Books on Plot
Romancing the Beat
Who doesn’t love a good romance!!! Like so many things in the challenge of writing, this is harder than it looks. This is a great book to walk you through plotting a romance.
“What makes a romance novel a romance? How do you write a kissing book?
Writing a well-structured romance isn’t the same as writing any other genre—something the popular novel and screenwriting guides don’t address. The romance arc is made up of its own story beats, and the external plot and theme need to be braided to the romance arc—not the other way around.
Told in conversational (and often irreverent) prose, Romancing the Beat can be read like you are sitting down to coffee with romance editor and author Gwen Hayes while she explains story structure. The way she does with her clients. Some of whom are regular inhabitants of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Romancing the Beat is a recipe, not a rigid system. The beats don’t care if you plot or outline before you write, or if you pants your way through the drafts and do a “beat check” when you’re revising. Pantsers and plotters are both welcome. So sit down, grab a cuppa, and let’s talk about kissing books.”
Write Great Fiction – Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting and Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish
I’ve seen James Scott Bell in a couple of writing conferences and he uses movie clips very effectively to explain plot points. Likewise, this book give concrete examples to help you plot your story.
“How does plot influence story structure? What’s the difference between plotting for commercial and literary fiction? How do you revise a plot or structure that’s gone off course?
With Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure, you’ll discover the answers to these questions and more. Award-winning author James Scott Bell offers clear, concise information that will help you create a believable and memorable plot, including:
- Techniques for crafting strong beginnings, middles, and ends
- Easy-to-understand plotting diagrams and charts
- Brainstorming techniques for original plot ideas
- Thought-provoking exercises at the end of each chapter
- Story structure models and methods for all genres
- Tips and tools for correcting common plot problems”
Write Your Novel From The Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between
I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s on my shelf. My guess is that it’s going to be a great read! If you have it ~ let me know!
“This book revolutionized my writing! I use it for every novel I write. Highly recommended!” — Colleen Coble, USA Today Bestselling Author
“A powerful secret, and a fresh approach to writing bestselling fiction!
What’s the best way to write a “next level” novel? Some writers start at the beginning and let the story unfold without a plan. They are called “pantsers,” because they write by the “seat of the pants.”
Other writers plan and outline and know the ending before they start. These are the “plotters.”
The two sides never seem to agree with each other on the best approach.
But what if it’s not the beginning or the end that is the key to a successful book? What if, amazing as it may seem, the place to begin writing your novel is in the very middle of the story?
According to #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell, that’s exactly where you’ll find your story’s heart and heat. Bell’s “Mirror Moment” is the secret, and its power is available to any writer, at any stage of the writing process.
Bringing together years of craft study and personal discovery, Bell presents a truly unique approach to writing a novel, one that will stand the test of time and serve you all your writing life.”
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You’ll Ever Need
A must read! It’s just a must! Synder’s voice is so clear in his description it’s like he’s having a conversation with you & he’s funny!
Add this one to your shelf!
“Novelist Jessica Brody presents a comprehensive story-structure guide for novelists that applies the famed Save the Cat! screenwriting methodology to the world of novel writing. Revealing the 15 “beats” (plot points) that comprise a successful story–from the opening image to the finale–this book lays out the Ten Story Genres (Monster in the House; Whydunit; Dude with a Problem) alongside quirky, original insights (Save the Cat; Shard of Glass) to help novelists craft a plot that will captivate–and a novel that will sell.”
Stop Talking & Start Writing Your Book
A great “starter” book to get your plot going!
“EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO WRITE A BOOK! How to outline your book…How to develop your characters…How to deal with writer’s block…How to pace your story…How to deal with distractions…How to decide your point of view…How to introduce your protagonist…The author also reveals what you need to know about foreshadowing, flashbacks, backstory, dialog, Prologue (yes or no?), the three “P’s”, the middle lull, the three “C’s”, the “closer,” four questions you must be able to answer about your manuscript, and much more. She has also included specific resources for all fiction and nonfiction genres and a step-by-step guide to writing your book.”
