Plot Holes: Avoid Them!

Let's get a bit serious for one small moment. Plot holes are a writers worst nightmare!. We as reader's hate to read a book and come out with questions to the plot of you story.

Personally when I am reading, I hate to see a main character who is obviously up to something, but as you read on, you NEVER find out what the heck that character was up to! This is dangerous waters people. Most reader's will say it leaves a bad taste in their mouths and won't recommend your book to another person.

I have read books that have done this to me. I hate to say it, but to be critical, those holes need filled in! A writer should never leave a reader hanging, it's just poor form!

As a new writer, my suggestion is this: after you have completed your manuscript put it aside and walk away. It is very important to do so. You have your head so far up that project that you will not catch the flaws on your own. The only way to see them is to walk away for a week at least. Let it stew, then go back and re read your own book from the beginning to end. Make mental note of how you felt about the book, not your work. While reading did you find a plot hole? Did you feel this was the very best you could do? If the answers to those questions are yes and no, then it is time to rethink your story and fill in the gaps.

It is difficult to be a good writer, but it is more difficult to be a great writer. Most writers take upwards of a year to accomplish a completely polished and ready for print book. As a new writer, your anticipation can and will cloud your judgment. You will most likely get rejection after rejection if you have not taken the time to make some serious changes to your story.

We all want that piece out there and hear how great our story was, but if you aren't getting the attention that it deserves then you need to go back and make those changes. I know it can be disheartening to not see those sales, and see the rejection letters pouring in, but you must maintain and persevere! Get a second and third pair of eyes on your work, take constructive criticism and use it. Don't be offended by the critics, their opinions matter. You are in the business of selling not just your books, but yourself as well. You need to be professional and develop your own skills. If you can't handle the rejection or criticism, then maybe being a writer isn't for you.

You have to take the good and the bad, and put them in a mixing bowl and whip them into something that stands out from the crowd. With so many new books being published every day across the world, you need to dig deep and work hard. Do not give up, keep those pot holes filled in and you will find a less bumpy road to success.