Category Archives: Plotting

Pt. 2 Engineering the Perfect Storm and Finding Balance

Posted on June 27, 2018 by

This is part two of the “Gut Punch your Audience with Emotion” presentation originally given at Fyrecon 2, June 23rd at Weber State University Davis. Here’s a handy link to the other parts of the series: Pt. 1 Visceral Experiences … Continue reading →

Posted in Character Development, Emotional Impact, Plotting, Presentation Notes, World Building, Writng Conferences | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Plotting in the Key of D Minor

Posted on August 20, 2012 by

I listened to an episode of Writing Excuses, a podcast for writers, while driving across town the other day.  Dan Wells, one of the regular contributors, mentioned a technique that I thought strange and extraordinary.  He used a fugue to … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and Writing, Plotting, Writing Exercise | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Is there such thing as a New Idea in fiction?

Posted on April 18, 2011 by

One of the greatest challenges that writers face is coming up with new and fresh ideas for stories.  It is a struggle to search for something revolutionary to introduce to the world.  When that new idea is found it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Art of Writing, Concept Creation, Plotting, World Building, Writer's Voice | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

Discussion: The Tragic Ending

Posted on April 13, 2011 by

When we use the term tragic ending many stories come to mind, Romeo and Juliet, Phantom of the Opera, Ghost, Titanic, Moulin Rouge, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, just to name a few.  In these stories one or … Continue reading →

Posted in Art of Writing, Concept Creation, Plotting | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

NaNoWriMo: False Starts

Posted on November 19, 2010 by

There are strong opinions out there about the right way to craft the beginning of a book.  Often what is written on the first few pages will make or break a book for a reader, agent, or publisher.  While I … Continue reading →

Posted in Art of Writing, Plotting | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

NaNoWriMo: Making Changes, Being Flexible

Posted on November 8, 2010 by

Any of you familiar with the process of writing a novel length story understand that it might not go as planned.  You may have thought that you had it all planned out; your outline complete; your beginning, middle, and ending … Continue reading →

Posted in Concept Creation, NaNoWriMo, Plotting | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

NaNoWriMo, Bring it on!

Posted on October 29, 2010 by

Monday is the big kick off for the annual writing event known as NaNoWriMo. Being a first timer, I have absolutely no sage advice that you should follow.  My strategy is straightforward – aim for 2,000 words a day.  This … Continue reading →

Posted in NaNoWriMo, Personally Speaking, Plotting | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

Plot Flowcharts

Posted on October 11, 2010 by

There are probably hundreds of different ways to organize a plot line but when I saw this I knew I had to share it.  The creative minds at XKCD have created a movie narrative chart that is as useful as … Continue reading →

Posted in Plotting, Writing Exercise | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

The Art of Finishing

Posted on July 9, 2010 by

I hope that I’m the only one who struggles to find the perfect way to end a chapter.  If I’m right then all you lovely people will jump to my rescue and teach me the trick.  It’s not just ending … Continue reading →

Posted in Editing and Revision, Plotting | Tagged , , , , , | 22 Comments

Intensity Rollercoaster

Posted on June 28, 2010 by

I’ve been thinking about the pacing in my manuscript and am curious what everyone’s thoughts are when it comes to using high intensity moments.  When I say high intensity I mean life or death situations,  thrilling fight scenes,  dramatic breakups, … Continue reading →

Posted in Emotional Impact, Plotting | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments