plot | CBI

Do You Have to Write From Beginning to End?

Many writers believe they have to begin with “Once upon a time” and finish with “The End.” In between, every word must be written exactly in the order that it will be read. There is little flexibility in this approach – and it’s difficult to continue the entire way through

Is Your Story Plot-Driven or Character-Driven?

Should you start with a well-crafted plot? Or with a memorable character? You want to start typing, but you have no idea where to begin. Many writers debate whether to start with a plot or character; there is no “correct” answer to this dilemma. Your decision impacts not only how

Understanding Cause & Effect

When we write fiction, we see the story in our mind long before it’s down on paper. We know why our characters are acting the way they do because we are familiar with their past and in control of their future. We understand the significance of every event in the

Plot Guidelines for Writing in Different Fiction Genres

From mysteries to thrillers to historical fiction – learn the rules of the road for developing your plot.

Genre writing requires particular attention to plot, as each genre has its own unique plot structure. When creating your characters and determining your story’s catalyst, keep in mind where the overall

Exercise, Brainstorm: Where’s Your Story Heading?

Now it’s time to take a good hard look at your own work….

Review your own catalyst, and brainstorm on different ways the plot can end. Go beyond the obvious. If you’re already into writing the middle of your book, examine the route your plot is taking. Answer these

Exercise – Analyze How Other Authors Create Endings

This exercise requires you to do a bit of reading and analyzing…

Fiction:

Choose several published books from the same age group and genre as your manuscript, and summarize how the author resolved the plot.

Exercise, Creating an Outline

Once you’ve brainstormed on your important characters, your story’s catalyst, and the general arc of the plot, you’re ready to outline.

Create a rough outline of your main storyline. Use any outline format that works for you. (If you’re stuck, here’s a nice guide to help you with

How to Develop a Sub-Plot

If you’re writing a book that’s longer than an easy reader or early chapter book, you’re going to need sub-plots. Sub-plots give heft to longer fiction and allow you to introduce more characters and other aspects of your protagonist’s life. Well-crafted sub-plots are related to the main action plot

Exercise: Mapping the Middle

Here’s an exercise that’s designed to help you see what needs to happen in the middle of your story.

Video — An Easy Resolution to Keep: Become a Better Writer By Watching More Movies!

The big screen is filled with great storytelling techniques that you can employ to improve your own writing. Here’s just some of what you can lift from your favorite films….

Ignite Your Plot With a Catalyst

Let’s continue our step-by-step journey to a published book!

Spark Up a Hot Catalyst With This Exercise

Get your story going! Use these nifty exercises to create a killer plot catalyst.

Understanding the Hero’s Journey

It’s a vital archetype of fiction, yet rarely is it fully understood. Here’s how it works…

Video: Laura on The Difference Between Plot & Theme

Video: Does My Story Need a Plot?

VIDEO – Ramp Up the Tension In Your Story

A book without tension is just plain boring. Here’s how to ratchet up your writing!

Open with a Bang! Crafting Great Beginnings

You've Got 10 Seconds to Grab an Editor's Attention. Here's How…

When an editor opens up the envelope containing your manuscript and begins to read, you have 10 seconds to get her attention. If she’s not captivated by the end of the first page (or maybe the second page if

Backstory: Giving Readers More Than Meets the Eye

Add depth and power to your story with this too-often overlooked technique.

Building a Story, Chapter by Chapter

Writing middle grade or young adult books? This article is an absolute must!