Writing Fiction

writing fiction

Writing fiction can be easy, if you know the rules.

The second book in the Write Great Fiction series, Plot & Structure offers clear and concise information on writing fiction and creating a believable and engaging plot that readers can't resist.  Written by award-winning thriller and suspense author James Scott Bell, this handy instruction guide provides:  

• Easy-to-understand techniques on every aspect of writing fiction including plotting and structure, from brainstorming story ideas to building scenes, and from using subplots to crafting knock-out endings  
• Engaging fiction writing exercises, perfect for writers at any level and at any stage in their novel  
• Practical and encouraging guidance from one of the most respected writers publishing today  
• Full of fiction writing aids including diagrams, plot brainstormers, and examples from popular novels, mastering plot and structure has never been so simple.

Reader Comments

A great fiction writing guide

If you are serious about writing fiction and want to be taken seriously, this book is for you. James Scott Bell writes clearly and to the point.

Everything in this book is practical to a fault. The sixteen or so dollars it costs will be far better spent on it than the hundreds paid to some critiquing service!

How I wish I read and applied the tips Bell gives before submitting my first query letter. It would have save me a lot of grief and embarrassment.

Want to learn writing fiction? Bell is a great teacher!

There are tricks and rules to writing fiction. Plot and Structure is a Writers Digest Book by James Scott Bell.  While he touches on many topics, the focus of the book is how to structure your novel to hook your readers and how you can create a riveting plot by giving it structure.  Bell peppers this book with examples from literary greats Stephen King and Dean Koontz and many other popular authors.

For example - Some of the fiction writing lessons I took away were how to structure your book in three acts, how each scene must contain suspense, and of course how you should show, not tell.  Also, your hero and villain must have adhesive, ie, there must be a reason the hero can't just walk away from the villain.  Bell also emphasizes the importance of constantly looking for ideas to make your plot original and to not be afraid to let your mind wander and fill your story with some crazy, outrageous ideas.  You can always cut them out later.

Plot & Structure: (Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips REaders From Start to finish) (Write Great Fiction)

by: James Scott Bell Release Date: 06 October, 2004, Media: Paperback

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