Authors: James Scott Bell
ISBN-13: 9781582972947, ISBN-10: 158297294X
Format: Paperback
Publisher: F+W Media, Inc.
Date Published: October 2004
Edition: (Non-applicable)
How does plot influence story structure? What's the difference between plotting for commercial and literary fiction? How do you revise a plot or structure that's gone off course? With Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure, you'll discover the answers to these questions and more. Award-winning author James Scott Bell offers clear, concise information that will help you create a believable and memorable plot Filled with plot examples from popular novels, comprehensive checklists, and practical hands-on guidance, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure gives you the skills you need to approach plot and structure like an experienced pro.
Bell, a lawyer-turned-writer (Deadlock), believes that plot is the single most compelling force in a novel and covers everything you've ever wanted to know about crafting a great one. He aims to dissuade readers of the "Big Lie" that writing can't be taught and embarks on a mission of upbeat instruction, using diagrams, exercises, and examples from popular fiction to explain numerous storytelling techniques that will grip readers by the seats of their pants. Plot, of course, is synonymous with popular fiction, a saleable genre, so this title will definitely find an audience. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Introduction : putting the big lie to sleep | 1 | |
Ch. 1 | What's a plot, anyway? | 6 |
Ch. 2 | Structure : what holds your plot together | 22 |
Ch. 3 | How to explode with plot ideas | 35 |
Ch. 4 | Beginning strong | 56 |
Ch. 5 | Middles | 79 |
Ch. 6 | Endings | 99 |
Ch. 7 | Scenes | 113 |
Ch. 8 | Complex plots | 130 |
Ch. 9 | The character arc in plot | 141 |
Ch. 10 | Plotting systems | 152 |
Ch. 11 | Revising your plot | 172 |
Ch. 12 | Plot patterns | 180 |
Ch. 13 | Common plot problems and cures | 194 |
Ch. 14 | Tips and tools for plot and structure | 206 |
App. A | Checklist : critical points | 223 |
App. B | Creating your own back cover copy | 229 |