The drama at the Crisis of her coming-of-age historical novel is exciting, life-or-death and edge-of-your-seat external action.
Check.
The action fits thematically with the character emotional development.
Check.
The character suffers at the Crisis.
Check.
In the simultaneous release of energy at the Crisis, the character sees herself and the world around her in a new and transformed way.
Check.
Trouble with the plot begins seconds after the Crisis. Immediately the character acts in a transformed way.
Why is that a plot problem?
Flipping the protagonist from the character she’s been throughout the story in one scene to mature and a master over her fear in the next scene dilutes the moment of greatest intensity in the entire story so far.
Facing her fear and winning is her Climax.
She still has another quarter of her story to reach the true Climax of the story.
Plot Tips:
Rather than speed up the effects of the Crisis on the protagonist, allow the energy to subside a bit (the downward line on the Plot Planner).
Give the protagonist time.
Allowing her the time she needs to reflect on what she learns at the Crisis about herself (character emotional development plot) and about the dramatic action plot, too, gives more emphasis and reinforces the impact of the Crisis.
Show what she looks like and what she viscerally experiences as she practices and explores and ponders the deeper meaning of her life and all life in this unusual and unpredictable and capricious time as she stands between who she has always been and who she is becoming.
(Excerpt from The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories.)
1) Track Your Plot at the Scene Level Webinar
Learn to Maximize the 7 essential plot elements in every scene (one of 7 essential plot elements in every scene is CONFLICT) from the comfort of your own home.
Knowing what to write where in a story with a plot reinforces daily writing practice and allows for more productivity in your writing. Whether writing a first draft or revising, if you falter wondering what comes next in a story with a plot, follow the prompts inThe Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing.
Today, I write.
To familiarize yourself with the basic plot terms used here and in the PW Book of Prompts:
1) Watch the plot playlists on the Plot Whisperer Youtube channel.
2) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master
3) Fill out the exercises in The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories
4) Visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
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