Narrative Causality

The Logic of 'Because of That'

When a story feels like it’s dragging, the problem is often a lack of “causality.” Many writers fall into the trap of writing scenes that are connected by “and then.” Character A goes to the store, and then they meet a friend, and then it starts to rain.

A compelling plot is connected by “therefore” or “but.” Character A goes to the store, but they realize they’ve forgotten their wallet; therefore, they have to ask a stranger for help. This creates a chain of events where each link is forged by the one before it. If your scenes could be rearranged without changing the story, you don’t have a plot—you have a list.

The Monroe Minute
Look at two consecutive scenes in your draft. Can you replace the “and then” between them with a “therefore”?

Until the next page,
Sloane S. Monroe

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Sloane Shay Monroe

I don’t write to idealize love, but to explore it honestly, with emotional precision and depth.