|
|
 |
Plotting 101
Plotting... the headaches it can bring! Well, help is at hand. Amongst the dozens of articles here, on every aspect of plotting, you're sure to find something to start the wheels turning...
|
Where Do You Get Your Ideas? Part 1
Vashti Farrer
Over the years, I've been asked "Where do you get your ideas?" more than any other question, and the answer is always the same - ideas are all around us, we only have to be receptive to them. No two artists painting the same still life will produce identical pictures. Each will bring his unique vision to his canvas and the same can be said of writers. . . . keep reading
|
Before You Start to Plot
Marg McAlister
Before you start to plot your novel, you should think about two things: (a) your level of expertise in the subject and (b) your willingness to do the necessary research. Most novels have an 'Acknowledgements' section in which the author thanks various people who helped bring the book to fruition. This section often gives you an insight into how much research the author has had to do in the course of developing the plot... . . . keep reading
|
What Does Your Character WANT?
Marg McAlister
"What does your character want?" It seems like a simple question - yet it is one that can cause untold problems for some writers. They fuss and fiddle about with all manner of MINOR things that the character wants, and totally miss the big one! . . . keep reading
|
Robert McKee Part 1: Why Stories Don't Sell...
and How to Write One That Will
Wendy Nichols
Robert McKee claims we have lost the art of writing great stories. Our current stories are predictable and offer no real insights into the characters. But - and here's the good news - if you can tell a great story, it's a sellers' market. The best raconteurs, he claims, grab your attention, then twist and turn you emotionally, ending with a smashing climax... . . . keep reading
|
Structure Versus Outlines
Lynda Davies
You may remember from my last article the conversation I had with my supervisor about structure and the book he recommended I read - Story: Substance, structure, style and the principles of screen-writing by Robert McKee. Initially my heart sank when he told me to get the book from the library. I had a complete first draft ready for editing. If I needed help understanding structure, how much more work was the draft going to need? . . . keep reading
|
Host Your Own Workshop
Marg McAlister
Attending a writers' workshop can be a tremendous buzz. Just one day in the company of other writers can give you insights into your craft, new techniques to try, a slew of ideas for your plot, a warm sense of fellowship... and above all, renewed enthusiasm for your writing. You may not ever have thought of hosting your own writers' workshop, but it's a great way to touch base with other writers and learn at the same time. . . . keep reading
|
Crossing Genres or Age Groups
Marg McAlister
For one reason or another, you might be thinking of switching genres, or changing from one age group to another. What are the problems you might encounter? Do you have to re-learn or un-learn anything? What are the differences, say, in writing for adults when you've been used to writing for children - or vice versa? . . . keep reading
|
Turning Points in a Novel
Marg McAlister
Put simply: a turning point in a story is A POINT AT WHICH THINGS CHANGE. You should be able to find a turning point in most of your scenes: it's an indication that your story is moving forward. Any story is full of degrees of change, or small changes. However, you need to clearly understand your story's MAJOR turning points. These are the ones you want to play up. . . . keep reading
|
Pandemic Swine & Fiction Prediction in Novels
Hazel Edwards
In my novel 'Outback Ferals' (the ferals were the pigs, not the locals!) infection details were carefully researched with quarantine authorities. The implications of a pandemic threat were woven into the plot. My facts were right, but the story about Kyle the young undercover, eco- scientist sleuth was fiction. Why is my fiction prediction becoming nightly news? . . . keep reading
|
The Power of Brainstorming -
On Your Own or With a Group
Marg McAlister
So, it's official. You're stuck. Maybe you can't come up with a decent story idea. Maybe you've no idea of where to take the plot. Or possibly you're just losing patience with an intractable character. Whatever it is, you feel as though you're spinning your wheels. What can you do? Welcome to the power of brainstorming. . . . keep reading
|
5 Ideas for Plot Twists
Marg McAlister
I admit that this might start to sound a bit like the developments in your favourite (or most-hated) soap opera - but remember: readers LOVE to be surprised! Your job is to tread the fine line between giving them a plot twist that they didn't see coming, and having them roll their eyes and groan because the twist is totally unbelievable. The best twists manage to come as a total surprise to your readers, while still being necessary to the plot. (Now THAT'S got to test your skills as an author!) . . . keep reading
|
The Opening Hook
...and the Follow-Up!
Marg McAlister
When I read a first chapter, I'm hoping to become involved from the very first sentence, or at least by the end of the first page. Sometimes that does happen; particularly when the writer is entering a competition designed for that purpose! All too often, though, the writer fails to involve me. Here are some problems I have noticed. . . . keep reading
|
Mind-Mapping Your Story
Marg McAlister
If you're in contact with other writers, you already know that everyone has different methods of coming up with that essential outline. Some writers can work only in a very structured way, using headers, sub-headers, explanatory paragraphs and bullet points. Others can't conceptualise the plot or article unless they scribble ideas in clusters or bubbles, joining related ideas with connecting lines. . . . keep reading
|
Always Ask "Why?"
Marg McAlister
For many years, I've been a tutor for students undertaking courses in writing romance, crime or children's stories. In that time, I've marked thousands of assignments. I've seen hundreds of plots, thousands of scenes, millions of words. And if I had to give writers one piece of advice after seeing all those millions of words, it would be this: always ask 'WHY?' . . . keep reading
|
The "ONE-HOUR Plotting Guide"
Our terrific 'ONE HOUR PLOT' gets real results! Don't spend weeks working out your basic plot structure - do it in an hour, then tweak! Download this from the member downloads section and see why everyone's raving about it... . . . keep reading
|
|
|
|
|
Ann Harth
