Sunday, February 7, 2010

Intelligentsia

  • Opening
  • Hook
  • First Plot Point
  • First Pinch Point
  • Midpoint
  • Second Pinch Point
  • Second Plot Point
  • Final Resolution
Spit these words out, and you'll sound like a real intellectual. I'm working on using them (in the proper context, too). Check out Larry Brooks' Story Structure to learn the blueprints for plotting any successful book or movie. And after you master the concepts, you can then apply them to your writing. (But that's just a sidenote. Brainiac power is obviously the goal.)

Here's the link:
http://storyfix.com/category/story-structure-series/page/2

Start at the bottom with "Story Structure--Just Possibly the Holy Grail of Storytelling." I'm actually in awe of Brooks' explanations. It's not formulaic outlining--it's tent stakes to hold your ginormous story up. It takes some time, but if anyone's brave enough to weather his ten rockin' lessons be sure to let me know!!!
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10 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2010 at 7:26 PM

    Actually, a friend just told me about this series. Even his summary was helpful, so thanks for the link!

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  2. Karen Jones GowenFebruary 7, 2010 at 7:33 PM

    I linked to this on my blog sidebar so I can go back again and again. It's pretty interesting stuff but hard to grasp for me, I think it might be his writing style of how he explains it or something.

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2010 at 9:02 PM

    I think I've heard about this. Thanks for the link. I'll be sure to check that out because I LOVE outlining!

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  4. Mary GrayFebruary 8, 2010 at 5:05 AM

    Simon, yeah, this has been floating around.

    Karen, that's funny you don't like his writing style. I really like it! But great idea putting the link on your sidebar. I think I'll do the same.

    Be sure to let me know what you think, LT.

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  5. AubrieFebruary 8, 2010 at 6:02 AM

    I work sooo hard on a good hook, but I should also pay attention to those other points as well!

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  6. KateFebruary 8, 2010 at 7:34 AM

    I'll have to check this out. Thanks Mary.

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  7. Mary GrayFebruary 8, 2010 at 8:51 AM

    Aubrie, I LOVE a good hook too. Kate, this can be just one more tool for your already mighty toolbox.

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  8. Karen Jones GowenFebruary 8, 2010 at 11:06 PM

    Hey Mary, I gave you an award today on my blog. Can you use another one? Cus your blog is great!

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  9. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2010 at 8:30 PM

    Interesting.
    Hope all is well and that you have a great week full of wonderful ideas.

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  10. Maria GraziaFebruary 10, 2010 at 2:22 PM

    You are such a prolific blogger you deserve this!
    http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspot.com/2010/02/wednesday-night-miscellaneous-posting.html

    ReplyDelete

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