Automatic Plot Generator Plot and Story A plot is not a story, nor does every story have a strong plot. Good writers know the importance of both plot and story, especially before they dare to write a story with a “weak” or “thin” plot. Any plot can feature a love story; that illustrates the difference. Plots are events, stories reveal how characters react to those events. Because the writers, editors, publishers, and producers with whom we work target mass market audiences, we make no apologies for what might seem a formulaic approach to story structure. Producers and publishers know that audiences have expectations writers need to meet. Structure is Not Story Do not confuse traditional (or nearly traditional) plotting and story structure with formulaic storytelling. Poetry in most cultures adheres to various structures: hiaku and sonnets are two examples. Traditions Cultural traditions dictate audience expectations, and therefore guide storytellers. Experimental Works Plot The plot is sometimes called the “spine” of a story.
Plotting Short Fiction Last month at MRA, I listened to Jacqueline Woodson speak about her writing process. It wasn’t the first time I heard her speak and I hope it won’t be my last. She is one of the writers I consider as my personal mentor. She said, “Plot happens.” One thing I’ve learned about writing fiction is the importance of allowing the characters’ to have free will. Kim Jones invited me into her fourth grade class to lead a fiction unit. Still, as a teacher of young fiction writers, it’s necessary to teach what works for me and what might work for other writers. Yesterday I introduced the story mountain to the fourth grade fiction writers. Then I gave them this planning sheet (click the link for a PDF). About half of the writers in the room used the planning sheet and found it helpful. A few notes: Enemy Pie by D. Like this: Like Loading...
Splendid Jenny's Angry Eyes | Plot Generator Albert Barker suspected something was a little off when his sweet grandpa tried to kick him when he was just six years old. Nevertheless, he lived a relatively normal life among other humans. It wasn't until he bumped into the devilishly splendid siren, Jenny Platt, that his life finally began to make sense. However, Jenny proved to be optimistic and seemed to have an unhealthy obsession with singing. When Albert's sweet grandpa is injured in a drunk driving accident, Albert realises his own life is at risk. Despite Jenny's angry eyes and fish-like tail, Albert finds himself falling for the siren. One night, a siren appears before Albert and warns him of a darkness within Jenny. Will Albert find it in himself to kill the only creature who has ever made him feel truly hot? Praise for Splendid Jenny's Angry Eyes "Oh my golly gosh - where can I find myself a tasty splendid siren?" - The Daily Tale "Oh please! - Enid Kibbler - Hit the Spoof "The blurb spoilt the plot. - Zob Gloop
The Curse of the Silver Blade | Plot Generator Whilst investigating the death of a local author, a siren detective called Jenny Platt uncovers a legend about a supernaturally-cursed, silver blade circulating throughout Australia. As soon as anyone uses the blade, he or she has exactly 28 days left to live. The doomed few appear to be ordinary people during day to day life, but when photographed, they look skeletal. Jenny gets hold of the blade, refusing to believe the superstition. When Jenny notices her moles have fox-like properties, she realises that the curse of the silver blade is true and calls in her lover, a painter called Albert Barker, to help. Albert examines the blade and willingly submits himself to the curse. Jenny and Albert pursue a quest to uncover the meaning of the visions, starting with a search for the hooded goldfish. Praise for The Curse of the Silver Blade "This is actually pretty scary. - The Daily Tale "Oh please! - Enid Kibbler "The hooded goldfish really freaked me out." - Hit the Spoof - Zob Gloop
The Curse of the Silver Blade | Plot Generator Whilst investigating the death of a local private detective, an understanding author called Jake Wish uncovers a legend about a supernaturally-cursed, silver blade circulating throughout New York. As soon as anyone uses the blade, he or she has exactly 55 days left to live. The doomed few appear to be ordinary people during day to day life, but when photographed, they look skeletal. Jake gets hold of the blade, refusing to believe the superstition. When Jake notices his toes have cat-like properties, he realises that the curse of the silver blade is true and calls in his girlfriend, a police officer called Kayla Connors, to help. Kayla examines the blade and willingly submits herself to the curse. Jake and Kayla pursue a quest to uncover the meaning of the visions, starting with a search for the hooded koala. Praise for The Curse of the Silver Blade "This is actually pretty scary. - The Daily Tale "Oh please! - Enid Kibbler "The hooded koala really freaked me out." - Hit the Spoof - Zob Gloop