Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish Fifth Edition

by James Scott Bell (Author)

383 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-1582972947

ISBN-10: 158297294X

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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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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A former trial lawyer, James Scott Bell is the award-winning author of numerous thrillers, including the Ty Buchanan series (Try Dying, Try Darkness, Try Fear). He is also the author of two other popular writing books: Revision & Self-Editing, and The Art of War for Writers. A frequent teacher and keynoter at writing conferences, he resides in Los Angeles.

Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Writer's Digest Books; Fifth edition (October 6, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 158297294X
ISBN-13: 978-1582972947
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 383 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,426 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #87 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Literature > Creative Writing & Composition
- #143 in Books > Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Fiction
- #21659 in Books > Literature & Fiction

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hollyanne

Repetitive. Read his other book instead.

March 18, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This book contains a lot of the same material from another of his books ("Elements of Fiction Writing - Conflict and Suspense"). Read his other book instead of wasting money on this one, as the other one explains the key components in a more in-depth and cohesive way, and you will learn how to plot and structure a story all the same (or better). At best, this book is just a too-brief summary of too many points, as if he was rushed to try to reduce each point so that it could all fit into one book.

16 people found this helpful

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Angie

Great starter book for new writers

March 30, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Every new fiction writer should read this book at least once. Even experienced, published writers can benefit from it, as it may serve as a reminder. Half of the information in this book is pretty much common sense or stuff we should already know, but there’s nothing wrong with having a reminder. The other half, however is critical advice. I’m only on chapter 5, and I’ve already digested some critical concepts to help me start writing my first novel. I’m very glad I’m reading this book first, before attempting to write my first novel. This is going to save me tons of re-work and revisions towards the end. Also, this book is very straight forward and easy to understand. The author gives such direct advice—If you follow the steps in this book, its nearly impossible to screw up your plot.

6 people found this helpful

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Corwin

Most Helpful Book I've Read on Plot and Structure

June 17, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This is a well-organized, easy-to-read guide to techniques used to develop plots and sound story structure. It includes 14 chapters and two appendices. They cover such topics as what a plot is, how structure holds plot together, how to get ideas, and how to handle/interweave plot into all the levels of a novel (from whole sections such as the Beginning or middle of the work, down to the micro level of individual scenes). He includes discussion of different "plotting systems" (from writing by "the seat of your pants" to types/methods of creating outlines of various levels of "thoroughness" for those interested in mild outlining to someone with full-blown OCD). It discusses complex plots and sub plots, character arcs in relation to plot, common problems and solutions, revision, and more. Every chapter ends with a few exercises to reinforce the topic covered. The two appendices are a checklist for reminding you of major plot components as you write, and how to create "back cover" (aka the blurbs on the back of your book, or the summaries on the inside flap of dust jackets).

As a writer, I am a "seat of the pants" guy, who's reluctantly recognized it isn't working for me (a major motivation for getting this book). Bell's discussion of different styles of outlining, though brief, gave me ideas of how to proceed. While I've often read books that include exercises, I confess to rarely doing them -- Bell is an exception (no, I didn't do *all* of them, but.... :) ). His text uses plenty of examples, drawn from movies and well-known novels. I've read other works on plot and structure (both general books and at least two dedicated to these topics), and have found this one to be by far the most readable, instructive, easy-to-digest, and *helpful.*

3 people found this helpful

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Psychee Mikey

Absolutely the best, most informative...

February 13, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Absolutely the best, most informative "how to" instructional book on writing I've ever read and studied. And I've perused plenty, by the way. Mr. Bell's terrific book not only offers a wealth of extremely helpful information but is a very enjoyable read, too. He has a wonderful writing style which adds fun to the learning experience. Very concise with an abundance of examples so you don't have to worry about not understanding what he's trying to teach you. I've studied other books on creative writing and while they offered useful tips they simply don't stack up to James Scott Bell's in terms of excellence, data, style, and a great time while being educated. If you want to give being a novelist a shot, buy this book. You won't regret, trust me.

3 people found this helpful

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April

This Book Taught Me How to Write

January 4, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I liked James Scott Bell as soon as I open this book; he isn't just telling you how to construct a solid plot, he is rooting for you. He is concise, honest, and logical. You don't really need a gazillion books about writing-- too much may hamper your unique style-- but you do need Plot and Structure. In fact, when I read novels I often wish the authors had read this book before sitting down to write! I keep my copy on hand at all times, and have added other books of Bell's to my library, including some of his fiction. I also have his other book Revision and Self-Editing from the Write Great Fiction series, but for the most part that just repeats what is already said here. Another book of his that I do recommend, however, is Art of War for Writers, a helpful and easy-to-read little book with quick tips for writers of all genres.

Bottom line: if you want to learn the craft of writing and intend to pursue the publishing market, do yourself-- and the world-- a favor and read this book.

5 people found this helpful

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Most recent customer reviews

Shelby Powell

This book is full of GREAT advice on plot/structure and stays engaging throughout

This book is full of GREAT advice on plot/structure and stays engaging throughout. Love all the examples as well--I've increased my reading list thanks to this book!

Published 6 days ago

Aaron Kavli

Finally starting to understand what they mean by structure.

Very good info on structure.

Published 19 days ago

Aliza Burton

Not too stuffy, easy to read and follow.

Excellent reference for writers.

Published 23 days ago

Johnathan

This is a great resource for ideas and getting your writing past the ...

This is a great resource for ideas and getting your writing past the beginning phase. Lots of advice that is usable without being preachy.

Published 28 days ago

CharStar

Extremely Helpful

I am a writer. I am working on a novel so Reading within my genre and books about writing is very important to me.Read more

Published 1 month ago

David W. Hall

Five Stars

Great product, timely delivery!

Published 1 month ago

Amazon Customer

Fantastic! Such great insights, especially for beginners.

James Scott Bell is a prolific writer and teacher. Because of this book, which was required reading through the Novel Market 5-Year Plan, I ended up improving nearly all of my...Read more

Published 2 months ago

Just_a_Guy

Worth reading

More good ideas to stimulate your creativity.

Published 2 months ago

Robert P. Grant

A fast read, packed with usable info.

I’m doing a decent amount of reading on the art of novel writing and had a lot of questions about plot and structure.Read more

Published 3 months ago

Twin Willows Farm

Well Worth Reading!

Well worth reading! There’s something in here for every writer – from the struggling beginner to the published author. One never quits learning and improving in this craft.Read more

Published 3 months ago

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