I'm trying to write a novel but can't think up a decent plot, any ideas?

Question

it has to be witty and original

genre is "intelligent young comedy"

Answer 1

First of all, if you need someone else give you the idea, it may be witty, but it will never be original!

The idea for a story really needs to come before you decide to write a book. Deciding to write a book but not having an idea for a story, is a bit like going to an airport but having no idea where to travel to. Asking other people where they are travelling to won't help much. Likewise, it really needs to be your own idea if you're going to enjoy writing the story.

There's no special place you can go to to find ideas; mostly you just have to wait until an idea finds you. However, ideas often find you easier if you're alone somewhere quiet, like relaxing in a bath tub or taking a solitary walk along a deserted beach. When you've finally got your own idea ... and only then ... you can consider starting to write a novel.

All too often, people who want to be writers channel their creative energy into imagining what it would be like to be a successful author, instead of channelling their creative energy into actually doing the work. Usually, the pupose of writing a novel is because your head is so bursting with story ideas that you just have to share them. If you can't think up a decent plot, then you're wasting your time, just as it would be a total waste of time deciding what colour to paint your house if you don't have a house.

Sorry to sound harsh; no doubt some toadying sycophant will give you the answer you're looking for instead of the truth you so obviously need. That truth is: stop TRYING ... let it happen! If it doesn't happen then consider that this may not be your particular talent! There's a small percentage of authors compared to readers; perhaps you're one of life's readers!

Answer 2

Why are you trying to do something that you really don't seem to have a deep interest in?

Why not learn to garden instead? Or raise chickens?

Still want to write a novel? Sit down and start writing. Don't try to pinpoint a plot, or genre, just write. Don't worry about how long it will be, how many chapters, or if it will be published, just write.

Do you want to continue to write? Have you come up with some ideas on things you want in your book? Do you have a main character (protagonist)? Do you know all about that person? Do you have secondary characters? A place? A time (era)?

If you answered yes to most of the questions above, maybe you're a writer. Now go out and get Writing help books on Plot, structure, characters, dialog, POV, and get the Writer's Digest Marketing book, but don't read the marketing part just yet, (it will be outdated by the time you need it anyway, use the internet source) read the articles and notes made by publishers and agents. Find out what they want to see, why they throw a manuscript away without reading it, why they only read the first paragraph, first page, and maybe if your lucky, the first chapter before saying, "Sorry, it's not for us." or "We just can't get behind your characters."

If you can get through all of this and still want to write that novel, then join a group that you can email or talk to in person about writing. Why? Because you have a lot to learn. We all do (all of us writers are always learning because the market is always changing). Get people who don't know you (thru the group you've joined) to read your work and give you honest opinions-- AND more importantly, consider that advice.

And something else you need to do. Read books like the one you want to write. See how the author handles his characters, dialog, point of view, timing.. learn.

Answer 3

what I have always done is to develope a cast of characters first and then build the plot, if you already have one in mind, its easy:
say you have a ninja :), a pirate, and a police officer. yes, its a corny example but you will see my point. as you get to know the characters the story will come easily. the ninja, say, has a girlfriend who was hunted by this guy so the ninja killed him. the pirate is psycho and all pirates hate ninjas so hes hunting the ninja, and the police officer is chasing both of them without a clue what he's doing. Of course, if you knew more about them you could make it a lot deeper plot, but i wont bore you.
THe plot of any book is just the sequence of events that happens when a variety of characers get together, and, depending on their different charcacters and backrounds, interact with each other, just like regular people.
Hope this helps you, it has me. GOOD LUCK! ;)

Answer 4

Build a story about a mythical figure called Osama Bin Laden. A group of people invent such a figure , make him elusive and make the whole world go round and round.

Then , come back that in the process a dozen Ladens I . II , III, IV ..... have really been created around the world. Then associate each with one or the other Intelligence agencies of a few top powers.. Finally break the plot saying that these creations fight within themselves and destroy each other.

Answer 5

If you change genre to witty, older and funny,I have the idea. P.S., I don't write,but tell pretty good stories

Answer 6

I think you should wait until you have an idea of your own, then try to write a novel. What's the point of writing if you need someone else's ideas?

Answer 7

i like the idea of taking city Legends and increasing them into your own tale. the single which freaks me out the most is the single the position a woman in her youngsters is babysitting fo a wealthy kin with a huge living house with a rediculous quantity of rooms and he or she is spooked by using the clown statue that seems to be a midget that escaped from an asylum close to by using. I hate clowns so it freaked me out when I first heard it.

Answer 8

what will be subject of novel, horror, suspense or other. u can take the idea from u r own & other's life, arround by u

Answer 9

A story about someone who has nothing to contribute, but likes to see their name on line, so they ask nonsense questions on Yahoo Answers.

Answer 10

What genre?