Photo: BBC Plot is arguably one of the most important elements of fiction writing - from it stems, the characters, the mood, the pace. It sets the scene for the whole tone of a fiction novel, so it's important to get it right. When you're writing crime or thriller novels, it is absolutely key, and … Continue reading What We Can Learn About Plot Writing From Thriller Series, Vigil
Category: Story Arc
Disney's much hyped adaptation of Beauty and the Beast was released at the weekend. The film broke box office records with an estimated $170 million, making it the seventh largest opening weekend of all time. It's a story that engages your emotions and keeps you hooked to the end. I was discussing the film with someone today who … Continue reading What we can learn from Beauty and the Beast About Plot, Tension and Obstacles
Throes of Creation by Leonid Pasternak Yesterday I watched a really interesting set of readings from the Cheltenham Literature Festival. This was a special event (link to the programme will expire in 4 weeks) welcoming all six writers on the 2014 Man Booker Prize shortlist to the Festival: Joshua Ferris, Richard Flanagan, Karen Joy Fowler, Howard Jacobson, … Continue reading That Awkward Question: Where Do Writers Find Their Ideas?
What is a story arc and why is it important? A story arc is the episodes within a storyline, the narrative structure of a book or a story (or a film, or TV series). It is the rise and fall of tension, as well as the pace and timbre of a plot. Shifts in the actions and … Continue reading Narrative Arc: Shaping Your Story
'A story needs rhythm. Read it aloud to yourself. If it doesn't spin a bit of magic, it's missing something.' Esther Freud 'Always carry a notebook. And I mean always. The short-term memory only retains information for three minutes; unless it is committed to paper you can lose an idea for ever.' Will Self 'I always … Continue reading Writing Advice And Inspiration
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