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 as we plotted out the dramatic action — analyzing each scene for openings to introduce, develop and transform each of the relationships.
When it comes to the character emotional development transformation, we focus solely on the final quarter of the story. Though the pace of the action and conflict and intrigue and excitement builds incrementally, the protagonist stays essentially flat, preforming the same actions as she has throughout the story and reacting to the final challenges in a similar manner as she did in every other scene in the story.
As soon as the writer understands how transformation works, she immediately comes up with innovative ideas how to show character change and come into her own personal power. And, there, smack dab in the middle of the climax scene and patiently waiting all along is the perfect opportunity to show the protagonist in her crowning glory.
For an in-depth resource to all the questions to ask about conflict when writing a novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories.
1) (CLOSED) PW BOOK AND WORKBOOK GIVEAWAY!
Sue Bradford Edwards of WOW! Women on Writing Blog has written a wonderful review of the PW book and workbook by showing how she used the resources with her own story. We are giving away 3 The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master and 3 The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing. (CONTEST CLOSED)
2) 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 allows for a more loving relationship with 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 in The 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.
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