Plot Versus Character: A Balanced Approach to Writing Great Fiction [Paperback]

Jeff Gerke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 16, 2010 | ISBN-10: 1582979928 | ISBN-13: 978-1582979922 | Edition: 1

What's more important to a story: a gripping plot or compelling characters? Literary-minded novelists argue in favor of character-based novels while commercial novelists argue in favor of plot-based stories, but the truth of the matter is this: The best fiction is rich in both.

Enter Plot Versus Character. This hands-on guide to creating a well-rounded novel embraces both of these crucial story components. You'll learn to:

• Create layered characters by considering personality traits, natural attributes, and backgrounds
• Develop your character's emotional journey and tie it to your plot's inciting incident
• Construct a three-act story structure that can complement and sustain your character arc
• Expose character backstory in a manner that accentuates plot points
• Seamlessly intertwine plot and character to create a compelling page-turner filled with characters to whom readers can't help but relate
• And much more

Filled with helpful examples and friendly instruction, Plot Versus Character takes the guesswork out of creating great fiction by giving you the tools you need to inject life into your characters and momentum into your plots.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jeff Gerke is an author of fiction and nonfiction including such books as the Operation: Firebrand novels. He has worked as an editor for numerous publications and is the founder of Marcher Lord Press, an indie publishing company dedicated to producing the finest in Christian science fiction, fantasy, and other wonderfully weird genres. www.marcherlordpress.com and www.wherethemapends.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books; 1 edition (November 16, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582979928
• ISBN-13: 978-1582979922
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,272 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Plot versus Character--Which kind of writer are you? December 11, 2010

By Jim Denney, "Timebenders" author

Format:Paperback

It's often said that there are two kinds of writers in the world--but what those two kinds are depends on who you ask. Arthur Koestler said that there are writers whose desks offer a window view and writers who like to face the wall. Clifton Fadiman said that there are writers who give you truths and writers who give you themselves. Most of the writers I know can be divided between those who meticulously outline their novel before they start writing versus those who write "by the seat of the pants," never knowing ahead of time where their story is taking them.

Jeff Gerke has put his finger on what may be the most crucial dividing line of all--writers who are good at plotting versus writers who are good at characterization. Few writers of fiction are innately and equally skilled at both plotting and character-creation. Jeff has unpacked all the intricacies of both plot and character, so that we, as writers, can improve the skills we possess and acquire the skills we lack.

I consider plots to be my strong suit. I have to focus more consciously and deliberately on creating believable characters. So I appreciate Jeff's layered treatment of the task of character creation. This book serves as a checklist of the tasks you must perform in order to create a character who lives and breathes in the imagination of your reader: Do I know my character's temperament? Is she likable? Have I tied my character's "knot"? If you have completed all the tasks Jeff lays out, your character will be real to you, and to your readers.

Jeff's treatment of plot is equally thorough and practical. He's an experienced writing teacher (I sat in on one of his workshops a few years ago), and he writes the same way he talks--in a conversational, relaxed style. As a writer, editor, and teacher, he's one of the best.

Whatever your strengths and weaknesses as a fiction writer, Jeff gives you the tools to become more balanced and complete, so that you can achieve your goals as a novelist. Highly recommended!

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You need this book in your writing arsenal. December 11, 2010

By Trish Perry

Format:Paperback

I don't care whether you're a beginning storyteller or you have multiple published novels to your name, your writing will be tighter after reading Jeff Gerke's Plot versus Character. And I would recommend reading it more than once. As Gerke points out, most novelists lean in one direction or the other, and you don't have to be writing long before you can tell whether your writing is plot driven or character driven. In my opinion you can often tell by the types of novels you read. Partial to thrillers and other fast-paced action? Then you probably aren't excited about the idea of fleshing out your own book's characters until they nearly walk off the page. Partial to sharp dialogue between fascinating people? Then you've probably been told you need to add "conflict" to your plot. Or plot to your plot.

Gerke has had enough experience in the publishing industry to know most writers struggle to simultaneously provide riveting plot and compelling, believable, characters. So he shows how to strengthen your skills in both regards and then blend them together. I can't wait to apply this book to my next manuscript. Highly recommended to novelists and anyone even considering writing a novel.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A good addition to the library November 15, 2010

By Kathy Tyers

Format:Paperback

Reading this book was like sitting down with a friend - a knowledgeable, enthusiastic (slightly caffeinated) friend - to analyze the reasons why solid stories grow out of compelling characters. Rich with examples and well balanced, Plot vs. Character will be a good investment for new writers and a good read for those experienced souls who still can benefit from that sit-down over coffee. My favorite line: "Don't leave this section until you could give a police artist such an excellent description of this character that it would lead to an arrest."