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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/5371-Step-two-in-becoming-a-better-writer.html
For Authors: November 20, 2012 Issue [#5371]

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For Authors


 This week: Step two in becoming a better writer
  Edited by: Vivian Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

         My last issue I talked about the first step in becoming a better writer - knowing the writing craft including knowing correct grammar, sentence structure, etc. This issue, we go to step 2: Fiction writing needs a plot.

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Letter from the editor

A Story Requires a Plot


         A story without a plot is like bread without yeast: It is flat, a narrative, a scene, or a descriptive essay - not a story. Therefore to have a story (whether short story or novel), a writer needs to have a plot to make the framework of his/her story.

         So what is a plot? A plot is the causal sequence of events, the why for things that happen. It can be broken down into four components, all which must be included:

                   1. Exposition - info needed to understand a story
                   2. Complication - catalyst that begins major conflict -- MUST have conflict
                   3. Climax - the turning point in story, complication resolved or solvency attempted
                   4. Resolution - events that bring the story to a close (and not just writing "The End")

         Stories in the past had long paragraphs with detailed expository. Those stories told readers what happened. However, today's readers don't accept such writing. Pages of "telling" bore readers. Authors must grab the reader's attention and keep it throughout.

         So how does an author develop a good plot, add leavening for a light, tasty loaf/story? Activity advances and enhances the plot, makes it work. Actions do speak louder than words, and especially in what people read.

         A good writer uses/allows characters to "show" the story. No, that doesn't mean writing in first person, although a writer can. Characters showing the story means to write from the character's or characters' perspective. When writing in third person (the narrator is not a character in the story), an author can change perspective from one character to another from one scene or chapter to another.

         Action, activity, showing from a character's or characters' perspective with all the components required for a plot builds a better story. Plot means a story that isn't flat.

          Character development is directly connected to plot. Character movement and dialogue advance the plot without boring the reader. We will discuss this next time.


Editor's Picks

Writings from W.Com


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Writing Short Stories Open in new Window. [E]
The Elements Of Writing Short Stories- What is a short story? What's a plot? etc.
by Holly Abidi Author Icon

 Writing From Experience Open in new Window. [E]
Abandon the writing software and draw on your real experiences to better your fiction.
by Ken Brosky Author Icon


I don't always include any of my writings, but I think this item is appropriate.
Expert Writing Tips Open in new Window. [E]
A list of tips to help improve writing skills.
by Vivian Author Icon


IMPROVE YOUR WRITING Open in new Window. [E]
How-to articles on short story writing, screenplay writing, copyrights, and more.
by Ms Kimmie Author Icon

 February SS NL Open in new Window. [ASR]
Improve your writing by reviewing others.
by Diane Author Icon


 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

Words from our Readers


         I appreciate those who let me know what I've written helps them.

troy ulysses davis Author IconMail Icon
Inspirational as always. Thanks for being here.

pixie Author IconMail Icon
Thanks for the newsletter! Very useful. Looking forward to next. Keep doing good work :)

Tasia714 Author IconMail Icon
Thank you.

Quick-Quill Author IconMail Icon:
You are just what I need! I do not understand Grammar and can't wrap my head around the rules. I will follow your posts and your Picks for clarification! I will have to have an EDITOR when I am ready to present my Nano book after it is done.

blunderbuss
Looking forward to your next one. Have just been involved in a long discussion about punctuation - have you noticed how semi-colons are going (colons are long gone) and many publishers are reducing the options to two - commas and full-stops?

         Just because many publishers don't know what good and correct punctuation does for writing doesn't mean they are correct. In fact, I still want to see colons and semicolons used - correctly.

chied
How can I post my writings here? I was really inspired by this newsletter.

         At the bottom of this page, just above the box for comments, is a notice: Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional) and a box to write the bitem or citem code for an item to submit.

Voodoo Shampoo Author IconMail Icon
ya well i think i'll wait for the update on this on

sorry but it felt kind of dull to read it, this mainly the most obvious thing that doesn't even need to be mentioned (my opinion)

         Interesting. The editorial being slammed was about using correct grammar, spelling, and the foundations of writing. I did not edit the comment or change it in any way. I'm left confused as to what point is being made.


By the time this issue comes out, I will have had surgery on my left shoulder. I'll be one handed for a while, but I plan to have my next issue on time. I'll discuss the use of character development to develop plot and story.

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