Monday, December 13, 2010

Plotting Online Course beginning in January

Since you are all writers, I wanted to tell you about an inexpensive online course I will be teaching for three weeks in January sponsored by Outreach International Romance Writers, a chapter of RWA. Even if you are not a romance writer, this course is focused on plotting. Plotting and pacing work hand in hand, and when pacing is bad plotting begins to plod.


The course beginning on January 4 and will cover these topics:

Part I will define story and explore how story connects with the reader. Styles of plotting will be explained, then Plotting and Pacing will be defined with explanation on layering the plot and showing growth and change of the characters. Looking at plotting as a Three-Act Play, the Act I will be as to the purpose it serves, proper use of backstory and hooking the reader and ending Act .

Part II will explore what the author must accomplish in Act II. It will cover reader expectation, purpose, conflicts, deepening the stakes, and emphasis on pacing by using scene and sequel and positioning plot points. Plot hooks will also be covered.

Part III will cover techniques to avoid the sagging middle in Act II and the major setback. Act III will cover the purpose this act and resolving all major issues with tips on ways to leave the reader with a memorable story.

For more information, go to:  http://www.oirw.net/campus/currentcourselist.htm

I hope to see some of you there.

2 comments:

Jill W said...

I just registered. Looking forward to the class. Have a great holiday!

Gail Gaymer Martin said...

Hi Jill - So glad you'll be joining us. Look forward to sharing all the info with the class.

Christmas blessings and see you in January.

Gail