Plotting Category
Plotting 4 Pantsers — Part IX
Posted on November 14, 2018 Leave a Comment
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
Plotting 4 Pantsers — Part VI
Posted on October 24, 2018 Leave a Comment
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
Posted on October 17, 2018 Leave a Comment
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
Posted on October 10, 2018 Leave a Comment
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
Posted on October 3, 2018 Leave a Comment
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 […]
Plotting 4 Pantsers—Part II
Posted on September 26, 2018 1 Comment
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
Posted on September 19, 2018 Leave a Comment
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 […]
The Romance Plot — Part III
Posted on August 22, 2018 2 Comments
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 […]
Plotting the Romance—Part I
Posted on June 13, 2018 Leave a Comment
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
Posted on October 18, 2017 Leave a Comment
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. […]
Donna L.H. Smith 