Plotting Category

Plotting 4 Pantsers — Part IX

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

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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

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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

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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

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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 […]

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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

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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

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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. […]

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