Write Great Fiction - Plot & Structure

JSB Dispels The Lie!

There are a lot of books out there whose author claims they'll teach you how to write a novel. It's been my experience that most of them are full of fluff. Not this one. In the book's introduction Bell speaks about The Lie. I've heard. I know you've heard it. Or at least felt it as you looked at your writing and that of published authors. The Lie is that writers are born. In other words you can't be taught how to write. You either can do it or you can't. End of story. Bell confesses that he burned ten years of writing time in belief of this lie. That comforts me. I've always written something. It started with what we now call journaling. Then went to poetry and song writing. Then short stories and scripts. Finally novels. But somewhere along the way I bought The Lie. I didn't know any of the techiques and methods. I didn't know what to do with a manuscript once I finished one. So I never did. Until this year. I have one completed novel manuscript and two more in the works. I own this accomplishment, in part, to James Scott Bell's Plot & Structure put out by Writer's Digest. He wanted to make things simple and accessible for the average Joe. I believe he accomplishes this goal. I now understand things that for a long time eluded me. Things like Character Arcs and the Three Act Structure. I'd read other books claiming to explain these things and came to the final page of said books scratching my head. That one novel I've finished? I was writing it when I picked a copy of P & S. One piece of advise changed my manuscript immediately. I had a good idea. I just didn't start the thing in a way that would compel must folks to want to continue after the first paragraph. With Bell's advice in hand, I rewrote the first chapter and saw a whole new novel and greater potential. And that was just one piece of advice. He covers everything I could think to ask if I could sit with him for a couple hours and pick his brain. And more I never thought of. He explains what a plot is. Developing plot ideas. Stong beginnings. Continuing middles (arguably one of the most difficult things about writing a novel). And ending well so that you and the reader resolve the plot. He provides several pieces of advice to help you learn plot. He explains a simple way to develop plot, The LOCK system. He talks about characters, settings, dialogue, action, reaction. He discusses various plots that are used over and over again successfully. He shares what he calls the BELL Pyramid in the chapter on ideas. He covers hooks to keep your reader turning those pages. He explains scenes in detail the different kinds and how they work. There is so much to this amazing book. I haven't given you half of what's in there. I want you to find out for yourself. By this book! If you've ever dreamed of writing a novel, this book will give you the tools and teach you how to use them properly. After reading Plot & Structure I emailed JSB to thank him for writing such a wonderful, practical book. He responded, that same evening I believe, with a very kind note of thanks and well wishes for my own writing. I heard he was a nice guy. Now I know it's true. :-) Not that I've ever doubted it. Too many authors I know have said so.

17 out of 17 people found this review helpful.

I'll add to the praise

Flat out the best book on writing I've run across. James Scott Bell's text is straight forward and clear, telling you a lot of things you didn't know (and confirming a lot of things you knew but didn't know you did). I doubt every writer will agree with him on everything- nor should you. A significant part of writing involves making a conscious decision to bend or break some of the rules set forth in the writing books. Bell fills his chapters with plenty of excellent examples from many genres, which means that anyone from a mystery to sci-fi to literary to everything in between.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

An absolute MUST for any writer

This is by far the best book I have EVER purchased for writing. It changes the way you think, orangize your novel and ultimately write. THE KEYS THAT THIS BOOK GIVES YOU, MAKES YOUR WORK PUBLISHABLE!!!! Absolutely, buy it. Your writing will change from amateur to professional!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Excellent Help for Novelists

I am currently writing my fifth published novel and found this book to be very helpful in the process of both refining my plot and my characters. The writing is clear, insighful, and specific enough to be of real use. The examples and end-of-chapter questions are extremely useful. I highly recommend this excellent book both for beginning and seasoned novelists.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Writte Great Fiction - Plot & Structure, by James Scott Bell

If, like me, you are a novice writer and are looking for ways to improve your knowledge and expertise in a very competitive field, Write Great Fiction - Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell is a "must have" for your library. He effectively covers everything we writers need to know about developing plots and structuring our works in a way that both attracts and keeps our readers reading - and that's what writing is all about. I found this book both interesting and informative, packed with ideas and suggestions I am now employing in my own literary efforts.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Absolutely wonderful

James Scott Bell has written a book both entertaining and useful for aspiring writers. This book contains many exercises and ideas for coming up with an original plot. There are many ways to develop and hone an existing plot.

I loved this book and I would recommend it to anyone, but a word of caution: it won't make your plot for you.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

ONE OF THE BEST

PLOT & STRUCTURE, by James Scott Bell, is a comprehensive look at these aspects of fiction. This is an insightful study of plot and structure, together with practical tips and exercises on how to improve skills. I didn¿t agree with all of the author¿s thinking and explanation, but this is certainly one of the best books on these subjects. This is one of four in the Write Great Fiction series by Writer¿s Digest Books: 1)Plot & Structure 2)Character, Emotion & Viewpoint 3)Description & Setting and 4)Dialogue. Each volume provides an in-depth, thought-provoking look at its subject matter. All four belong in a novelist¿s reference library.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

One of the best writing books I have read

Whether you are published or just starting out, every writer should have Plot and Structure on his or her bookshelf. I have published three mysteries and I learned something from this book. Not only does Bell clearly explain structure, he also touches on other aspects of novel writing like character development. Bell writes in an informal easy to read style and even has a sprinkle of humor. The exercises at the end of each chapter are thought provoking and he provides numerous examples from bestsellers that make the concepts he is teaching easy to understand. This book is a good place to start for anyone thinking about writing a novel.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Bell instructs--and inspires!

I was about two weeks into the task of plotting and structuring a very convoluted time-travel novel when I received my copy of PLOT & STRUCTURE. I immediately delved into the book and gained valuable insights that enabled me to manage and harness the complexities of my story. And James Scott Bell doesn't merely instruct--he inspires. Let me show you what I mean. Near the end of the book, he writes: 'So what are you writing for? If it is only for money or fame, you'll miss the spark that makes both of those things possible. Go further. . . . Develop a vision for yourself as a writer. Make it something that excites you. Turn that into a mission statement--one paragraph that sums up your hopes and dreams as a writer. Read this regularly. Revise it from time to time to reflect your growth. . . . If you stay true to your own awe, your books cannot help being charged with meaning. That's not just a great way to write. It's a great way to live' [Page 204]. James Scott Bell has written a book you'll want to read straight through, then go back and refer to again and again. Powerful visual diagrams, practical exercises, techniques for brainstorming ideas, valuable tips and tools, and a checklist at the end makes this one of the most useful and user-friendly books on writing I've ever encountered. Whether you are an aspiring writer, just learning your trade, or an experienced pro, wanting to take your craft to the next level, I highly recommend PLOT & STRUCTURE.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

If you're a writer, you need this book

This is the book I wish I'd had years ago when I first started writing. This is the book I'm glad I have now even after 34 published books. Because Plot and Structure is a book that will guide, inspire and enlighten you no matter what stage you're in with your writing. It will help you get started with ideas, hook the reader with your first sentence, keep your story from drooping or stalling in the middle and carry you through to a knockout ending.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Death of Jughead? (Non-Warriors Related; Archie and Friends¿ Short Story)

Jughead whistled as he strolled down the street, spinning his beanie on one finger. He was headed to the Chok'Lit Shoppe to meet the gang. As soon as he stepped through the door, Archie waved and Pop Tate started shoveling together Jughead's usual, a sundae with a double chili-burger and a large frie. He noticed Veronica wasn't wearing any makeup. She looked ENTIRELY different. "Hey, Ronnie, decided to go natural for once or just run out of blush?" He said, and Veronica glared at him. "For your information, all of Daddy's investments were just foreclosed, so now we don't have money for FOOD, much less makeup." Jughead could see that she was holding back tears and opened his eyes wide. "Gee, Ronnie, I didn't think it could ever be POSSIBLE for you to go broke..." if looks could kill, Jughead would be dead in an instant. He got the hint and sat on the OPPOSITE side of the table from Veronica. (To be cont.)-Sparkfoot and Friends (;

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Massive amount of ideas to digest, great book

A really good book. It's not something that contains a wonderful secret of writing, because there is no secret of writing but to just keep at it and find what works for you. That said, it gave me some good ideas about different things to try to get back into a few different manuscripts that I have had sitting around half written for a year now.

It was also refreshing and something nice to read about all of the various examples from Melville, Stephen King, Dean Koontz and about a dozen other writers and what works for them. I haven't read any of this writers novels yet, but I plan on picking one up in the near future. Probably one of the ones he mentions in this book

Fantastic. Easy read.

I learned new things and refreshed some things I had forgot. Highlight as you go.

A MUST HAVE

Well organized; an awesome read, especially for novices like me. I found it hard to put it down. Author should consider writing a book on character creating using same format. Well done, James Bell.

Amazing for your craft

If you are writing or budding author this book is for you. Almost every book in the series is phenomenal, but this one and the dialogue one are the best.

You will learn small things to keep in mind on every line, scene, page, and chapter that will make your literary style flourish. I have turned my book from a great story and good writing-- into a fantastic story with author quality word-smithing.

fine, but not great

It's good for the basics and easily readable, but it's nothing spectacular either.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent! Just Great!

Such a helpful, meaty book on how to plot and structure a novel. Cannot recommend it enough The process is outlined -- one, two, three. Examples abound. You will not be disappointed.

Great Book to use when planning your story!

I've read plenty of books on plotting and this one by James Scott Bell is the best. You will refer to this again and again.

In a class by itself

Over the years, I¿ve acquired a sizeable number of books on writing. Most were read, then passed along. Some remain on my bookshelf, to be consulted when needed and loaned out to those I trust to return them. And then there are the select few I keep all to myself. Plot & Structure is one of those. James Scott Bell leads the reader through the intricacies of plotting in a clear, easy-to-follow style that is as inspiring as it is informative. Buy a copy, read the material and work through the exercises. If you plan to loan it out, buy two. Whatever you do, keep a copy for yourself. You¿ll refer to it again and again.