Write Great Fiction - Plot & Structure
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Product Description
Product Description
The second book in the Write Great Fiction series, Plot and Structure offers clear and concise information on creating a believable and engaging plot that readers can't resist. Written by award-winning thriller and suspense author James Scott Bell, this handy instruction guide provides: Easy-to-understand techniques on every aspect of plotting and structure, from brainstorming story ideas to building scenes, and from using subplots to crafting knock-out endings; Engaging exercises, perfect for writers at any level and at any stage in their novel; Practical and encouraging guidance from one of the most respected writers publishing today; Full of diagrams, plot brainstormers, and examples from popular novels, mastering plot and structure has never been so simple.
About the Author
A former trial lawyer, James Scott Bell is an award-winning author and frequent speaker at writing conferences.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
I wasted ten years of prime writing life because of the Big Lie. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
I wasted ten years of prime writing life because of the Big Lie. Read the first page
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Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
43 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I've read many books on plotting and structure, but this is probably the best so far. It doesn't offer a miracle cure for ailing plots, or promote a magical formula for coming up with the perfect novel, or divulge any flashy techniques - instead, it provides a nuts-and-bolts, back-to-basics guide to developing a strong foundation for your novel.
It has to be said that a lot of books on writing can come across as quite patronising - not so here. The book has a very friendly tone and puts its points across in a simple, straightforward manner that's always easy to read and often quite entertaining. There are many tips and exercises, all of which are practical and useful.
I read this before embarking on my current project, but I imagine it would be useful whatever state your novel's in, as many of the hints and tips can (and should be) applied throughout the whole novel-writing process. My copy is already covered in highlighter pen and scribbled notes in the margins, and I have no doubt that I'll be returning to it again and again. I see this book as an essential reference guide to the craft of plotting, and would encourage anyone who's serious about novel writing to invest in this. If you only buy one book on plotting and structure, I'd make it this one.
It has to be said that a lot of books on writing can come across as quite patronising - not so here. The book has a very friendly tone and puts its points across in a simple, straightforward manner that's always easy to read and often quite entertaining. There are many tips and exercises, all of which are practical and useful.
I read this before embarking on my current project, but I imagine it would be useful whatever state your novel's in, as many of the hints and tips can (and should be) applied throughout the whole novel-writing process. My copy is already covered in highlighter pen and scribbled notes in the margins, and I have no doubt that I'll be returning to it again and again. I see this book as an essential reference guide to the craft of plotting, and would encourage anyone who's serious about novel writing to invest in this. If you only buy one book on plotting and structure, I'd make it this one.
50 of 52 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If your goal is to write and sell fiction, this book will guide you.
It gives a valuable overview of good structure, identifies all the key elements, then provides you with a 'toolkit' of methods for structuring your own work, and tackling problem areas. Some books just tell you what to do, this book also tells you how to go about it.
It's well laid out, well signposted, includes examples from popular novels, and provides exercises to help cement the learning points.
Reading it is like sitting with a friendly expert who is willing to pass on all his experience, and who encourages you to apply it to your own work. It's the best book on writing I've come across so far.
It gives a valuable overview of good structure, identifies all the key elements, then provides you with a 'toolkit' of methods for structuring your own work, and tackling problem areas. Some books just tell you what to do, this book also tells you how to go about it.
It's well laid out, well signposted, includes examples from popular novels, and provides exercises to help cement the learning points.
Reading it is like sitting with a friendly expert who is willing to pass on all his experience, and who encourages you to apply it to your own work. It's the best book on writing I've come across so far.
43 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
You will be taken by the hand on a step-by-step journey to write a good book.
Bell is a very sympathetic and empathic writer. He is thorough, and most of all an enabler.
He said that he had believed the Big Lie, i.e. writers are born; fortunately he passes on his skills extensively so you can allow yourself to learn the technique of efficient plotting to become a good writer and not believe the Big Lie that there are only privileged writers born with their skill.
Following this book, you too will penetrate the secrets of good writing and its creative pleasure. You will feel satisfied with a good structure for your novels. (He said that people who came to him for advice sold their own books!)
Have confidence in James Scott Bell, you will want to write following his pieces of advice.
Bell is a very sympathetic and empathic writer. He is thorough, and most of all an enabler.
He said that he had believed the Big Lie, i.e. writers are born; fortunately he passes on his skills extensively so you can allow yourself to learn the technique of efficient plotting to become a good writer and not believe the Big Lie that there are only privileged writers born with their skill.
Following this book, you too will penetrate the secrets of good writing and its creative pleasure. You will feel satisfied with a good structure for your novels. (He said that people who came to him for advice sold their own books!)
Have confidence in James Scott Bell, you will want to write following his pieces of advice.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Well worth the money
I thought this book was brilliant (and the rest of the books in the series). They all give a myriad of clear, concise ways to bring your stories to life. Read more
Published 1 month ago by R.Risk
Excellent how-to guide for writing entertaining fiction
I did love this book. I read it from cover to cover within a week of buying it, and am fairly certain I'll be returning to it again in the future. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Colin Marks
Really helpful
As an aspiring writer, I don't have much of a problem generating basic ideas for stories, but in the two years since I decided that I wanted to get serious about writing, I've... Read more
Published 3 months ago by M. Carter
A Really Superb Guide
I cannot add much to the multitude of great reviews on Amazon.com other than to put my hand up too and say "This book was is one of the best books on writing that I know". Read more
Published 3 months ago by Greg Scowen
So, so helpful
I'm only on page 126 of 230-odd pages but already this book is becoming invaluable to me and my Pukka pad is filling up with notes. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Louise28
plot and structure book
i have just begun to read this book, and already it is inspirational. before plot was a mystery to me, now it is as simple as abc. thank you, vendor. you saved my career!!!
Published 12 months ago by teknomancer
Plot Structure
This book came highly recommended by friends who write and I was not disappointed. It is full of helpful methods and has given me lots of tools to review, understand structure and... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Stella Holly
plot and structure
I RECEIVED MY BOOK ABOUT A WEEK AFTER ORDERING, IT APPEARS TO DO WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN SO TO SPEAK,I WOULD SAY I AM HAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE AND LOOK FORWARD TO USING IT A LOT. Read more
Published 13 months ago by ANTHONY MURRAY
Best i've read
I am so glad i bought this book it has taught me so much.
I would love to see all books in this series available on kindle. Please.
I would love to see all books in this series available on kindle. Please.
Published 15 months ago by 1benjy1
Bit Too American
Some interesting ideas here, but I found some of his suggestions crass, such as putting on music to shape a genre in your mind. Read more
Published 15 months ago by L. Fergusson
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