Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish 5th Edition

by James Scott Bell (Author)

362 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-1582972947

ISBN-10: 158297294X

Why is ISBN important?

Have one to sell? Sell on Amazon

Share <Embed>

Buy new

$11.99

In Stock.

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

List Price: $16.99 Save: $5.00 (29%)

79 New from $6.32

FREE Shipping on orders over $25.

Turn on 1-Click ordering

Ship to:

Select a shipping address:

More Buying Choices

79 New from $6.32 82 Used from $4.63 1 Collectible from $39.99

162 used & new from $4.63

See All Buying Options

Free%20Two-Day%20Shipping%20for%20College%20Students%20with%20Amazon%20Student

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.

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

$11.99 FREE Shipping on orders over $25. In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Frequently bought together

Total price: $36.36

Buy the selected items together

This item:Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to… by James Scott Bell Paperback $11.99
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Dynamic Characters and… by Nancy Kress Paperback $10.93
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Description & Setting: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Believable World of People, Places… by Ron Rozelle Paperback $13.44
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Customers who bought this item also bought

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1

This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading.

Nancy Kress

116

Paperback
$10.93
Ron Rozelle

70

Paperback
$13.44
Gloria Kempton

79

Paperback
$10.07
James Scott Bell

88

Paperback
$16.99
James Scott Bell

321

Paperback
$11.39
Donald Maass

240

Paperback
$11.59

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; 5 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: 362 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #147 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Literature > Creative Writing & Composition
- #175 in Books > Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Fiction
- #12701 in Books > Literature & Fiction

Would you like to tell us about a lower price?
If you are a seller for this product, would you like to suggest updates through seller support?

NO_CONTENT_IN_FEATURE

Start reading Write Great Fiction - Plot & Structure on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.

Related media

Customer reviews

362

4.7 out of 5 stars

5 star		79%
4 star		13%
3 star		5%
2 star		2%
1 star		1%

Write a customer review

See all verified purchase reviews

Rated by customers interested in

What's this?

Reference Books

4.6 out of 5 stars

Is this feature helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

Top customer reviews

This Book Taught Me How to Write

ByAprilon 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.

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Changed the way I view fiction

ByAwetabonon May 22, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Perspective changing view of how to write fiction.
I went through the first couple of pages of the book, arrogantly and ignorantly, nodding because I vaguely remember parts of this or noticed that in stories I liked or in taking english classes in high school where we had to analyze the books. He gave clear, piece by piece explanations on their purpose, examples, what to do, how to use it. He guides us through the making of a fiction.

BUT THEN!
Many of the ways he breaks down storytelling were eye opening. Some things I had always attributed to magic could actually fit into a nice formula. It was a mind changing view of interpreting fiction. I watched a couple of great movies, read great stories and it was amazing how well they fit into his observations. Really deserves 5 stars because of how it changed my view on writing and enjoying fiction.

I can't tell you what "secret(s)" it was that really changed my view- no spoilers! It may be something else (or nothing in it) for you. I want you to get this book! I want the author to be richly rewarded and for your life to be richly rewarded too!

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Absolute must have for aspiring authors.

ByRonald N. Crawfordon December 24, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This should be required reading for any aspiring author as Bell not only provides plenty of examples to illustrate his points, he digs into topics without beating you over the head with literary theory that plagues "serious discussions". There are exercises that seem ponderous the first time you sit down to do them, but sticking with them not only develops the necessary discipline one needs, but develops crucial skills that will stay with one regardless of what type of fiction is pursued. This and Maas' book on Breakout Novelists are solid cornerstones to have in your pocket.

0Comment 3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Great Book for Writers

ByA Barretton June 14, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I'm not all the way through it yet, I'll admit that. I've read the first half though and it's given me so many ideas and exercises to improve my writing. It gives a formula for the plot and structure that's the backbone of a good novel. No more of the crap like from my college professors "there's no structure to it, you just sit down and write a novel!" I'm using the techniques to help me write an awesome first novel. It's not feeling as intimidating now. Must read for writers. I think even seasoned writers could get some ideas from it.

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

I love this book

ByGina BurgessVINE VOICEon July 5, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I love this book. I warn you that if you start reading this book before you go to bed, you won't be able to sleep. Bell sparks your imagination so well that you'll be rewriting in your head all night. I not only rewrote the first book in my trilogy, but I plotted out the second, and got the plan for the third. This is a wonderful book if you've got a bit of writer's block, or are stuck in a plot that is not twisty enough or flowing well. I highly recommend this book!

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Have no fear!, or The writer's Victorinox.

Byfernando pederneraon August 18, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

You can't praise this book enough. There are a ton of how-to books out there, but this one really made a difference for me.
Think of writing as a journey through the woods: You set up, you get in the muddle, and you come out (hopefully) on the other side. When doing this, we try to use as many tools and resources as we can to make it to the other side, but most of the time you fail (or tools fail on you) and you end up starving or being eaten by some wild animal in the muddle of the story. What James Scott Bell wants you to have in clear is that the most useful tool you can have out there is YOU. And all of his tips, advice and excercises are aimed to one thing and one thing only: how to unleash and harness the power of your story (and survive).
It provides clear, straight-forward tools and tips, adressing many aspects of the writing process you won't find in many of them. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the study of plots and storytelling. Relevant examples that take in consideration a wide array of writer profiles, and Bell does not abuse with film examples (and most of the movies it references are also books i.e.: the maltesse falcon, the godfather, etc.). It contains useful excercises at the end of each chapter to help you put the tehcniques in practice and bring the best out of your learning experience. It really helped me overcome several issues I had with my novel-writing and opened my mind to a new scope on plot and str.. This is a wonderful book, written in the same gripping style that the author suggests to use, and with great success.

I think this is a wonderful book because it does not give infalible advice. To me that is very important. Let me ilustrate how I felt by giving you the following example:

(after developing content)
-Regular book: so just do This (and fail, miserably).
-Bell's book: Many writers had this problem before and by doing This you might also find a solution for it. In case That doesn't work, you could maybe try This, or come back at it again later on with a fresh view and give it another try.

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

Excellent resource if you struggle with the soggy middle

ByJessieon May 9, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I have read many of Bell's books on the writing craft and have found all to be of exceptional value. This is no different. I struggle with the soggy middle and was looking for ways to improve the brainstorming process. Bell gives concrete exercises and tools to employ when thinking about plot. I will definitely putting these into action to improve the second acts of my novels.

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Customer images

See all customer images

Most recent customer reviews

Writer Friendly

Love the exercises and easy to understand language.

Published 8 days ago by Joy K Massenburge

An excellent resource for my bookshelf on writing craft

An excellent resource for my bookshelf on writing craft. Also saw the author speak at a workshop at Surrey International Writer's Conference. He was great! Really knows his stuff.

Published 17 days ago by Leanne Tremblay

This is the one to buy!

Great tips. I like how it is told in manageable chunks. Information is very user friendly. An excellent book.

Published 1 month ago by Maryanne

A Must Read for Any Fiction Writer

This is a must read for any fiction writer. I love the way this book is outlined. James Scott Bell makes his points clear and concise.Read more

Published 1 month ago by Shelby Reece

Most Helpful Book I've Read on Plot and Structure

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.Read more

Published 2 months ago by Corwin

Five Stars

Really good.

Published 2 months ago by Amazon Customer

I will give it a better review.

reading this with others. if it helps me, I will give it a better review.

Published 2 months ago by Amazon Customer

Funny and informative

This book is phenomenal! I love writing as a hobby, but when I got stuck in the middle of one of my books I decided it was time to take things seriously and learn more about the...Read more

Published 2 months ago by Amazon Customer

Set up an Amazon Giveaway

Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers. Learn more about Amazon Giveaway

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

Set up a giveaway

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1

This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading.

James Scott Bell

94

Paperback
$13.15
Nancy Kress

116

Paperback
$10.93
Donald Maass

240

Paperback
$11.59
James Scott Bell

321

Paperback
$11.39
Larry Brooks

446

Paperback
$13.38
Sol Stein

236

Paperback
$12.45

Pages with related products. See and discover other items: composition in art, japanese novels, writing techniques, writing novel, fiction writing, writing a novel

Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish 5th Edition

Turn on 1-Click ordering

or

or

Frequently bought together

Customers who bought this item also bought

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Product details

Related media

Customer reviews

Top customer reviews

Customer images

Most recent customer reviews

Set up an Amazon Giveaway

Customers who viewed this item also viewed