Subplots are a connected sequence of events, just like any other plot; the difference is that this is a minor plot with fewer developments. It should affect the main plot in some important way--or else you should delete it--but it doesn't need the same development of a main plot. I am still plotting my trilogy, ...
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Don’t Plot Like I Do!
I’m warning you! Don’t plot like I do. I’ve been working on the plot of a new novel for about six weeks and I’m still stumbling around. I’ll describe the messy process here and hope that you manage to shortcut your own process. It started last year with an idea and a short story that gave backstory ...
General to Specific: From One Sentence to a Plot
So, I have a general outline of my story but the writing still isn't flowing. I realized that I need to break down major events into smaller sections, so I will know what to write. I've gone through two stages of plotting or outlining, each one getting more specific. Here's an example: 1. First, I stared with ...
Storytelling: One Surprising Approach to Plotting
Plotting is probably the hardest thing I do. I can explain to you 29 different plot templates. And I often write about plotting a novel. Theory, I know. And I know that I can plot a story pretty well. It's just HARD. The problem is that there are a series of inter-connected scenes which build to ...
Thanks, Optimus Prime: What the Transformers Can Teach Us About Plot
I am writing a science-fiction trilogy and I'd like it to have general appeal to kids and teens. So, recently, I went to see the new Transformers 4: Age of Extinction to see what I could learn. Here's one of the official movie trailers. If you can't see this video, click here. Transformer's Major Plot ...
Good-bye Confusing Subplot, Hello Book Contract
Guest post by Margo Dill It’s something we’ve heard if we belong to a critique group or have beta readers. “I really like your story, but. . .” Fill in the blank with suggested plot changes, readers’ confusion, flat characters, boring beginnings—you name it—I’ve heard it, and you probably have, too. So, when a member ...
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