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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/5396-The-7-Basic-Plots.html
For Authors: December 04, 2012 Issue [#5396]

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For Authors


 This week: The 7 Basic Plots
  Edited by: Crys-not really here 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

I'm Crys-not really here Author IconMail Icon and I'm happy, as always, to be the guest editor for the For Authors newsletter this week. *Smile*


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Letter from the editor

The 7 Basic Plots


"Everything worth writing has already been written," is an old saying that may only be partially true. Many scholars agree that there are only so many plots that can be written. Although the number varies greatly depending on who you ask, perhaps the most well-known list of plots is the 7 types of conflicts:

*Note* man vs. nature
*Note* man vs. man
*Note* man vs. the environment
*Note* man vs. machines/technology
*Note* man vs. the supernatural
*Note* man vs. self
*Note* man vs. god/religion

So, why bother? If every plot has already been written, then why do we write? Because the beauty really does lie in the details. The number of different characters that can be written is infinite. Each character will handle the same conflict in completely different ways. Each setting that a writer comes up with challenges those characters in different ways. Unless you really, consciously try to copy another novel, no novel is going to be exactly the same as the last.

We write because writing is not an exact science, and the thrill of figuring out how to tell the stories we need to tell is half the fun. If you truly believe in your story, then it's worth writing!


Editor's Picks

 SELF HARM Open in new Window. [13+]
This poem is about a person who cuts them self to feel better but realized it's vices
by meena kg Author Icon

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by A Guest Visitor

The Myth of Zephyrs Open in new Window. [13+]
So here we lie, caught in the middle of the creamy shores and the tidal riddle
by Dr Matticakes Myra Author Icon

 Mac and Cheese Open in new Window. [E]
Snapshot of troubled child with obsessive / compulsive thoughts and the one person who...
by WindyPoint Author Icon

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by A Guest Visitor

 The Witness Open in new Window. [13+]
Flash fiction. Basically, dead men tell no tales.
by Steve M Author Icon

 
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The Life of Silver Open in new Window. [E]
How would you describe the color of your life and do you know your place in the rainbow?
by Angels in my Ear Author Icon

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by A Guest Visitor

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by A Guest Visitor

 
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Ask & Answer

Thanks to everyone for their overwhelmingly positive response to my last newsletter "In Defense of NaNo."
I love the NaNo. It lets me stretch out my legs
and write -- without fear of wasting my time, worrying about editing, or listening to all the pseudo-novels in my bulging files that want and demand my attention. For this one month of the year, I can dabble and just enjoy.

Whether it ever amounts to something is not the point. Like in tennis, sometimes batting the ball back and forth against the wall serves a purpose. Practice.

Thanks for an interesting newsletter and a great topic. -shaara

I think NaNoWriMo is mostly about churning out crap for a month, not necessarily writing a masterpiece. This doesn't mean it's bad (we churn out crap regardless, before even nearing publishing!) – one practices the skill of writing quickly and under pressure, and testing the raw side of one's writing style. Personally, I'm not a great NaNo fan, simply because I prefer thinking and taking my time over a novel for the best outcome. One can't expect to write the next Hunger Games spontaneously, but one has to admit it does sharpen writing skills. Ultimately, it's up to the writer. -Fi Author IconMail Icon

November is a terrible month for me. I'm right in the middle of my semester and I have to devote most my time to my studies. However, I firmly believe in the power of deadlines to get things done, and competition! I think this is a beautiful article. I'm sure there are plenty of novels written over a long period of time that are as bad as some written during this month(I've written on for sure!). Thanks for being a voice of reason! -Eileen Author IconMail Icon

I just read the article on NaNo. I haven't yet participated, but I think it's an awesome idea. To those authors who think that NaNo only turns out junk I say not at all. I say that if authors want to try an turn out a novel in a month go for it. If they are serious writers they know that whatever they've churned out in a month is a rough draft, a first draft, one that will need editing, but the idea is to get the structure of the story out onto the screen or the page. Right? I cheer NaNo and someday I plan on joining in. -Dragon, Syphars Child Author IconMail Icon

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