Writing the Breakout Novel

1. Conflict is the essence of a gripping story

The essence of story is conflict.

Conflict drives engagement. While most people avoid conflict in real life, it's what keeps readers turning pages. Conflict in a breakout novel must be meaningful, immediate, large-scale, surprising, not easily resolved, and happen to people for whom readers feel sympathy. It should matter to the characters and, by extension, to the readers.

Types of conflict: Conflict can be internal (character vs. self), interpersonal (character vs. character), or external (character vs. society, nature, or fate). The most compelling stories often interweave multiple layers of conflict. For example:

• A detective solving a murder (external conflict)
• While struggling with alcoholism (internal conflict)
• And a strained relationship with their partner (interpersonal conflict)

2. Develop larger-than-life characters with depth and inner conflict

Great characters are the key to great fiction.

Create memorable protagonists. Larger-than-life characters are not necessarily unrealistic, but they possess qualities that set them apart. They often say and do things that ordinary people only wish they could. These characters should have:

• Strength (moral, physical, or intellectual)
• Inner conflicts (conflicting desires or beliefs)
• Self-awareness (they reflect on their actions and motivations)
• Wit and spontaneity (they surprise readers with their words and actions)

Balance flaws with sympathy. Even dark or flawed protagonists need redeeming qualities to keep readers invested. Show them struggling to overcome their weaknesses or demonstrate moments of unexpected kindness. This creates a more nuanced and engaging character that readers will root for despite their imperfections.

3. Create a breakout premise with plausibility and emotional appeal

A breakout premise has plausibility, inherent conflict, originality and gut emotional appeal.

Develop a compelling foundation. A breakout premise should have four key elements:

1. Plausibility: It could happen to anyone
2. Inherent conflict: Built-in problems or opposing forces
3. Originality: A fresh angle on familiar themes
4. Gut emotional appeal: It resonates on a deep, personal level

Brainstorm and refine. Start with a basic idea and ask "What if?" questions to explore potential directions. Combine unexpected elements or flip common tropes on their head. For example, instead of a detective solving a crime, what if the detective is framed for the crime they're investigating? This adds inherent conflict and originality to a familiar premise.

4. Raise the stakes continuously to maintain reader engagement

High stakes yield high success.

Escalate the consequences. As the story progresses, make the potential outcomes increasingly significant for the characters and their world. This can be done by:

• Introducing new obstacles or complications
• Revealing hidden connections between characters or events
• Expanding the scope of the conflict (personal → community → global)
• Adding time pressure or deadlines

Personal and public stakes. Combine high personal stakes for the protagonist with broader public stakes that affect the wider world of the story. This creates a multi-layered conflict that resonates on multiple levels. For example, a character trying to save their family (personal stakes) while also preventing a terrorist attack (public stakes).

5. Craft a vivid setting that influences characters and plot

Every story has a context, whether it is emphasized or not.

Create a living world. The setting should be more than just a backdrop; it should actively shape the characters and events of the story. Consider:

• The psychology of place: How does the environment affect characters' emotions and decisions?
• Historical and social context: What larger forces are at work in this time and place?
• Sensory details: Use specific, evocative details to bring the setting to life

Integrate setting and conflict. Use the setting to create or heighten conflict. For example:

• A small town's gossip network complicating a character's secret
• A harsh wilderness testing characters' survival skills and relationships
• A rigid social hierarchy limiting characters' choices and aspirations

6. Structure your plot with bridging conflicts and high moments

Bridging conflict carries the reader from the opening line to the moment when the central conflict is set.

Hook readers immediately. Use bridging conflicts—smaller tensions or questions—to engage readers from the first page until the main conflict is established. These can be:

• Intriguing character interactions
• Mysterious events or clues
• Immediate, small-scale problems that hint at larger issues

Plan pivotal scenes. Identify the high moments and turning points in your story:

• Inciting incident: The event that sets the main conflict in motion
• Plot twists: Surprising revelations or reversals that change the direction of the story
• Climax: The highest point of tension where the main conflict comes to a head

Organize your plot around these key scenes, building tension and raising stakes as you move from one to the next.

7. Build subplots that support and enrich the main storyline

Subplots must affect overall story outcome.

Create meaningful connections. Effective subplots should:

• Intersect with and complicate the main plot
• Develop secondary characters
• Explore different aspects of the story's themes
• Provide contrast or parallel to the main storyline

Limit and focus. Too many subplots can dilute the main story. Aim for 2-3 significant subplots that genuinely enhance the overall narrative. Ensure each subplot has its own arc with conflict, development, and resolution.

8. Maintain tension on every page to keep readers hooked

The secret of breakout plotting is tension on every page.

Eliminate low-tension scenes. Avoid:

• Characters mulling things over while driving
• Relaxing in the shower
• Making tea or coffee
• Any scene where nothing significant happens or changes

Create micro-tensions. Even in quieter moments, maintain reader engagement through:

• Subtle character conflicts or misunderstandings
• Foreshadowing of future problems
• Internal struggles or difficult decisions
• Revealing new information that raises questions

Build your novel in scenes, each with its own mini-arc of tension and resolution, leading seamlessly into the next conflict or question.

9. Develop a unique authorial voice to stand out

Voice is more than style; it is infusing your self in your story.

Find your authentic voice. Your unique perspective and way of expressing ideas is what sets your writing apart. To develop your voice:

• Write as you speak, but more polished
• Embrace your quirks and interests
• Experiment with different styles and tones
• Read widely and analyze voices you admire

Consistency and growth. While your voice should be recognizable across your work, allow it to evolve and adapt to different stories or genres. A strong voice doesn't mean always writing the same way, but rather having a distinct sensibility that shines through various styles.

10. Infuse your novel with passionate themes and convictions

A breakout novelist needs courage, too: the courage to say something passionately.

Identify your core beliefs. What fundamental truths or issues do you feel strongly about? These could be:

• Social or political issues
• Philosophical questions
• Personal values or experiences
• Observations about human nature

Integrate theme organically. Rather than preaching, let your themes emerge through:

• Characters' actions and decisions
• Conflicts and their resolutions
• Symbolism and metaphor
• Dialogue and character growth

Allow characters to embody different perspectives on your themes, creating a nuanced exploration rather than a one-sided argument. Remember that a powerful theme often arises from the tension between opposing ideas or values.

Last updated: January 22, 2025