Today, we’ll wrap up our series on Plotting 4 Pantsers, and for the rest of the year, we’ll reblog some things about plotting from a couple years ago. Make your story memorable by appealing to your readers’ emotions. #Plotting4Pantsers #StoryMemorability @donnalhsmith @a3writers TWEETABLE
Category: Plotting
Plotting 4 Pantsers — Part VI
Three kinds of struggles should come into play for your protagonist: Internal, Interpersonal, & External. Using all three makes your story richer without plotting a single scene. This week: Internal #Plotting4Pantsers #InternalCharacterStruggles @donnalhsmith @a3writers TWEETABLE
Plotting 4 Pantsers — Part V
Choose from three types of story beginnings without plotting a single scene. The protagonist 1) has it all, but it’s taken away, 2) dangle what they most want in front of them, 3) make them face their greatest fear. #Plotting4Pantsers #StoryBeginnings @donnalhsmith @a3writers TWEETABLE
Plotting 4 Pantsers — Part IV
We’ve looked at the four essential elements of every plot twist. Last week, we reviewed three types of plot twists. This week, we’ll learn of two more. If you’re a “pantser” — how do you “plot?” By using story techniques like plot twists, character development, and raising the stakes. #Plotting4Pantsers #PlotTwists @donnalhsmith @a3writers TWEETABLE
Plotting 4 Pantsers—Part III
We’re continuing our discussion of plot twists today. Turn your story on its head. By using the four basic elements of a stunning plot twist last week, let’s look at five different types of plot twists: identity, awareness, complexity, peril, & cleverness. Choose at least one then build a plot twist based on it. Plotting4Pantsers @donnalhsmith @a3writers TWEETABLE
Five types of plot twists: 1) Identity, 2) Awareness, 3) Complexity, 4) Peril, and 5) Cleverness
Plotting 4 Pantsers—Part II
Last week, we talked about making promises to readers. Today, I’m going to talk about plot twists. Four elements must be present in any plot twist you write: inevitable, surprising, escalation, & expectation. #Plotting4Pantsers @donnalhsmith @a3writers TWEETABLE
Plotting 4 Pantsers – Part I
There are “outliners” or “plotters” in fiction writing. And then, there are “pantsers.” Plotters/outliners write out the essence of every scene and chapter before they write the first sentence. Pantsers, on the other hand, may have anywhere from a general idea to an informal “outline” of a few plot points they’d like to have in their story. They sit down at their keyboard, and it just sort of “flows” out. Many of us fiction writers are a combination. I figure I’m about 30% plotter and 70% pantser. I must know what story I’m going to tell and have a few general plot points to get the story where I want it to go. But how it gets there is all the fun. Are you a plotter or a pantser? #amwriting #plotting4pantsers @donnalhsmith @a3writers Tweetable
The Romance Plot — Part III
When did you know you “fell in love?” Both lead characters need to do it. #WritingRomance101 @donnalhsmith @a3writers #TheRomancePlot Click to Tweet
To review: In our contemporary romance, Tovah has rejection issues, and Judah is a beta male who’s hiding something. They met at synagogue when Tovah’s homily papers flew right at Judah’s feet. She found him so attractive, she stuttered. Very unlike her, because she is usually an accomplished public speaker.
Plotting the Romance—Part I
We’ve begun to build characters for our contemporary romance between Tovah, a rabbi, and Judah, a CEO of a multi-national corporation. The first thing to do is they must meet. The more unusual the meet, the better. Click to Tweet #amwriting #writingromance #donnalhsmith #PlottingtheRomance
Writing Your Story from the Middle––Part I
It’s a radical concept. Generally, the middle is the hardest place to write through. I’ve already talked about keeping the middle from “sagging” in your story. But did I once ever discuss this radical concept I’m about to introduce? I don’t think so. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a plotter, a panster, or something in-between. This new approach will bring depth and richness to your manuscript. Click to Tweet #amwriting #writefromthemiddle
Continue reading “Writing Your Story from the Middle––Part I”
