The Plot Wholes Story

Frustrated that the characters in the books that I read never did what I wanted them to do, I became an author. No one warned me that the characters don’t listen to you—even when you’re writing the book!

 If you tell a non-writer that you’re stuck on your work-in-progress because your characters aren’t talking to you, or they’re refusing to go along with your plot, people look at you weird. They’re thinking ‘you’re the writer—aren’t you the one in charge?’

Writers get it.

It’s hard to describe what happens when you write. Maybe you plot, maybe you discover your story through writing. Maybe you start at the beginning, maybe you write the end first. At some point in your process, however, your story takes on a life of its own. For me, it happens most when I am writing a scene I’ve plotted previously and a character says or does something that takes the story in an entirely different direction.

When this happens, I’ve learned not to panic. Instead I take it as a sign that my story has come into its own, and I go with this new direction knowing I can replot later. My theory is that my subconscious is a lot smarter than I am and that if the story surprises me, it’ll surprise readers too.

A lot of writing advice out there talks about whether you should write to market, the advantages of plotting over pantsing, whether you need a developmental editor or a copy editor. There’s very little advice about trusting your gut, when you should choose the story over story structure and what to do when your imaginary friends aren’t doing what you’re telling them to do.

In over a decade of writing and publishing, I’ve learned things the hard way. Instead of trusting my writing, I’ve studied story structure, character and plot arcs and all aspects of story-telling. I’ve talked to other writers and copied their methods. I’ve even paid for coaching with industry leaders.

 

I had all the answers I needed all along—I just had to get out of my own way.

 

Every book is different. Every author and every story is unique. I’ve learned to embrace the process, trusting that the challenges I face along the way are there for a reason—and that reason is a better, truer story.

I started Plot Wholes to empower other authors to trust themselves and tell their authentic stories. Using my hard-won knowledge of story structure, character and plotting techniques, I offer a fresh and informed perspective on your work in progress. With the questions I ask and the advice I offer, I draw out your innate knowledge of your story, putting you back in charge.

Who knows? Maybe your characters will listen to me.

 

Gillian St. Kevern (she/they)

Gillian (she/they) has an in-depth knowledge of story gained through over a decade of study and practical experience working within the publishing industry, doing everything from assessing manuscripts for publication to copy and developmental editing.

In addition, Gillian has published over thirty stories in a variety of genres. Readers praise Gillian’s unique characters, atmospheric world-building and twisty plots, revelling in the fact that no two books are ever the same.

Gillian believes strongly in authentic representation in fiction, writing empowering queer fantasy that empowers their readers to embrace their truths. Gillian launched Plot Wholes in 2023 out of a desire to support fellow queer writers on their writing journeys, and now offers their services as a consultation to genre fiction writers at any stage of their journey.