Plot Consultant

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LAWritersConferencePicking 3 Common Plot Questions from Writers wasn’t as easy as the request sounds –

Jennie Nash, moderator for the Dream Team panel at last month’s LA Writers Conference, requested I send her 2-3 of the most common questions writers ask me and 2-3 of the questions I WISH writers would ask. Writer and literary events organizer, Cynthia Levin had invited me to the event that turned out to reflect the most diverse group of writers I’ve had the privilege to work with and set on the most gorgeous campus. The annual event was hosted by the Los Angeles branch of the Women’s National Book Association – lead by Rachelle Yousuf – and Mount Saint Mary’s College.

3 common plot questions from writers:

  1. Is my story good enough to keep going?
  2. Can I do that (fill-in the blank)?
  3. What is the difference between the Crisis and the Climax?

My answers:

  1. Every story is worth telling because each individual story offers each individual writer a unique journey. Keep going for what? To make the New York Times list? Win the Pulitzer Prize? I don’t recommend writing be externally driven to anyone. I do recommend everyone see what they start all through the way to the end, whatever that end happens to be
  2. You can do anything so long as the writing is clear and compelling and means something
  3. Crisis is the breakdown. Climax is the triumph. Polar opposites connected to the whole

3 plot questions I like to receive from writers:

  1. Have I delivered on my promise to my reader?
  2. How many rewrites are enough?
  3. Is writing for the pure joy of discovery enough or do I have to pursue publication to be a real writer?

My answers:

  1. Only you can decide that
  2. When you feel the story is finished
  3. Writing for the pure joy of discovery is all that’s under your own personal authority. Be prepared. Writing a story with a plot from beginning to end takes you on an epic journey inside yourself…

Writing a story with plot takes you on an epic journey. Become a Beta-member and learn the steps to writing a story with plot + how to support yourself emotionally while on the journey from beginning to end. Join today!