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Book Review & Contest Insights from Real Reviews and Submissions
What separates great books from the rest? Below are articles with insights from real reviews and contest submissions—what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve your book. You’ll also find a wide range of articles covering writing, publishing, marketing, and more. Each article has a Comments section so you can read advice from other authors and leave your own.
Why Some Books Win Awards (And Most Don’t) — Insights From Real Contest Submissions New!
What separates award-winning books from the rest? After evaluating contest submissions across a wide range of genres, certain patterns become clear. Some books consistently rise to the top. Others, even with strong ideas and clear effort behind them, fall short. The difference is rarely dramatic—it...
What We’ve Learned From Reviewing Hundreds of Thousands of Books (And Why Most Don’t Stand Out) New!
After reviewing and evaluating books across thousands of submissions over the past two decades, certain patterns become impossible to ignore. Some books immediately stand out to reviewers. Others—even well-intentioned ones—fade into the middle or fall short. The difference is rarely luck. It comes down to...
Writing a Plot That's Just a Series of Unfortunate Coincidences!
Crafting a story by relying on the ordinary can get stale. To write a great story, writers have to unleash their imaginations and dive into the extraordinary. Imagine a plot that unfolds as a thrilling series of unfortunate events. Won't that keep readers on the edge of their seats? This kind of narrative will be filled with suspense and humor as characters navigate a whirlwind of increasingly absurd situations and outrageous coincidences. Buckle up because this is where creativity ignites, and surprises are just around the corner.
But understand—not just any random string of calamities will suffice. It's important to link these unfortunate events in a way that makes the story enjoyable and memorable. To start, create a sense of normalcy to grab the reader's attention. This makes the sudden onset of trouble feel even more surprising and exciting. Also, avoid rushing into coincidences. First, allow your audience to settle in and feel comfortable (or complacent) before unleashing chaos into their world. Set character goals that spark intrigue. What do your characters fervently desire? These ambitions are the fuel that can propel your plot forward. Let the coincidences serve as formidable obstacles, generating conflict and enhancing the drive of the narrative.
Now, let's dive into the creation of those unfortunate coincidences. These events might seem random, but they need to connect, even if the threads are slightly frayed. Think of a minor misfortune triggering a series of unlikely events— just like a domino effect. Now, it's also important to keep your ideas fresh; avoid using the same type of coincidence repeatedly. Instead, include a mix of different themes to add depth to your storytelling.
Next, focus on how your characters respond—this is vital for your story! It's not just about coincidences; their reactions create excitement. Do they panic? Do they give up in despair? Or do they work hard to find solutions? Their responses make them enjoyable and drive the plot forward. Explore their emotional struggles with lousy luck—let frustration, anger, and even dark humor show through. When readers connect with the characters' challenges, it enhances even the most unusual stories.
Finally, we reached the end. In a story filled with challenges, it's important to have a resolution that leaves the reader amazed. This doesn't need to be a happy ending; it can be a moment of acceptance, a change in perspective, or a surprising coincidence that provides closure. Avoid the cliché of deus ex machina. Don't introduce an unbelievable solution that solves all the problems; this feels empty and unsatisfying. Make sure your ending fits the tone and logic of your story so readers feel both thrilled and satisfied.
While these ideas can become supportive pillars for such an unusual but engaging plot, the writer's imagination is the key. Writing a plot that's just a series of unfortunate coincidences can play with the writer's balance and understanding of human emotions, but with enough finesse, it will produce an unforgettable story. So, brush up on your creativity and dive in.
Written by Readers’ Favorite Reviewer Manik Chaturmutha