Plot Holes: How to Write your way out

Swimming in Lake Zurich with a Swan

Plot holes are the bane of every writer's existence. And yet, they are always going to happen unless you are the most organized and meticulous writer ever.

Sometimes it's as mundane as your chacater being privvy to information they didn't previously have, but with no explanation for how they got said information.

Sometimes, it's bigger, like your MC breaks into a lab to steal important research, and then later in the book forgets they did that and so you write another way the MC comes into that research.

Even explaning plot holes is complicated. My head is spinning.

But if they're basically unavoidable, how can you possibly avoid them?

I've got a few tricks that have helped me immensely.

1. All of that advice about stepping away from a draft is so spot on. When you come back with fresh eyes you're at your most prepared to be a wizard of catching plot holes. Enjoy the crown!

2. Anytime you have a question about something that isn't adding up, make a note about it and then try to puzzle out what isn't making sense.

3. Revision outlines are way more important than first draft outlines (to me). That's where you can look at all of your big picture happenings to best address any glaring discrepancies in the plot!

4. Be slow and methodical. Annoy Miranda Priestly with how carefully you're coming your manuscript!

I know these aren't wild and crazy tips, but they have been super helpful for me in cutting down plot holes, espeically by draft 3!

If you have tips, I'd love to hear what works for you.

Happy plot hole fixing!