Comments on: Writing a Hot Plot

By: Kidlit.com · The Promise of the Novel

Kidlit.com · The Promise of the Novel — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:33:26 +0000

[...] kidding. This happens all the time. And I understand it. When we talk about plot, we often talk about a character’s normal and how the inciting incident wrecks it. So, of course, for most kids, “normal” means family and school. But I also talk about [...]

By: Jon B

Jon B — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:06:58 +0000

I’ve read a lot of theories on plot movement, but I’ve never seen it put quite like this. It’s a good way to look at it a little differently and more specifically than the simple set-up, build-up, climax routine. thanks!

By: Bethany Dellinger

Bethany Dellinger — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:38:41 +0000

Being a visual learner, your diagram really helped! In my MFA program the dramatic arch was drawn more as a curve. But the rise and fall of this line captures the dramatic effect and the length of time the reader should spead in each section much more effectively for me. Thanks for explaining it so well!

By: Alison

Alison — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:44:17 +0000

This is most excellent! Whenever I read or hear talk of plot I often think of the movie Adaptation and that screenwriter guru giving his seminars. Well, I think of the whole movie, too. And the twin’s goofy screenplay The 3.

But anyway, plot advice is always ALWAYS helpful. Because I certainly do struggle with it.

And simple diagrams are always best, I say! No judgement from me there.

By: What have I learned? « I don't want to write!

What have I learned? « I don't want to write! — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:08:21 +0000

[...] Write a Hot Plot from kidlit.com gives a super simple outline which is often times a perfect starting point. [...]

By: Kidlit.com · How to Write Satisfying Endings

Kidlit.com · How to Write Satisfying Endings — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:56:05 +0000

[...] it now, your WIP is no exception. Endings can be tricky. As we’ve recently discovered in my plot post, they’re part of a dramatic arc and a character’s emotional journey. Ideally, they [...]

By: KarenC

KarenC — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:40:22 +0000

Thanks for the great explanation of a dramatic arc. You make it easy to understand.

By: WindyA

WindyA — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:56:03 +0000

Thanks so much for this take on plotting. I’m not much of an outliner, or 3/5-Acter, but as I read through the 4 point description, I found that my current wip actually sort of subscribes to this.

Thanks for the insight!

By: Jenny Martin

Jenny Martin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:54:22 +0000

Mary,
Thanks for addressing subplots. In many of my favorite books, the subplots end up being more crucial than they first appear. I love loose ends tied up neatly together.

My favorite? Stardust. All the subplots crash into one another for a brilliant climax and ending.

By: Lynn Rush

Lynn Rush — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:21:26 +0000

Hey, this was great. Very helpful. Like how you described it. Thanks.