: Re: How can I make the story less predictable? I'm working on my first novel. As I was going through the initial chapters, I felt that the story is quite simple and predictable (in the initial

@Samaraweera193

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Let's assume that you know that the plot has to go from point A through points, B, C, D and E to end up at point E. Each of these points represent some necessary action or revelation. The question is how to get from point A to point B. If the points were on a physical map, there might be a dozen or more different ways to travel: walking, car, train, bicycle, ox cart, hitchhiking, hot air balloon, and so on. What I suggest to you is that there are an equal number of ways to make the transition in your writing.
Let's assume, for example, that the plot calls for one of the characters to learn something that advances the plot. Make a list of all of the ways that the character could learn that something. Online search, overheard conversation, angry retort, a misdirected tweet or text, a news story on the radio or TV or cable show, and so on. Throw in the intent of the character: were they actively searching for the information or did they stumble upon it searching for something else? Once they had the information, did they believe it or think it fake news? Take an hour to list all of the combinations you can come up with for how the character acquires the necessary information. Pick one of these from the list, either by random chance or just picking one that prompts some thoughts about how to write the scene.
Do the same thing for each of the transitions that the plot requires. Be prepared to abandon the plot, because something interesting and unexpected popped up.

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