Plot Consultant

The Halfway Point of Your Novel, Memoir, Screenplay

By

The second major turning point hits exactly halfway through your story. Something happens to force the protagonist's willing and conscious commitment to the successful completion of her goal.Throughout all the drama in the middle beams a bright and steady light at the second energetic marker. When the protagonist most wants to run the other way, this is the precise moment for her and for you to forge ahead instead. After recommitting to her goal(s) at the halfway point, or for the reluctant …

The Halfway Point of Your Novel, Memoir, ScreenplayRead More

How Character Emotional Development Merges with Thematic Significance

By

A character's belief system directly influences the choices she makes.The following are three different reactions to the same experience based on three different belief systems or three different character emotional developments. Each example offers its own thematic significance or deeper meaning.The protagonist is a single mother. With children to feed, she is grateful to be hired on as a night watchman. Once on the job, the woman hears screams and pleads come from the warehouse on the …

How Character Emotional Development Merges with Thematic SignificanceRead More

Now Trending: 8 Plot Tips for a Mythical Middle

By

Online Free Dictionary defines trend, trending, trends as a) The general direction in which something tends to move, b) A general tendency or inclination, c) Current style; vogueWhatever its true definition, I delight in the term as I imagine experts in the field gleaning all sorts of valuable information by tracking what's trending at any particular moment. My method of gathering information is more random and haphazard. A Plot Whisperer tweet is retweeted numerous times. The "total reach" is …

Now Trending: 8 Plot Tips for a Mythical MiddleRead More

How to Develop a High Concept in Novels, Memoirs, Screenplays

By

We had a plot consultation a couple of years ago. At the time, I worried her story wasn't High Concept -- you know, that something special, exotic, unexpected. Without a high concept, a story may never find an agent, publisher, audience.Prior to our recent consultation, I read her current synopsis and worry I've lost my ability to remember writers' stories. I do not recognize any of the character, action or thematic elements. The writing and content in her synopsis give me goosebumps. Intrigue, …

How to Develop a High Concept in Novels, Memoirs, ScreenplaysRead More

How to Show Character Transformation

By

At the beginning of the plot consultation, the writer expresses a desire / need to deepen the relationships between the three major characters in her science fiction novel and create a satisfying character transformation at the end.With the dramatic action plot firmly in place, the writer is better able to concentrate on those elements more challenging for her -- everything that has to do with character emotional development. Together, we plot out the primary relationships in much the same way …

How to Show Character TransformationRead More