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

or . . . 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 of 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