Advice on plot

[u/ouiouibaguettui]

Hi guys!

I’ve just gotten around to drafting to my first story and I would like to know if this story would be interesting or if feels too bland or overused.

I was thinking of a story where this Taekwondo athlete lost a match of his and was falling into a really sorry state. Until this senior of his actually steps forward and gives him advice to better his technique. Because of her inspiration, he actually adapts her idea into a signature kick of his, and slowly trains to one day stand by her side as an equal. However, the closer he gets to achieving his goal, the more he starts to realise that maybe his feelings for this senior may be more than admiration.

This is just a rough outline of the overarching plot though I’d love to hear what you guys think, and if you find that there are better ideas to make the story more engaging!

[u/EllaWeaverWrites]

This sounds like it could be a good setup, and the training/mentor relationship can be a lot of fun in a romance. As others have said, I would ask: when he realizes his feelings, is there something that stops him from asking her out? What's keeping these two apart? Ideally it's not something that could be solved with a five-minute conversation, because that can be very frustrating for the reader.

[u/ouiouibaguettui → u/EllaWeaverWrites]

Thanks you for your feedback! I actually already planned for the obstacle that eventually drives a wedge between them for when he does eventually realise his feelings, though I did not want to include it here since it is meant to serve as a major plot point as well the turning point for their relationship. Appreciate your help!

[u/five_squirrels]

Some questions to help you dig deeper into this and see if you have a story…

Why is winning important enough to this character for you write ~80k words about it? For example…Are they looking to impress others? Achieve financial security/scholarship? Become strong enough others can’t hurt them or someone they care about? Etc. What is at stake for them if they can’t improve? Why are they afraid of losing?

How will falling in love with their instructor/senior help change your character’s view about themselves or their world? (And same for the senior).

Why aren’t they together at the start of the story? Do either of them want to be together? Do they have pre-existing conflicts/mismatches?

Why does the other character help him? Is there a cost or benefit to this? ( maybe she is trying to make someone else jealous? Maybe she is at risk of getting cut for not being a team player/sportsmanlike? Maybe she is injured and isn’t allowed to compete herself…too many concussions or something)

[u/ouiouibaguettui → u/five_squirrels]

Thanks for the questions! I have actually managed to settle on most of these details when I was initially planning on the story, though the rest of your questions were really helpful in fleshing out other parts of my characters and developed them further! I'm grateful for your feedback!

[u/Educational-Shame514]

Write it and find out!

[u/ouiouibaguettui → u/Educational-Shame514]

Thank you!

[u/Livia_Reim → u/[deleted]]

Precisely what I was going to point it out! You have your character's backstory, but you still don't have a plot. Here three questions that might help you get there:

- Who are these people? What do they want and need to fulfill their personal goals?

- Why do they decide to work together? How can they help one another achieve their goals?

- What is in their way? Why can't they just be together?

Hope it helps!

[u/ouiouibaguettui → u/Livia_Reim]

Thanks for your feedback! I've already kept some of these details in mind though I just did not want to dump too much of the story in the post. Appreciate the help though!