple times during the writing process and after it’s complete, making any necessary adjustments along the way.

Key takeaways

Keep an eagle-eye out for inconsistencies: Imagine this, you’re re-reading your draft after a break (like I do), when suddenly BANG! You spot something odd – like if our friend from the Harry Potter series changed his eye colour midway through? That’s what we call an inconsistency. It could be as small as that or even bigger, but it’s always there lurking somewhere in your story waiting to trip you up.
Know what you’re looking for: A plot hole is essentially a logical inconsistency that can ruin the flow of your story. When re-reading your draft, keep an eye out for these inconsistencies – they might be tiny or huge! If you catch one early on, it’s easier to fix.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions: As you write, ask yourself questions like “Why would my character do that?” or “How does this event affect the overall story?” These questions can help you spot potential plot holes before they become major issues. It’s better to catch them early on than have a reader point it out later!
Be proactive, not reactive: Don’t wait until your story is complete to start thinking about plot holes! As you write each scene or chapter, keep an eye out for potential inconsistencies and address them as they arise. This will save you time in the long run and ensure a smoother writing process.
Get inside your characters: Ever met someone who seems like they were just reading their lines? That’s because the character isn’t fully fleshed out – kind of a one-dimensional person? To avoid this in your story, you need to know what makes each and every one of them tick. What are their fears, dreams or quirks that make them unique? Ensure that each character’s motivations are clear and consistent, as this will help avoid any disconnect between their actions and the overall narrative.
Pay attention to world-building details: Include necessary background information about your fictional world to ensure a believable storyline without gaps in logic.
Connect cause and effect relationships: Make sure each event is logically connected to other events, considering how one action might lead to another within the story.
Step back and look at the big picture: Just like when you’re trying to solve a puzzle, sometimes stepping back gives you a better perspective. Do this with your story too! Make sure all parts of your story fit together cohesively and contribute to the main plot.
Find balance in fixes: Don’t overcomplicate or oversimplify when fixing plot holes. Remember Goldilocks – aim for just right! Avoid introducing unnecessary elements, but also don’t ignore larger issues that might require more significant changes.
Take your time and be thoughtful: Patching up a plot hole should be done carefully and thoughtfully, just like fixing a leaky roof on your house. Rushing could lead to more problems down the line.
Revise your manuscript thoroughly: Take the time to review your work multiple times during the writing process and after it’s complete, making any necessary adjustments along the way.

Conclusion

Plot holes can be very frustrating to deal with, but by recognising when they’re forming and taking steps to address them, we can create engaging stories that keep readers hooked from start to finish. Remember: consistency is key! Take the time to revise earlier sections, add new details or explanations as needed, and consider reorganising your story structure if necessary.

This dealing with plot holes is an essential part of the writing process. By recognising common signs of inconsistencies, applying “plot tape” solutions, considering your reader’s perspective, seeking feedback, and implementing preventative measures in future projects, you can create a more cohesive story that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

Remember, every writer encounters plot holes at some point in their journey. The key is to learn from these experiences, refine your techniques, and continue honing your craft. Happy writing!

Revision Part 2: How to Find and Deal With Plot-Holes in Your Story