What to do with Vampires?!

[Luxuria]

I have a vampire story that I don't know what to do with. The characters are solid, but I am kind of lost for plot? I had one originally, but I felt like it should be BIGGER or something. I have the vampire lore down and I think it's great. It's a modern story. I just feel like I could make a better plot? Because the first version was wrapping up to quickly. I had planned for a 50K book, but I was feeling the character conflicts/plot resolve at 10K words. Which was weird. So, I would like some thoughts. The old plot evolved around modern vampire politics, more or less. Note, in this story, Vampires have no ties to religion or whatever. The lore is very different from Dracula or whatever- but no, they don't sparkle.

This story took place somewhere in the US. I couldn't figure that out, either. But it didn't really matter all that much to me.

The cast is good. I had an aspiring politician, a ambitious paralegal, and an acquitted murderer-now med-student and a happy HUMAN single-mom as the main cast. But now, I feel like I need to reshuffle the story cards and make the plot better. For context, these four are best friends and the drama that happens in the story tested that. However, that plot only took me so far.

The external issues could have played a bigger role and were poised to do so, but it never unfolded the way I wanted. The external issues were, an upcoming election, a vampire supremacy group, and a true crime scandal. I feel like all of these are good events, but I still think there need to be more- something is missing and I would like your thoughts. Because I can't figure out WHAT do with these vampires!!!!!

Because I feel like every plot has been done before and there are certain ones that are not possible with the lore. No searching for cures, learning they are super-special-prophesy vampires, no ancient vampire families, etc. These vampires live in the real world are a semi-new social issue. Because vampires only appeared about 20-30 years in the world's past. So, I am kinda lost on what to do. Romance is kind of a background note, if there at all. I am just feeling like I have a great lore and cast, but the plot is lacking and I need help!!

Also, there are NO werewolves or ghosts. But it's possible there are zombies, because lore. And I am not interested in a vampire vs. zombie story as I am not a huge fan of zombies.

 

[Louanne Learning]

Who is the main character? What is his main goal or problem to be solved? How do the other characters help or hinder him? What obstacles stand in the way of him reaching his goal? What strange events occur to get him off track? How does he recover? What does he learn about himself in the process? What is your theme? Can you summarize the story in one sentence?

 

[Luxuria]

Who is the main character? What is his main goal or problem to be solved? How do the other characters help or hinder him? What obstacles stand in the way of him reaching his goal? What strange events occur to get him off track? How does he recover? What does he learn about himself in the process? What is your theme? Can you summarize the story in one sentence?

I think the politician is the main character as he goes through the arc of realizing he needs to leave his profession to go write. Because he really, deep down, wants to be a writer, but got caught up in politics. It's ruining his friendships and he's also scared of being alone. So, his biggest obstacle is himself and his ego. Because he really, really wants to be somebody, but knows its better if he quits. Not just for his sanity, but for the people he cares about.

The other people are trying to be helpful to him- although some are more prone to yelling than others.

Oh, yes. A few strange events. Such as suspicion on murder being cast again on one of his friends who was technically cleared of the charges. But that doesn't stop the media. Haha. Then, his paralegal friend having a case involving the Vampire Supremacy group that goes wrong. Not to mention his own campaign being bogged down by both of his friends and his campaign manager wanting him to never talk to them again for the sake of victory. It gets messy. I think he does recover slowly, once he hits rock bottom. Not sure what that IS yet, but... I'll figure it out. I think he learns that being true to yourself is more important than being someone important. The theme is "politics sucks and can ruin your life, so ignore them and enjoy life instead."

Summary: Dee is an aspiring politician who is forced to choose between his misplaced ambitions and his own integrity.

Does that help?

 

[Kallisto]

I have a vampire story that I don't know what to do with. The characters are solid, but I am kind of lost for plot? I had one originally, but I felt like it should be BIGGER or something. I have the vampire lore down and I think it's great. It's a modern story. I just feel like I could make a better plot? Because the first version was wrapping up to quickly. I had planned for a 50K book, but I was feeling the character conflicts/plot resolve at 10K words. Which was weird. So, I would like some thoughts. The old plot evolved around modern vampire politics, more or less. Note, in this story, Vampires have no ties to religion or whatever. The lore is very different from Dracula or whatever- but no, they don't sparkle.

This story took place somewhere in the US. I couldn't figure that out, either. But it didn't really matter all that much to me.

The cast is good. I had an aspiring politician, a ambitious paralegal, and an acquitted murderer-now med-student and a happy HUMAN single-mom as the main cast. But now, I feel like I need to reshuffle the story cards and make the plot better. For context, these four are best friends and the drama that happens in the story tested that. However, that plot only took me so far.

The external issues could have played a bigger role and were poised to do so, but it never unfolded the way I wanted. The external issues were, an upcoming election, a vampire supremacy group, and a true crime scandal. I feel like all of these are good events, but I still think there need to be more- something is missing and I would like your thoughts. Because I can't figure out WHAT do with these vampires!!!!!

Because I feel like every plot has been done before and there are certain ones that are not possible with the lore. No searching for cures, learning they are super-special-prophesy vampires, no ancient vampire families, etc. These vampires live in the real world are a semi-new social issue. Because vampires only appeared about 20-30 years in the world's past. So, I am kinda lost on what to do. Romance is kind of a background note, if there at all. I am just feeling like I have a great lore and cast, but the plot is lacking and I need help!!

Also, there are NO werewolves or ghosts. But it's possible there are zombies, because lore. And I am not interested in a vampire vs. zombie story as I am not a huge fan of zombies.

I read your post, and I'm not sure what you want. Just find a sport and throw the vampires in. I don't see what your issue is. Your post is too vague for me to point out any potential fix for a problem.

 

[DoctoreX]

I don’t think you can write a good vampire story without a white oak stake and the inevitable undead shashlik that follows.

 

[Louanne Learning]

down, wants to be a writer, but got caught up in politics. It's ruining his friendships and he's also scared of being alone. So, his biggest obstacle is himself and his ego. Because he really, really wants to be somebody, but knows its better if he quits. Not just for his sanity, but for the people he cares about.

The other people are trying to be helpful to him- although some are more prone to yelling than others.

Oh, yes. A few strange events. Such as suspicion on murder being cast again on one of his friends who was technically cleared of the charges. But that doesn't stop the media. Haha. Then, his paralegal friend having a case involving the Vampire Supremacy group that goes wrong. Not to mention his own campaign being bogged down by both of his friends and his campaign manager wanting him to never talk to them again for the sake of victory. It gets messy. I think he does recover slowly, once he hits rock bottom. Not sure what that IS yet, but... I'll figure it out. I think he learns that being true to yourself is more important than being someone important. The theme is "politics sucks and can ruin your life, so ignore them and enjoy life instead."

Summary: Dee is an aspiring politician who is forced to choose between his misplaced ambitions and his own integrity.

This is a story that can be written without the vampires.

So, if you want to make the main characters vampires, what twists does that add to the story? This is where you can run wild with your imagination. First, have a good handle on exactly what his motivations and ambitions are. Then, how does he measure integrity? Maybe he launches a fight against transparency laws, because that would reveal that he is a vampire. Maybe he tries to "drain the swamp" and finds out the real bloodsuckers are the humans. Maybe he's trying to end his own immortality as a martyr to the nation ... or .... the possibilities are endless...

 

[Luxuria]

This is a story that can be written without the vampires.

So, if you want to make the main characters vampires, what twists does that add to the story? This is where you can run wild with your imagination. First, have a good handle on exactly what his motivations and ambitions are. Then, how does he measure integrity? Maybe he launches a fight against transparency laws, because that would reveal that he is a vampire. Maybe he tries to "drain the swamp" and finds out the real bloodsuckers are the humans. Maybe he's trying to end his own immortality as a martyr to the nation ... or .... the possibilities are endless...

True. It could be written without vampires, but I find that idea boring. Oh, I like your question. Honestly, I don’t know. But his friends think he’s acting quite selfish and want to snap him out of it. As for if people know he’s a vampire, they do. Because vampires are just part of this story world.

 

[DoctoreX]

True. It could be written without vampires, but I find that idea boring. Oh, I like your question. Honestly, I don’t know. But his friends think he’s acting quite selfish and want to snap him out of it. As for if people know he’s a vampire, they do. Because vampires are just part of this story world.

Have you ever heard the term Chekhov’s gun? It’s a narrative principle that emphasizes that every element in a story should be necessary and relevant, while anything extraneous should be removed. In other words, if a story shows a gun hanging on the wall in the first act, it should go off by the third.

So, if a story includes a vampire, his vampirism should play a crucial role in the narrative - shaping the plot, influencing his actions, or driving the story’s conflict. Otherwise, the detail usually feels decorative rather than meaningful.

 

[Louanne Learning]

True. It could be written without vampires, but I find that idea boring.

I didn't mean to write it without vampires. I meant to take the vampires into account in your plot.

 

[Luxuria]

I didn't mean to write it without vampires. I meant to take the vampires into account in your plot.

Ah, yes! Thank you. Yeah, the vampires and the fact vampires are real are a major part of the plot. I just didn't want to get into it, because I am very protective of my story plot and lore. So I was giving more the general concept and the things I was struggling with. I think I am back to liking the plot. But I am not sure HOW to expand the plot so it doesn't just feel like too easy to resolve or too long for it's own good. Any thoughts?

 

[DoctoreX]

If you are able to resolve your plot in 10000 words, it means anything longer would feel bleak. It also means you need a better plot - another perspective, something the character must overcome...etc...
If I would be in your shoes - I would have my vampire for example collect medieval texts about Romania, catch AIDS from blood of a homeless person or be hunted by some wanabe Constantine.
Create a subplot.
But this is something noone can do for you.

 

[Luxuria]

If you are able to resolve your plot in 10000 words, it means anything longer would feel bleak. It also means you need a better plot - another perspective, something the character must overcome...etc...

Agreed. That's why I was wondering what do to expand the plot. But have more things to overcome is most likely the best path. I already have 4 POVs, one for each of the main characters of the friend group. So, I could just have things completely unravel and see what happens. I always like to think, 'what is the worst thing that can happen?' and go with that option. So, maybe it's a matter of just thinking more.

If I would be in your shoes - I would have my vampire for example collect medieval texts about Romania, catch AIDS from blood of a homeless person or be hunted by some wanabe Constantine.
Create a subplot.
But this is something noone can do for you.

Haha, those all sound like fun ideas. But yes, a subplot is needed and I should work on it. I think maybe something with the evil Vampire Group would be good.
And yeah, of course it is something I need to do myself. I was NOT at all expecting anyone to hand me a subplot, but merely be present and bring suggestions to my brainstorming session.

 

[Tallyfire]

Summary: Dee is an aspiring politician who is forced to choose between his misplaced ambitions and his own integrity.

If I wanted to expand on that, my first thought would be: what consequences did his decision have? What happened after Dee gave up his life as a politician? What repercussions does that have on vampire/mortal society outside of this friend group? Does someone else step in to fill that power void and start to ruin things? Does Dee’s book get published and stir up feelings elsewhere that had long been buried? Vampires are usually immortal (although I don’t know if that’s the case for yours). In such a long-lived community, there’s sure to be old relationships and problem characters from the past. The story you described could just be Part 1, and what follows spirals outwards from there.

Otherwise: when I get stuck, I like to do this clustering exercise.

 

[Megumi]

To give you another lens to see your story through, it may help to explore KiShoTenKetsu. Here's an introduction to it:

The Ancient Art of Storytelling Without Conflict: A Guide to Kishotenketsu

 

[Luxuria]

To give you another lens to see your story through, it may help to explore KiShoTenKetsu. Here's an introduction to it:

The Ancient Art of Storytelling Without Conflict: A Guide to Kishotenketsu

Yeah, I have heard of this method and I think I actually tend to use it in my stories more than western plot points. Donno. I just feels more natural. I love it, honestly.

 

[Luxuria]

To give you another lens to see your story through, it may help to explore KiShoTenKetsu. Here's an introduction to it:

The Ancient Art of Storytelling Without Conflict: A Guide to Kishotenketsu

Actually. I DO think I do this. Because my plots aren’t obstacle based and it’s more about the characters and stuff. Yeah. That’s why it is hard for me to explain my stories in a three act structure. Which is what I was trying to do in my Vampire story that doesn’t work.

 

[Megumi]

Yeah, I have heard of this method and I think I actually tend to use it in my stories more than western plot points. Donno. I just feels more natural. I love it, honestly.

I grew up consuming a lot more Eastern stories than Western ones, so I also tend to write more along the lines of KiShoTenKetsu.

If you are interested in knowing more about this approach, you could try reading this book: The Four Movements: A First Look at Kishōtenketsu

 

[Megumi]

Actually. I DO think I do this. Because my plots aren’t obstacle based and it’s more about the characters and stuff. Yeah. That’s why it is hard for me to explain my stories in a three act structure. Which is what I was trying to do in my Vampire story that doesn’t work.

I had a lot of Writer's blocks when I tried to force my stories into Western structures. But now that I've understood that what feels more natural to me is an Eastern approach to storytelling, I'm back to enjoying my writing, and I haven't suffered from Writer's block in a long time.

 

[Luxuria]

I grew up consuming a lot more Eastern stories than Western ones, so I also tend to write more along the lines of KiShoTenKetsu.

If you are interested in knowing more about this approach, you could try reading this book: The Four Movements: A First Look at Kishōtenketsu

Same, honestly. I liked anime more than most other mediums, so I suppose my story telling was influenced. Thanks so much for the book recommendation. I will see if my library has it.

I had a lot of Writer's blocks when I tried to force my stories into Western structures. But now that I've understood that what feels more natural to me is an Eastern approach to storytelling, I'm back to enjoying my writing, and I haven't suffered from Writer's block in a long time.

Yeah... to me, western stories just feel stale? Boring? Like, they don't give you enough time to actually KNOW the characters and stuff. It's just Go, Go, GO! I like spending time with my characters and seeing what their daily life would be like (in this case being a vampire, etc.) I am so glad you haven't had writer's block. That's amazing. I think I should just then keep working on writing how I do. I think I also tend to MIX the two. The western climax of a story, isn't always a big battle, but a huge twist.

 

[Seven Crowns]

You want a moral crisis to flip his behavior at the midpoint. Then he starts approaching the behavior you want. So that's when he gives up politics and becomes a writer. That means the first section of the book shows the stakes (pun? haha) demanding that he stay where he is. So maybe he solves a lot of problems with his political connections, but there's always some negative that occurs, and at some point the culmination of all these negatives forces him to act, but instead of the political solution which seems to be his destiny, he turns and reverses. Then the second half of the book is a struggle ending with a big finale.

And remember, all characters have a goal. So your 4 end of story outcomes are:

1. gets what he wants, is pleased
2. gets what he wants, is depressed
3. doesn't get what he wants, is pleased
4. doesn't get what he wants, is depressed

#1 is the obvious ending (though not necessarily bad, Frodo made it to Mt. Doom, right?)
#2 and #3 are the interesting ones.
#4 can really irritate readers, though some people choose it