Unlocking Your Creativity: A Guided Study in Creative Writing
Plotting is the structure that holds a story together. It is the sequence of events that make up the narrative. A well-plotted story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and a series of interconnected events that move the story forward. Plotting is important because it gives the reader a sense of direction and purpose, and helps to create tension and conflict.
There are many different ways to structure a story, but most follow a basic three-act structure: the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution.
The setup is where the main character and the setting are introduced, and the conflict is established. This is the foundation of the story, and sets the stage for what is to come.
The confrontation is where the main character faces obstacles and challenges, and the story begins to build tension. This is where the plot thickens, and the protagonist is forced to confront the conflict head-on.
The resolution is where the conflict is resolved, and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion. This is where loose ends are tied up, and the reader is left with a sense of closure.
One popular plotting technique is the "hero's journey," which was popularized by Joseph Campbell in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces. The hero's journey is a universal story pattern that can be found in myths and legends from around the world. It involves a protagonist who goes on a journey, faces challenges and obstacles, and ultimately emerges transformed.
Another popular plotting technique is the "save the cat" moment, which was coined by screenwriter Blake Snyder in his book Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need. The save the cat moment is where the protagonist does something likeable or heroic, which endears them to the audience and makes them more invested in the character's journey.
When plotting a story, it is important to keep in mind the pacing of the narrative. A story that moves too quickly can feel rushed and unsatisfying, while a story that moves too slowly can feel boring and unengaging. The key is to find the right balance, and to keep the reader engaged and invested in the story.
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