How To Build The Plot When Writing Thriller Novels

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When writing a thriller novel, how does the author set up and develop the plot and build more detail?

The plot can be based on one basic concept. Then, it can evolve from that point, as the writing progresses.

Others will start with the idea and map out the plot in detail, before writing. That can be seen as formulaic. Once the plot is mapped out in detail, then one view might be that it becomes a task of filling in the gaps. Analytical readers will see these patterns in many techno thriller novels.

My preferred approach is to set out on the journey with a central idea, and let the story flow. My techno thriller 'Gate of Tears' was based on the extraction of gold from seawater.

Of course, that way, you don't know how it will end up. With technothrillers most writers will plan that the main character will survive. Why let him or her live? Well, it enables them to use the character in a sequel. Obvious.

'Gate of Tears' is set mainly in the Middle East, where the Strait known as the 'Bab el Mandeb' - its Arabic translation - is the southern gateway to the Red Sea. There is action in Alaska and London besides Djoibouti, and the geography helped the plot development. I would find it much more challenging to write a thriller novel that was set in a fairly constrained environment - say a prison.

Then there are other challenges. How can an author deal with a stage in the story where a character has been put in an apparently dead-end situation? Well, firstly, the author backtracks. 'Unwriting' is, for me, a copout and also loses an opportunity for deeper plot evolution. So, I wait and think, and sometimes it takes a few weeks to work out an answer (even by adding in some relevant context earlier in the book). I'll take a notebook and go for a walk. And another walk.

Another issue is 'what happens next'?

An author could do as the main character does in 'The Diceman' - identify some options and let the dice decide. It's an approach I haven't used myself, though I do think about options. That's the creative bit.

A fairly recent approach is to let the readers decide, publishing one or more chapters at a time and inviting reader input. I don't favour that.

Technology Input

With techno thrillers the technology itself can tell a story. And, then, if the author has some nous, the writer can extrapolate existing technology. I have a defence equipment blog feed which I monitor, and that unearths new technology for me. Then, recently on the television I saw the new Honda robot which can open and pour a drink from a can, and dance. It was scary, and the possibilities for techno thriller authors are clear. It's not sci-fi anymore - it's here.

These techniques all help the story evolve, whilst leaving space for creativity. My favourite though, is when I tell the main character 'Now, get out of that" and don't back off from finding a solution!

About the Author:
James Marinero is the author of 'Gate of Tears' - a topical techno thriller set in the Middle East. Espionage, aerial action, gold price manipulation - the action is gritty and relentless. Discover more at www.jamesmarinero.com Find out more about his writing at his blog



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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