It’s surprisingly easy to introduce a plot hole when writing a longer story. A character might know information they were never told, an important object might disappear between scenes, or a rule established early in a fantasy novel might suddenly stop applying when the protagonist needs an easy solution.
What methods do you use to check a story for these problems?
I’ve been thinking about how useful a simple timeline can be. Recording where characters are, what they know, which objects they have, and how much time has passed can reveal inconsistencies that are difficult to notice when reading individual chapters.
Another useful technique is to ask why characters make certain decisions. If a supposedly clever character ignores an obvious solution, there should be a believable reason, such as missing information, conflicting priorities, emotional pressure, or a genuine limitation.
Do you use spreadsheets, chapter summaries, character notes, or a dedicated continuity document? Share your process, especially if you have found a way to catch inconsistencies without making editing feel overwhelming.