“Unlocking the Secret Ingredient: How One Simple Storytelling Tip Transformed My Boring Plot!”
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the endless cycle of storytelling where everything seems to lead you in circles? The outline looks perfect on paper—“this happens, and then that happens”—but somewhere along the way, it feels like it’s lost its spark or, worse yet, your readers might get bored! It’s a classic conundrum that many writers face: how do you breathe life into a sequence of events that seems perfectly sensible but utterly flat?
In this revealing article, I share the moment I stumbled upon a gem of wisdom from the creators of South Park that reshaped my entire approach to plotting. You won’t need to be a fan of the show to grasp this vital storytelling tip. The secret? Shift your storytelling from “and then” to “but” and “therefore.” This clever pivot not only adds momentum to your narrative but also creates tension—exactly what keeps readers glued to the pages. Join me as we explore this refreshing concept and transform those dull outlines into gripping tales!
It’s useful for outlining, but also when you get stuck
I’ve been working on the outline for my current WIP, Ghost in the Attic, and I ran into a problem. You probably know the one. It’s when you outline a story that feels fine on paper — this happens, and then this happens, and then this happens — and it feels flat.
It’s not that the story is terrible. The chain of events makes sense, and you can see the progression. But there’s no spark. No momentum. No tension. And if it’s not engaging to outline, how’s it supposed to keep readers turning the pages?
This realization led me to a storytelling concept that completely shifted how I think about plotting. I saw a YouTube video by the screenwriters of South Park a few weeks ago that put thing in perspective. I’ll admit — I’ve never really been into the show. I gave it a try once or twice, but the humor just wasn’t for me. Still, you don’t need to be a fan of South Park to understand how and why this tip works.
The big takeaway? Stop using “and then” to link events. Use “but” and “therefore” instead. That’s it.
The Problem with “And Then”
Outlines that rely on “and then” are straightforward. Something happens, and then something else…
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