Plot & Structure (Write Great Fiction)

by James Scott Bell

Overview

Craft an Engaging Plot

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, including:

   • Techniques for crafting strong beginnings, middles, and ends
   • Easy-to-understand plotting diagrams and charts
   • Brainstorming techniques for original plot ideas
   • Thought-provoking exercises at the end of each chapter
   • Story structure models and methods for all genres
   • Tips and tools for correcting common plot problems


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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781582972947
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/06/2004
Series:	Write Great Fiction
Edition description:	Fifth Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.03(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.68(d)

About the Author

James Scott Bell is the #1 bestselling author of Plot & Structure, and thrillers like Deceived, Try Dying, Watch Your Back, and One More Lie (International Thriller Writers Award finalist), and is a Christy Award winner. His fiction has been reviewed in Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal, and the Library Review. A former trial lawyer, Bell now writes and speaks full time. He lives in Los Angeles.

Table of Contents

	Introduction: Putting the Big Lie to Sleep	1
Chapter 1	What's a Plot, Anyway?	6
Chapter 2	Structure: What Holds Your Plot Together	22
Chapter 3	How to Explode With Plot Ideas	35
Chapter 4	Beginning Strong	56
Chapter 5	Middles	79
Chapter 6	Endings	99
Chapter 7	Scenes	113
Chapter 8	Complex Plots	130
Chapter 9	The Character Arc in Plot	141
Chapter 10	Plotting Systems	152
Chapter 11	Revising Your Plot	172
Chapter 12	Plot Patterns	180
Chapter 13	Common Plot Problems and Cures	194
Chapter 14	Tips and Tools for Plot and Structure	206
Appendix A	Checklist: Critical Points	223
Appendix B	Creating Your Own Back Cover Copy	229
	Index	232

Editorial Reviews

02/01/2016
Bell (Revision & Self-Editing) explains how to write various fiction plots (including literary and genre versions) and offers practice exercises along the way. Also covered are brainstorming techniques, plot diagrams, story structure models, and more.

Library Journal