Rebecca Hartwell, developmental editor, continues with the story savvy series as she tackles how to spot plot holes and character inconsistencies. To help you turn your good story into a great one, learn about editing fantasy novels through writing strong plots and fixing story problems in this week’s episode, Episode 19 of 52-Week Story Savvy.

In this episode, editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and guest host sla Elrick [suemillsauthor.com], author of contemporary romance of Whispers of New England,standing in for Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] work through how to identify common pitfalls that lead to plot holes, contradictions, and character inconsistencies. They also cover how to use fresh eyes and feedback effectively without compromising your creative vision.

You’ll learn techniques to:

Detect inconsistencies and contradictions like a new reader would

Repair plot holes without derailing the story

Maintain clear and consistent character goals and backstories

Seed character growth naturally to avoid sudden shifts

Use detailed character sheets to prevent errors

Whether you’re a first-time novelist or an experienced writer polishing your latest draft, this episode offers actionable strategies to keep your story coherent, believable, and engaging for your audience.

In This Episode:

Identifying and addressing plot holes

Evaluating reader feedback effectively

Fixing character inconsistencies

Balancing complexity with clarity

Planning plot repairs without creating new issues

Using fresh techniques to strengthen story logic

Recommended Resources:

Hartbound Editing Services – [https://hartboundediting.com]

Authors’ Alcove Membership Community – [http://authorsalcove.com]

Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]

[00:00] Introduction

[01:16] Guest Spotlight: Sue Mills

[03:17] What Are Plot Holes?

[06:11] Solving Significant Plot Issues

[09:04] Handling Reader Critiques

[11:51] Weighing Plot Fixes and Story Impact

[12:30] Methods for Repairing Plot Gaps

[14:54] Spotting Character Inconsistencies

[18:49] Addressing Character Feedback

[22:10] Typical Character Continuity Mistakes

[26:52] Character Development vs. Out-of-Character Moments

[29:09] Shapeshifting Characters and Unexpected Twists

Want plot development tips such as how to build tension in a scene, conflict escalation in stories, and how to build character-driven conflict? Listen as Rebecca Hartwell, developmental editor of Hartbound Editing, shares exactly what you need to make your good story into a great one in episode 18 of 52-Week Story Savvy Self-Editing Series

This week, editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] teams up with Guest host Lindsey Luther [lyndseyluther.com] , author of speculative fiction fantasy book - Greencloack (filling in for aspiring author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com]) to tackle the essential craft of building character-driven plots that feel inevitable, yet surprising. Together, they unpack why well-motivated characters and escalating conflict are the keys to keeping your narrative taut and emotionally charged.

Rebecca Hartwell explains how to:

• Craft character decisions that naturally propel the plot forward.

• Align character goals with theme and genre expectations.

• Introduce obstacles that reveal character growth, not just add drama.

They also explore how to layer internal and external stakes so that every scene matters, and why pacing is about more than just “action.” You’ll get practical tips for revising passive scenes, enriching your midpoint, and making sure your climax delivers both a payoff and a punch.

If you’re struggling with meandering plots or flat character arcs, this episode will give you the tools to restructure and reinvigorate your story.

In This Episode:

• What Story Intensity Really Means

• Finding the Right Intensity for Your Genre & Audience

• Easy Ways to Dial Intensity Up (or Down)

• Why Your Descriptions Can Make or Break Intensity

• Matching Emotional Feels with Physical Action

• How to Let Intensity Flow Naturally

• Pacing vs. Intensity — Making Them Dance Together

• Tips for Keeping Your Intensity Fresh and Varied

• Boosting (or Soothing) Intensity Without Raising the Stakes

Recommended Resources:Hartbound Editing Services – [https://hartboundediting.com]Authors’ Alcove Membership Community – [http://authorsalcove.com]Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]Story Grid – https://storygrid.comSave the Cat – https://savethecat.com

[00:00] Intro[01:00] What Story Intensity Really Means

[02:22] Finding the Right Intensity for Your Genre & Audience

[05:00] Easy Ways to Dial Intensity Up (or Down)

[08:40] Why Your Descriptions Can Make or Break Intensity

[10:40] Matching Emotional Feels with Physical Action

[12:12] How to Let Intensity Flow Naturally

[15:52] Pacing vs. Intensity — Making Them Dance Together

[17:40] Tips for Keeping Your Intensity Fresh and Varied

[21:50] Boosting (or Soothing) Intensity Without Raising the Stakes

Ever wonder what are stakes in fiction and how to build tension in a scene? Rebecca discusses things like character-driven conflict, high-stakes storytelling and much more as us writers learn how to edit our book ourselves. In this high-impact episode of 52-Week Story Savvy, editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and guest host standing in for Christine Nicholas aspiring author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] break down the crucial role of stakes in storytelling—and how to raise them without losing reader trust.

Together, they define what stakes really are (hint: it's not always life or death!) and how to weave them seamlessly into your plot using tools like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and stakes spectrums. You’ll discover how to analyze global and chapter-level stakes, keep scenes engaging, and avoid common missteps like artificial plot twists and inconsistent tension.

Whether you're writing a slow-burn fantasy, a fast-paced thriller, or character-driven fiction, this episode will help you pinpoint what your characters stand to lose—and why it matters.

In This Episode:

• The difference between goals, motivations, and stakes

• Using Maslow’s Hierarchy to layer character needs

• Chapter-by-chapter vs. global stakes

• Varying stakes to avoid a flat narrative

• Literal, figurative, and internal life-or-death spectrums

• How to escalate stakes without breaking believability

• Why readers must understand the stakes by the midpoint

• A self-editing checklist for testing stakes scene by scene

Recommended Resources:

• Developmental Editing Services – [https://hartboundediting.com]

• Authors’ Alcove Membership Site – [http://authorsalcove.com]

• Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]

• Story Grid – https://storygrid.com

• Save the Cat – https://savethecat.com

• Wired for Story by Lisa Cron

[00:00] Intro

[01:07] Defining Stakes in Storytelling

[03:07] Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Stakes

[04:10] Chapter vs. Global Stakes

[06:05] Variety in Stakes

[07:59] Identifying and Strengthening Stakes

[09:01] Types of Stakes Beyond Life and Death

[14:14] Exploring Internal and External Stakes

[16:21] Assessing the Power of Stakes

[19:00] Establishing Stakes Without Death

[21:05] Grounding Stakes in the Narrative

[23:01] Raising Stakes Gradually

[26:37] Determining Global Success or Failure

[28:01] Timing the Revelation of Stakes