A good story is like a river. It starts at one location and flows to another. Along the way, it passes over obstacles and around obstructions as part of the natural course of good storytelling. But not all stories flow properly. Given the chance, plots may swirl in ceaseless eddies. Scenes drift into side streams, diverting the story from its intended destination.

The goal of the author is to guide the flow. Dig out those rocks and logs creating a dam. Keep the story contained within the banks of the river. Don’t try to steer your story. Tend it. Guide it towards its natural destination. Let it flow.