Comments on: First Steps in Plotting a Novel

By: Indian Book Publisher

Indian Book Publisher — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:13:16 +0000

Yes, thats a gret tip. When a writer has a clear descriptions about the protagonist and antagonist and setting ( backdrop ), the plot unveils and scenes can be constructed quite quickly as a writer can see a lot of opportunities for conflict. Sometimes, there is no antagonist, the protagonist is up and againest the setting. In either case having a clear picture or map of these main elements can help us to write better.

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:35:19 +0000

I love writing, but I can’t seem to get a story to go somewhere after I’ve started. This is the hardest thing for me, because I have plots in mind, I just can’t go anywhere. My father recently had his book published w/ Random House, so I want to be good enough to follow after him if he goes anywhere.

By: Lake

Lake — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:57:40 +0000

Great advice. I rely on #3, “Decide what the main character wants more than anything else in life.” Characters who are willing to kill or be killed for a goal are interesting and (usually) end up in interesting situations. Of course, as a horror writer I usually take what the character wants and turn it into something mean with sharp fangs… heh heh heh…

Thank you for sharing your journey. I appreciate it. Writers need more resources like this.

By: Douglas

Douglas — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:29:33 +0000

I’ve recently started a book called Scene and Structure by Jack M. Bickham. One thing he writes early on tweaked my previously bland assessment of Maeve’s points two and three.

He discusses developing the character’s self-concept, who _they_ think they are. Thwarting their perception. Then defining their goals at that point. Rinse and repeat. This angle on ‘the bio’ or this retreat to instruction zero so to speak helped me immediately see possibilities in plotting where before I’d only seen vapor.

I agree that 20 Master Plots is an excellent resource for understanding categories of plots. I had a harder time gleaning the “and how to build them” part, but hope with this new found resource will do better in the future.

By: Francisco Luciano Fernandes

Francisco Luciano Fernandes — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:45:12 +0000

Please, are there someone who can help me?
I’m looking for some books in creative writing and journalism.
My country (Angola) and city (Ndalatando) where I’ m living now
provide nothing about these issues.