Category: Lens – Plot
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Amplify Your Main Plot: Build a Story Spine for Each Story Plot to Enhance the Overall Narrative (Part 2)
As writers, we don’t dream of writing a simple narrative. Instead, we fantasize about creating a blockbuster like Toy Story 3. Together, let’s look at what one of the best scriptwriters in the film industry already figured out about story plot.
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Amplify Your Main Plot: Turn Random Story Ideas into Subplots (Part 1)
Increase the value of random story ideas by turning them into subplots that amplify your main plot. Interestingly, all characters believe they are the hero of their own story. Weaving together their mini-stories into subplots can turn a so-so narrative into a great one. Here’s how you do that.
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Fiction Writers: Map Your Plot Structure and Weave Together Subplot Threads Like a Pro
Plot structure covers more than the main storyline. Bestselling authors often include one or more subplots. I’ll share my favorite subplot pattern and then show how you can use plot structure to make your writing life more interesting and fun.
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The Trellis Method: Discover What Story Beats Can Do for Your Writing
Popular masterworks, such as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, follow a traditional story structure. I wondered, why do many writers resist using a story structure? Do they perceive it’s too complicated? Albert Einstein said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” In this post, I’ll explore how Story Beats simplifies structure,…
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The Trellis Method: How Busy Writers Can Use Story Structure and Write a Book Readers Will Love
Two life-changing words: what if. A few years ago, I asked, “What if I could find and apply the techniques used by bestselling authors?” I found intellectual wisdom, but practical application was scarce. Starting with this post, I’ll explain how The Trellis Method answered my what-if question and invite you to test whether the process…
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17 Tips for Busy Writers Who Want to Engage Readers Using Chris Lang’s Story Development Strategy
One of the most memorable videos I’ve watched was the PBS Masterpiece Mystery interview* of Chris Lang and the discussion about his story development strategy.