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Plot and Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot that Grips Readers from Start to Finish Paperback – 6 Oct. 2004

by James Scott Bell (Author)

4.6 1,208 ratings

Part of: Write Great Fiction (5 books)

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Craft an Engaging Plot

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

Filled with plot examples from popular novels, comprehensive checklists, and practical hands-on guidance, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure gives you the skills you need to approach plot and structure like an experienced pro.

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Part of series

Write Great Fiction
Print length

240 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date

6 Oct. 2004
Dimensions

22.9 x 15.2 x 1.46 cm
ISBN-10

158297294X
ISBN-13

978-1582972947
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Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One & Never Lets Them Go

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Product description

About the Author

A former trial lawyer, James Scott Bell is an award-winning author and frequent speaker at writing conferences.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Publishing Group; 5th edition (6 Oct. 2004)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 158297294X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1582972947
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.46 cm

Best Sellers Rank: 170,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer reviews:
4.6 1,208 ratings

About the author

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James Scott Bell

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For notifications and deals about JSB's new releases, sign up for his occasional update at www.jamesscottbell.com and look for the FREE BOOK page. Your mail box will never be overstuffed nor will your address be shared with anyone else.

JAMES SCOTT BELL is a winner of the International Thriller Writers Award and the author of many bestselling thrillers. He is a popular writing instructor and conference speaker, and formerly served as the fiction columnist for Writer's Digest magazine. Jim attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver, and graduated with honors from the University of Southern California Law School. He lives and writes in L.A. and blogs weekly at Kill Zone -- www.killzoneblog.com

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4.6 out of 5

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paola viezzi

Very good!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 August 2023

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The book was in excellent conditions, as described, the delivery date within announced deadline.

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Kourosh Taheri-golvarzi

The very first book every aspiring writer should read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 July 2016

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I absolutely very strongly recommend this book to any and all aspiring writers. Mr. Bell has a way of explaining initially-seemingly abstract concepts in a way that anybody can understand. Right from the beginning, he assumes that you have the story inside you, and have no idea how to get it out, and over the course of the book, gives you very real, practical techniques you can use to get ideas on paper right now. The chapters on how to organize parallel plots and on how to organize individual scenes (on their own and within chapters) are already worth the cost of the book itself. He also manages to keep the book fun and lighthearted, which I would never have expected from a book on how to construct a story. I would actually recommend pairing this together with the book "Make a Scene" by Jordan Rosenfeld, and if you put in the personal effort, all in all, you should be able to get your book, at the very least, drafted almost entirely from those two titles. Highly recommended!!

14 people found this helpful

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Keith Crawford

Well done, but more of the same.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 April 2019

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My first response to this was “Bof.” Here we go again. Another writer has read someone who has read Artistotle’s Poetics, and read someone else who has read Joseph Campbell, and now will come up with their own jargon/acronyms/rubbish diagrams to describe something that has been described in a thousand other writing books: the three act structure and designing characters around objective/obstacle/resolution.
Which is all true. Particularly the bit about the diagrams. They really are just shapes with words tagged on. Bad, bad diagrams.
BUT, and it’s a big but which is why I put in capitals, this book is well done. It makes no pretences to be talking about literary fiction, but it does make connections to where the commercial meets the literary, and that’s a rather exciting step in a world that tends to consider good writing an unnecessary element of, erm, good writing. And it does an excellent job of laying out the key elements of how to write a story that people will read.
It really comes into its own in the latter chapters, particularly the one in which he sets out several different systematic methods by which you can put together your plot depending on your writing style. This is great. If you’re a first timer, you could do a hell of a lot worse than work through the system presented here (I know I did – the first books on writing I read were utter rubbish compared to this).
So, if you’re a first timer looking for a book to help you get started, this is an excellent choice. It’s down to earth and full of good advice. If you’re an experienced writer and need a little help getting going, this is a good choice as well. His repeated emphasis on having “no going back” points in the story helped me with a book I’m drafting, so that was worth the cover price at all. Sometimes we all need a fresh look at the basics.

16 people found this helpful

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M. Carter

Really helpful

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 February 2012

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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 never been able to turn those ideas into workable plots. Having read about two thirds of this book (re-reading parts many times) I feel confident in saying that it has really helped me focus my creative mind, and has also made me far more practical and pragmatic when it comes to writing. This is the kind of book that you can and will want to dip into frequently, revisiting helpful sections and applying the methods to your drafts.

It has also made me cast a more critical eye over novels that I am reading (and also films and tv), which is just as helpful because you can learn so much that way.

A great counterpart to this is Nancy Kress's 'Dynamic Characters'. If you've been stuck and frustrated like I have been, I recommend buying both books.

4 people found this helpful

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Seraph

Does what it says on the tin - wonderful!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 July 2009

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This book is everything I hoped it would be. I've recommended it to fellow aspiring writers I know.

Some great practical tips on how to get your plot started and ways to keep your ideas on track. It uses novels and films to clarify plot techniques and offers exercises at the end of each chapter.

I found the 'to outline or not to outline' part particularly useful in helping me decide which method works for me.

I have this by my side constantly as I soldier on with my first novel.

My first "how to write" book and worth every penny.

16 people found this helpful

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Paul_G

Buy this, get plotting, get writing!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 November 2015

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I'm going to give this book 5 stars because it breaks the plotting process into small easy to follow steps. Although a lot of the things you lean from this book can be found elsewhere, the author has great way of explaining them and tying them together - he does so in such a way that it makes you want get on and write something for yourself.

I think this book can be beneficial to writers of all abilities, but I think those who will benefit the most will be intermediate level authors who have the basics in place, but lack confidence in plot structure and pacing.

2 people found this helpful

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S. Andersen

Great book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 July 2012

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If you want to learn the trade of writing great plots but do not know how then buy this book. It tells you in a very matter of fact way how you construct a plot. It tells you from start to end what you need to consider when you contruct your plot. You can use the wisdom of the book to construct a new plot or edit an exiting plot.
The book is loaded with great examples that underlines the theory in the book.

The book made me revise my plot for the better.

"Plot and Structure" is one of the best books on writing that I have ever read. I highly recommend it.

2 people found this helpful

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ghostrider369

If you want to write that best seller correctly, this is the book for you!

Reviewed in the United States on 6 February 2024

Verified Purchase

Plot & Structure is a thorough handbook for writers looking to improve their storytelling. Bell, as many already know is a successful novelist and writing coach. He simplifies complex ideas like plot development and narrative structure into useful advice, practical tactics, and interesting activities that we can all understand.

Bell's strategy revolves around the LOCK methodology, which stands for Lead, Objective, Confrontation, and Knockout. Not a new technique at all, this framework is intended to assist authors in crafting captivating story lines that hold readers' attention from start to finish.

Bell clearly emphasizes the significance of developing a strong lead character who propels the story forward, a definite aim that guides the plot, a confrontation that adds tension and drama, and a knockout finish that leaves readers happy but wanting more.

Clarity and order are two of the book's strongest points. Bell delivers his thoughts in a logical order, beginning with the basics of plot structure and progressing to more sophisticated themes such as subplots, pacing, and thematic depth.

Each chapter is illustrated with examples from popular literature and cinema, making theoretical topics more concrete and understandable.

This method not only enhances comprehension but also encourages readers to study and appreciate the workmanship behind their favorite stories. But Bell does this in a fun, and still factually correct manner.

Bell's writing style is both informative and motivating. He communicates directly to the reader, anticipating their worries and queries and providing encouragement with his advice.

His encouraging tone is especially helpful for aspiring authors who may be intimidated by the hurdles of narrative development, I know I was one of those.

Bell tells them that, while creating a compelling plot is difficult, it is possible with perseverance, effort, and a willingness to learn from failures.

The exercises at the end of each chapter are another standout feature of the book. These are intentionally created to put the concepts covered into practice, encouraging authors to explore various story scenarios, character motives, and narrative structures.

By constantly promoting active participation, Bell guarantees that readers not only absorb the material but also apply it.

This hands-on approach encourages creativity and experimentation, which are crucial skills for any writer trying to improve their art.

He makes the whole process fun to do, which helps one feel involved more than some dreary instructional how-to book that we have all read and forgotten.

Furthermore, Bell discusses frequent plotting difficulties and provides solutions to solve them. He addresses difficulties like predictable storylines, uninteresting characters, and drooping middles, offering practical advice on how to increase suspense, deepen character development, and sustain momentum throughout the novel.

This problem-solving part of the book is crucial since it provides writers with skills for critically evaluating and improving their work.

It dives into the psychological and emotional sides of narrative, recognizing that a successful plot is more than just what occurs, but how it affects the characters and, as a result, the readers. Bell urges writers to explore their characters' emotional journeys, claiming that emotional resonance is critical to producing a memorable and meaningful story.

Despite its numerous qualities, the book might have used more diverse examples, such as those from genres outside of Bell's area of expertise, contemporary literature, and indie presses.

While the emphasis is mostly on traditional narrative frameworks, some consideration of experimental and non-linear storytelling could have provided a more comprehensive perspective on the art of plotting.

Its thorough examination of plot creation, along with practical exercises and insightful suggestions, makes it an invaluable resource for anybody wishing to master the craft of storytelling.

Whether you're a new writer struggling with your first plot or an experienced author looking to improve your skills, this book provides the assistance and inspiration you need to create captivating narratives that keep readers engaged from beginning to end. Plus, you will have fun along the way too!

Michelle Duncan

Wonderful writing aid

Reviewed in Canada on 10 December 2023

Verified Purchase

This book is now chalked full of highlighting and tabs with dozens and dozens of helpful sections that I need to keep readily available.

I have been working on my first novel for way longer than I am comfortable to admit and after reading Plot & Structure I am so much more motivated and ready to get this first draft finished.

Adam Eyes

útil

Reviewed in Mexico on 18 November 2019

Verified Purchase

Excelente libro para iniciarse en este arte.

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Kindle Customer

Everything you need to know about plotting

Reviewed in Australia on 19 November 2018

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This book teaches different angles to get the plotting done. The excersices are well thought and will for sure increase your plotting ability.

k84

プロットと言いつつ、プロットは立てないタイプにも対応

Reviewed in Japan on 11 September 2017

Verified Purchase

小説の書き方の本だが、プロットとは何かから始まり「私は自分の小説で次に何が起きるのか、自分が驚きたいのだ」という大作家の意見も紹介し、そういうタイプの人でも使えるように作ってある。

とある大物ハードボイルド作家の「行き詰まったら、銃を持った男を場面に放り込む」という解決の仕方には笑ったし、文章も面白くて読みやすい。プロットの研究のための「ドリル方法」も、もしかしたら有名なのかもしれないが、非常に役に立つ。

第一稿を書いたあとの、手直しの方法も詳しく、「あーっっっっっ！」というあの気分が蘇る。書き始めから、最終稿までをカバーした、なかなかの良書。また、著者自身が売れっ子らしいし、創作教室で教えてもいるということで、詳しいだけでなく、共感的。批評家の書く創作論でたまにある「って言っても、書いたことないあんたにはわからないだろうよ」という気分にはならない。

ただ難を言うと、アリストテレスの三幕説をこの本のように高く評価している本は、今時あまりないかもしれない。こき下ろされているのは、先日読んだ。

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