Fixing Your Plot & Story Structure Problems

(This book is part of Revising Your Novel: First Draft to Finished Draft) Fix the plot and story structure problems holding your manuscript back! A great plot will pique reader interest and make them want to know what happens next, but predictable plots can lose them after a few chapters. Make sure your plot keeps those readers hooked. Janice Hardy takes you step-by-step through plot and story structure-related issues, such as wandering plots; a lack of scene structure; no goals, conflicts, or stakes; low tension; no hooks; and slow pacing. She’ll show you how to analyze your draft, spot any problems or weak areas, and fix those problems. With clear and easy-to-understand examples, Fixing Your Plot & Story Structure Problems offers five self-guided workshops that target the common issues that make readers stop reading. It will help you: Create unpredictable plots that keep readers guessing Find the right beginning and setup for your story Avoid the boggy, aimless middle Develop compelling hooks to build tension in every scene Craft strong goals, conflicts, and stakes to grab readers Determine the best pacing and narrative drive for your story Fixing Your Plot & Story Structure Problems starts every workshop with an analysis to pinpoint problem areas and offers multiple revision options in each area. You choose the options that best fit your writing process. Learn how to: Develop a strong and effective revision plan Analyze your manuscript to find its strengths and weaknesses Spot common red-flag words for problem areas Determine the best way to revise Fixing Your Plot & Story Structure Problems is an easy-to-follow guide to crafting gripping plots and novels that are impossible to put down.