I'm guest blogging today on Heather Cashman's blog
(Can't help seeing John Cusack every time I hear the name of that blog)
Here is a taste of the post
and click below for more tips on plotting.
Plotting, Plotting, Plotting Along…
Nothing ruins great characters like a bad plot.
If I was to ever speak at a writers conference I think the
title of my class would be “My Story Sucks. Now What?” because this is the
topic that I am the most familiar with.
I can’t count the number of times I have come to a point in
my story where I said, “Why, oh why does this suck so bad?”
So, I am here to tell you what I have learned.
It’s the plot.
At least with my stories, I need to tighten the plot.
Easier said than done.
Can I share with you some of the ways that I have discovered what in
the plot needs fixing?
Thanks, Shelly. I like the 9-step outline as a starting point.
ReplyDelete*heads over*
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across your blog today and really liked the 9-step outline too! Really interesting. Can't wait to hear more!
ReplyDelete- http://pensuasion.blogspot.com/
Love the title of your class! So awesome. I'll have to go check out your post now! :)
ReplyDeleteWait, my story sucks because of a 404 error?
ReplyDeleteOnly a true friend would tell you that The Former 786.
ReplyDelete(I think I fixed the link error- try again)
If you ever speak in a writer's conference, I want to be in the audience. Really enjoyed your article.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't seen the 9-Step plotting program that you listed. It's looks effective. I tend to use Christopher Vogler's "The Writer's Journey" and "Save The Cat" by Blake Snyder. Of course, most of these all say the same basic thing and we authors just pick the one that resonates best with us.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Shelly!
ReplyDeleteOoo, wow! You picked a great spot to leave a hook to make us click on that link! Gotta go now. I need to click on it.
ReplyDeleteHaha, that's a great speaking title; I love it. Thanks for sharing your plot fixing solutions. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great post! I'm off to read . . .
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed your post - I tend to start my plotting with the stimulus and effect method - hence avoids any plot holes and allows me to see conflicts... but I've just learnt a few new things... awesome.
ReplyDeleteOkay, the chart is SUPER impressive!
ReplyDeleteShelly,
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I can't wait to use them on my newest idea and see how bad it sucks! ;)
Great selection of sucky movies. :)
ReplyDelete