Brenda Hill
Author & Editor
PRESTORY STEPS:...How to construct a dramatic storyline from a basic idea.
...Is your story character or plot driven? What steps are needed for both.
...If you're overwhelmed by facing a blank screen, do this...
CHARACTERS:
...Now we need a character profile, but not too long. I've heard various writing instructors insist you need character history all the way back to when our star brushed her teeth for the first time. If you want to do that, go ahead and list everything including what day of the week she washer her hair. I write a brief summary of my character's physical description--so I won't mistakenly refer to a wrong eye color halfway in the novel, her car's model if she's a contemporary woman, what type of work she doesn and a short personal history. Is she married? Divorced? Siblings? Children? Parents?
...How many leading characters are needed for a well-rounded story? What is their purpose?
...What is the opposition's goal?
...What is essential for every novel, no matter the genre?
At the end of the Character chapter you'll find detailed one-page charts for each of your major characters and secondary ones as well.
From the PLOT DEVELOPMENT chapters:
When plotting your story, you must plan your story events in such a way the reader will worry about the outcome. When the reader worries, she will not put your book down until she finds out what happens.
And I show you the techniques to construct that worry.
EXAMPLE:
...Two simple but effective techniques to create suspense are...'
...What is essential in the beginning of every story?
...Modern stories are divided into three acts, each with its own job to perform. It's great each act has a unique function because it gives us, as writers, Stepping Stones to guide our way through the long maze of blank pages.
Do you know the function of each act? I explain each and give examples from my novel, Ten Times Guilty.
...Overcoming a common problem--How to keep the middle from sagging.
...The 8 Stepping Stones and how to use them. I give examples on a one-page chart and show how I used them in my novel. And not only do I show them with explanations, I list them on a chart so you can tell in one glance how they work. I include blank charts for you to copy and use again and again.
SCENES:
...Novels are written with a series of scenes & sequels. I explain what a scene is, its function, and show how to use it.
...What a scene MUST have. What a scene must NEVER include.
When I was first learning about scenes, I wanted to know more: how many scenes should a novel have? How long should they be? Where do they go? I learned and now I will help you. Better yet, I'll SHOW you on the chart.'
...What is the difference between Scene & Sequel?
...What is Exposition & Narration and when do you use them?
And most important, I include simple, one-page charts, based on my interpretation of Aristotle's Incline, and demonstrate where each scene should be placed for maximum dramatic effect.
And I show exactly where I placed the scenes from Ten Times Guilty and explain why.
