The Plotting Novelist's Workout Guide: Step-by-Step Exercises to Craft Compelling and Memorable Stories

Plotting: A Novelist's Workout Guide

by Miriam Hoffman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1261 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	431 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Every novelist knows that plotting is essential to creating a well-written story. But what exactly is plotting, and how do you do it well? This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about plotting a novel, from the basics to the advanced techniques.

We'll start with the basics: what is plotting, and why is it important? Then, we'll move on to the different types of plots. Once you understand the basics, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of plotting, with step-by-step exercises to help you create a compelling and memorable story.

What is Plotting?

Plotting is the process of planning out the events of your story. It's like a roadmap that you can follow as you write, making sure that your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

A good plot will keep your readers engaged and guessing what will happen next. It will also make it easier for you to write your story, because you'll have a clear idea of what you're trying to achieve.

Why is Plotting Important?

There are many reasons why plotting is important. Here are a few of the most important:

• Plotting helps you to create a cohesive story.
• Plotting helps you to keep track of your characters and their motivations.
• Plotting helps you to avoid plot holes.
• Plotting helps you to write a story that is satisfying to your readers.

The Different Types of Plots

There are many different types of plots, but they can all be classified into three main categories: linear, episodic, and cyclical.

• Linear plots are the most common type of plot. They have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and the events of the story follow a logical progression.
• Episodic plots are made up of a series of unrelated episodes. Each episode can be read on its own, but they all contribute to the overall story.
• Cyclical plots are stories that end where they began. The events of the story repeat themselves, often with different outcomes.

Step-by-Step Exercises to Craft a Compelling Plot

Now that you understand the basics of plotting, it's time to dive into the nitty-gritty. Here are some step-by-step exercises to help you create a compelling and memorable plot:

1. Identify Your Story's Conflict

Every good story needs a conflict. This is the central problem that your characters must overcome. The conflict can be internal (a character's struggle with themselves) or external (a character's struggle with the world around them).

2. Create a Climax

he climax is the turning point of your story. This is where your characters finally face their conflict head-on. The climax should be exciting and suspenseful, and it should leave your readers wondering what will happen next.

3. Resolve Your Conflict

The resolution is the end of your story. This is where your characters finally overcome their conflict. The resolution should be satisfying and believable, and it should leave your readers feeling satisfied.

4. Add Subplots

Subplots are smaller stories that run alongside your main plot. They can be used to add depth and complexity to your story, or to provide comic relief.

5. Revise and Edit

Once you have a complete draft of your plot, it's time to revise and edit. This is a crucial step in the writing process, and it can help you to improve your story's pacing, clarity, and overall impact.

Plotting is an essential part of the writing process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a compelling and memorable plot that will keep your readers engaged from beginning to end.

So what are you waiting for? Start plotting your next novel today!

Image credits:

• Workout-guide-cover.jpg: Pexels

Plotting: A Novelist's Workout Guide

by Miriam Hoffman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1261 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	431 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE