tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post7190095598416794700..comments2024-03-28T02:34:34.041-07:00Comments on Rachna's Scriptorium: The Classic Plot ShapeRachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-38824063407882956112011-06-17T04:28:22.203-07:002011-06-17T04:28:22.203-07:00Eventually, the "nemesis" will tell you ...Eventually, the "nemesis" will tell you where you are, and lo, there you go!Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16025136241586545497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-24097892014645399372011-06-16T15:23:30.165-07:002011-06-16T15:23:30.165-07:00Rachna, what a great idea to use this structure fo...Rachna, what a great idea to use this structure for individual scenes. It reminds me of something a writing friend told me...to think of our story as a ladder with a slide. We climb up, up, up, then wheeeee! down the slide we go.Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-31973639449096248162011-06-16T12:39:47.404-07:002011-06-16T12:39:47.404-07:00I've used a similar one when teaching children...I've used a similar one when teaching children to write stories, and often think of it for my own writing. I do need to think of it in more detail for various scenes and general plot in the current WIP. Glad you shared this, I needed the reminder!<br /><br />Have a great weekend,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-33199246051614620852011-06-16T10:59:30.977-07:002011-06-16T10:59:30.977-07:00I just basically go into the scene and increase te...I just basically go into the scene and increase tension as the chapter unfolds. When I edit though, I check to see if I've achieved what I set out to do.J.L. Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05666634455836834179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-35091338849244981342011-06-16T06:23:19.582-07:002011-06-16T06:23:19.582-07:00I sometimes sketch action scenes on small cards th...I sometimes sketch action scenes on small cards then lay them side by side. It really helps to get the visual of how the reader may "see" the action unfolding.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-86919388660692849842011-06-16T05:22:24.837-07:002011-06-16T05:22:24.837-07:00@ Quaint Murmur...As of now I have no plans to vis...@ Quaint Murmur...As of now I have no plans to visit Mumbai, But I will definitely let you know if in future I visit Mumbai. I left a comment on your blog and replied to your question.<br /><br />@ Lydia...The Three Act Formula is a wonderful system to follow.<br /><br />@ Robyn...Thanks for the link to The Literary Lab.Will check it out.<br /><br />@ Jessica...keeping the plot moving and the conflict rising is a great idea.<br /><br />@ Tony...I am intrigued by the index card method and the corkboard. Will email you for the details. <br /><br />@ Donna...I hope my diagram drawing hasn't turned you away. Its the first time I have drawn something for my blog.I too write one or two scenes within a chapter.Rachna Chhabriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-88068850524581217962011-06-16T05:10:13.187-07:002011-06-16T05:10:13.187-07:00@ Elizabeth..I will check if my WIP has three scen...@ Elizabeth..I will check if my WIP has three scenes in each chapter. And getting a character arc in every scene sounds difficult.<br /><br />@ Lynda..I follow this diagram and something else which I call the 8 points of the plot.<br /><br />@ Khushi....I am trying to follow the principle of crafting each scene as a short story. Its easier said than done.<br /><br />@ Ellie...The Three Act Structure is something I am hearing a lot about. Practically every writing craft book mentions it.<br /><br />@ Margo...nowadays when I read books I try to analyze the plot and learn from that writer.Rachna Chhabriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-45372259491073931382011-06-15T18:50:29.591-07:002011-06-15T18:50:29.591-07:00Eek, diagrams *almost runs away*
I hear you on th...Eek, diagrams *almost runs away*<br /><br />I hear you on the plot thing. I learned not too long ago about writing scene by scene to build towards the overall plot climax, then tie up the loose ends to the resolution. I'm not much of a plotter (Tony, really? Cork board?) but if I focus on each scene within a chapter, and what the chapter is to accomplish with the plot/character progress, its a much smaller task and keeps things moving.<br /><br />Then the editing process begins . .<br /><br />I do envy people who are organized with their writing. I bet they actually finish projects :)<br /><br />.........dholedolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-75726699483968942712011-06-15T12:51:01.139-07:002011-06-15T12:51:01.139-07:00I confess I actually use index cards and a corkboa...I confess I actually use index cards and a corkboard. That way it's easy to see the structure of the plot and moving scenes around is painless. <br /><br />I tend to work with a row of cards each for Act I, Act II part 1, Act II part 2 and Act III. That way I have a defined mid-point as well as the other important structure points in the plot. <br /><br />Whatever files I create on my computer I always seem to end up back at the corkboard, staring at the overall story flow and making sure it all works from there. <br /><br />As always your article is well thought out, informative and helpful - thank you.Tony Bensonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06798586432645889182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-47181384299671717482011-06-15T12:15:27.157-07:002011-06-15T12:15:27.157-07:00I don't have a method per se, but I do try to ...I don't have a method per se, but I do try to always keep the plot moving forward and the conflict rising. It's challenging, for sure. Thanks for posting this! IT's always good to be armed with more knowledge and I hadn't heard this before.Jessica Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12365768876905444157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-59222585530768723392011-06-15T11:22:34.336-07:002011-06-15T11:22:34.336-07:00I usually use a three-act structure similar to you...I usually use a three-act structure similar to yours, Rachna. But lately I've noticed that I have too many conflicts going. So Scott Bailey did a wonderful post on this yesterday. Basically he said: "Every one of the characters has his/her own story that is separate from the mystery plot. But these characters' stories are not subplots, because they do not develop over time and are not resolved within the confines of this novel. They are more like lengthy character sketches through which the detective story passes while the detective investigates the crime. Since they are, plotwise, fairly static, I have decided to call them Nonplots, which sounds a bit derogatory so I'm open to a better name." here's the blog in case you want to have a look: <a href="http://literarylab.blogspot.com/2011/06/plots-subplots-and-nonplots.html" rel="nofollow">The Literary Lab</a><br /><br />He had this wonderful diagram drawn out and his post has helped me a lot. <br /><br />Thanks Rachna! :-)Robyn Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17356555082768185840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-46969847299777819782011-06-15T10:56:43.937-07:002011-06-15T10:56:43.937-07:00I generally use a three-act format, which is prett...I generally use a three-act format, which is pretty similar to your diagram. It works for me!Lydia Kanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00484415427764822386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-17247787776982709092011-06-15T08:58:19.089-07:002011-06-15T08:58:19.089-07:00I spent a lot of time investigating plot structure...I spent a lot of time investigating plot structure over the past few months and came across storyfix.com and the plot whisperer.com(links on my sidebar) and it has certainly helped me plan out my story so far :O)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-73312561803577186322011-06-15T06:16:42.619-07:002011-06-15T06:16:42.619-07:00Hi Rachna,
Just stumbled across your blog while t...Hi Rachna,<br /><br />Just stumbled across your blog while trying to look for easy ways to describe the idea of a plot to my Creative Writing class.<br /><br />If you're in Mumbai in the next three months and fancy a workshop with students here, please let me know. You'd be the perfect person to give budding writers a pointer or two :)<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />RiyaQuaint Murmurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12869482006532388065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-49337739582356160242011-06-15T06:15:23.814-07:002011-06-15T06:15:23.814-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Quaint Murmurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12869482006532388065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-72010153788917600872011-06-15T02:46:56.320-07:002011-06-15T02:46:56.320-07:00I'm also a plot novice and am trying to apply ...I'm also a plot novice and am trying to apply the points you mention. My 'black moments' have become more sensational as I gain confidence!<br /><br />I am always amazed when a writer can still hook me with little plot but exquisite writing.Margo Bensonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06759845391358543223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-1583946711834874072011-06-15T02:02:51.326-07:002011-06-15T02:02:51.326-07:00A very informative post! I do keep in mind plot st...A very informative post! I do keep in mind plot structure as I write, and normally that involves the three-act structure, which is very similar to the one posted here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.elliegarratt.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Ellie Garratt</a>Ellie Garratthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03731071128348213067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-56884067730031059472011-06-15T00:47:14.030-07:002011-06-15T00:47:14.030-07:00Very good post. Your suggestion of using this form...Very good post. Your suggestion of using this formula to craft scenes to be short stories is interesting.Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09341706502020011897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-60697761961243835482011-06-15T00:14:02.456-07:002011-06-15T00:14:02.456-07:00I'm working on plot/structure at the moment in...I'm working on plot/structure at the moment in my revisions. You could almost map my moods using that formula ;)Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-53835732206772154672011-06-14T12:07:41.823-07:002011-06-14T12:07:41.823-07:00As always, I enjoyed your post. I've seen tha...As always, I enjoyed your post. I've seen that pattern before, mostly when I was in college and was reading novels. The teacher always pointed out build up of action or tension to a climax and resolution. But I never really applied it to writing until a few years ago, and while the diagram looks simple, it's harder to do that it looks! :-) Likewise, getting an "arc" into every scene. I've also heard another pattern, that a novel is like a three act play, and that there should be roughly three scenes to a chapter. Yeah, again, easier said than done. But great fun to work for.Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-19264143413169614632011-06-14T09:53:53.223-07:002011-06-14T09:53:53.223-07:00@ Rachit...thanks.
@ Kim...I like the idea of usi...@ Rachit...thanks.<br /><br />@ Kim...I like the idea of using the Classic Plot Structure for each scene.<br /><br />@ Liz..I too go by instinct while crafting the scenes. But, now will follow this method.<br /><br />@ Laura...I have heard so much about index cards, that I have decided to make my own, using each scene as one index card.<br /><br />@ D.U.Okonkwo....I discovered the formula few books too late. But, as they say, better later than never.<br /><br />@ Tana...plotting is not one of my strongest points. I struggle while crafting the plot, I would rather start writing than work on a plot.<br /><br />@ Shallee...Larry Brook's Story Engineering sounds good. Will try to get it.Rachna Chhabriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-48380981036888255672011-06-14T09:03:34.189-07:002011-06-14T09:03:34.189-07:00I always had a rough time with plot, too-- until I...I always had a rough time with plot, too-- until I read Larry Brooks' Story Engineering. He lays it out so clearly, with specific points that every story needs to hit, that it was like the lightbulb went on in my head! I follow the typical story arc that you point out here, and make sure the arc hits the point Brooks' mentions, and voila! It's amazing how much easier it is to write now that I understand all that.<br /><br />Now, structuring each scene individually is something I'm still working on...Shalleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09907680428735740943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-64997462400400993032011-06-14T08:36:00.319-07:002011-06-14T08:36:00.319-07:00I always wonder about the black moment in my books...I always wonder about the black moment in my books and if it's good enough. It's tough for me to graph out my novels properly. It's my weakness.Tanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10518718614911804428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-1670688790405302022011-06-14T08:09:26.736-07:002011-06-14T08:09:26.736-07:00Yep, looks like you've hit the main points her...Yep, looks like you've hit the main points here. There's definitely a formula that fiction needs to adhere to in order to keep it a fiction piece. Thanks for sharing!D. U. Okonkwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12900694425526387930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-16236621731333136162011-06-14T06:17:25.010-07:002011-06-14T06:17:25.010-07:00That's an interesting idea to create each scen...That's an interesting idea to create each scene like a mini plot. I write out my scenes on index cards; I'll have to try out this mini plot idea!Laura S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13934230198562773803noreply@blogger.com