or . . . How to build a better story Two kinds of writers Discovery - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

• r . . . How to build a better story

Two kinds of writers

 Discovery writers-

 figure out the story as they go

 Outline writers

 plan ahead

Using the Snowflake Method

 Created by Randy Ingersmanson  Start with one idea, and build outward  Make it three  Split each of those into three, etc  Eventually you’ll have a full outline  Read all about it at:

 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php

Larry Brooks-6 Core Competencies

 Concept—the story evolution  Characterization—someone we care about somehow

 How others see them  Why they make the choices they do  Which choice they make when the pressure arrives

 Theme—How the story reflects reality  Story Structure

 Scene execution—creating the string of events  Voice—how you use words

Dan Well’s 7-Point System

 Hook—Opposite state of resolution to provide an arc of

progress

 Plot turn 1—Introduce a conflict (call to adventure)  Pinch 1—Applies pressure—makes them act  Midpoint—Character goes from reaction to action  Pinch 2—More pressure—jaws of defeat  Plot turn 2—The power is in you! Character gets the piece

• f information they need to succeed

 Resolution—where the story is going  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcmiqQ9NpPE

Simple Outline

Mysteries

 Who dies: age, name, stats  Who has a grudge (or might have)

 Suspect 1  Suspect 2  Suspect 3  Suspect 4

 Main character’s arc for the story

Character Data Sheets

 Who  How old  How did they grow up  Quirks  Jobs/hobbies  Strengths and weaknesses

Journaling!

 It’s not just for *your* personal history, it’s also for your

character

 Write in the character’s voice  Find out who they are, what they feel, how they relate

to other characters and events, how they talk, get their vitals.

WikidPad

Download this presentation from:

 HeatherJustesen.com/plotting