The Second Act is the beating heart of your story—and that’s just as true in a flat character arc as it is in a change arc. The Second Act is all about loosing the character into an unsettled world. He is forced to react to the major event at the First Plot Point and grapple […]
June 8, 2014 by 119 Comments CharactersHow to Write a Flat Character Arc, Pt. 1: The First Act
Next to the positive change arc, the flat character arc is the most popular storyline. Also called the “testing arc,” the flat arc is about a character who does not change. He already has the Truth figured out in the beginning of the story, and he uses that Truth to help him overcome various external […]
May 10, 2014 by 23 Comments NewsIPPY Award Winner: Structuring Your Novel!
I was tremendously honored to discover that Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story is an IPPY Award winner! It was awarded a Bronze in the Writing/Publishing category. From the official press release: Launched in 1996 and conducted each year to honor the year’s best independently published books, the “IPPY” Awards recognize merit in […]
April 30, 2014 by 46 Comments Structuring Your NovelAre Your Plot Points Too Weak?
If you know anything at all about story structure, you know your book’s plot points are the tent poles holding up the entire circus of your story. Without them: yawn. But here’s the good news! Almost all stories end up with plot points—whether or not their authors even know what plot points are. People just […]
March 7, 2014 by 56 Comments Structuring Your NovelThe Mirror Moment: A Method for Both Plotters and Pantsers
I want to thank Katie for giving me some space here to talk about my new book, Write Your Novel From the Middle. Rather than have her come up with interview questions, I took that burden upon myself. The only problem was, when I questioned myself, I tended to go on and on. I’ve thus […]
February 16, 2014 by 323 Comments CharactersCreating Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 2: The Lie Your Character Believes
People hate change. We may sit around and wish our lives were different, but when the rubber really starts streaking the tarmac, we usually find ourselves wishing we could just hang out here in our safe and familiar haunts. Characters are no different. They resist change just as staunchly as any of us—which is a […]
February 9, 2014 by 129 Comments CharactersCreating Stunning Character Arcs, Pt. 1: Can You Structure Characters?
What if there were a sure-fire secret to creating stunning character arcs? Would you be interested in discovering it? If you care about connecting with readers, grabbing hold of their emotions, and creating stories that will resonate with them on a level deeper than mere entertainment, then the answer has to be a resounding yes! […]
October 17, 2013 by 2 Comments Structuring Your NovelQuick Guide to Timing Plot Points Within Your Story’s Structure
When writers start talking about story structure, one of the biggest questions is about timing plot points. Even after you’ve identified the major plot points in your story, your work still isn’t finished. Where do you position these plot points within the plot? And how precisely do these moments have to be timed? Timing Plot […]
September 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment Structuring Your NovelIs Plot or Character More Important?
Today, I’m guest posting on Mythic Scribes with a post titled “Is Plot or Character More Important?” Here’s an excerpt: “Plot or character”—we hear it all the time, as if the two were mutually exclusive. Either your book is plot-driven or character-driven. Can’t possibly be both, right? And anytime we run afoul of an either/or conundrum, […]
September 19, 2013 by 2 Comments Structuring Your NovelLearn How to Structure Your Scenes–in 5 Minutes!
Today, I’m guest posting on The Write Now Coach with a post titled, “Learn How to Structure Your Scenes—in 5 Minutes!” Here’s an excerpt: You know my favorite thing about story structure? Actually, it’s a little hard to narrow down a list that includes such goodies as stronger stories, easier first drafts, and solid answers to […]
