The Greatest Plot-Twister Ever by Jennifer Uhlarik

The Greatest Plot-Twister Ever

by Jennifer Uhlarik

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”

(Philippians 4:19, NKJV).

As an author who writes more by the seat of her pants (versus one who plots everything), sometimes I scare myself. Publishers contract me to submit novels based on a synopsis of what I think will happen, but I draft each manuscript after signing the commitment. As a “pantster,” my stories inevitably take unexpected turns while I write. The path to “the end” often looks different than what I proposed. When plot points won’t fit the new narrative, I must figure things out as I go.

I love the creative freedom of being a “pantster,” but this method often leads to angst on a tight deadline. What if I can’t figure it out? Will the ending fall flat? What if I’m forced to rewrite several chapters to make things match? You might imagine the stress. Maybe you’ve lived it.

Before I start, I commit my stories to the Lord. I ask for his guidance. These works are his, so why do I worry?

Think of all the plot twists God weaved throughout the Bible. A brother sold into slavery by his own family becomes the second in command of the known world and rescues the very siblings who hurt him (Genesis 37-50). A nation enslaved by the world’s most powerful ruler not only plunders its oppressors, but escapes through miraculously parted sea waters before the waves drown the enemies pursuing them (Exodus 1-14).

The best example addresses humankind’s sinful separation from God (Genesis 3). After hundreds of years of temporary atonements (the entire Old Testament), God sent his own Son to fix things and men killed him (the Gospels). The enemy presumed itself triumphant, but Jesus rose from the grave and his death served as the once-for-all sacrifice to restore mankind to God. The enemy’s upended victory became God’s greatest plot twist ever!

The Bible is full of these unexpected story-teller’s delights. And if we submit our writing to The Greatest Plot-Twister Ever, he’ll provide us the perfect flourishes to make our stories sing.

Lord, please bless my writing time with creativity and fill my stories with your originality.

At twelve, Jennifer Uhlarik swiped a western novel from her brother’s bookshelf and fell in love with the genre. Since attaining a B.A. in writing from University of Tampa, she has published multiple westerns, finaled in and won various writing competitions, and appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband and fur-children. Connect with her at www.jenniferuhlarik.com.