Charleston County Public Library

Mastering plot twists, how to use suspense, targeted storytelling strategies, and structure to captivate your readers, Jane K. Cleland ; foreword by Donald Maass

eng

index present

non fiction

Mastering plot twists

1042086588

Jane K. Cleland ; foreword by Donald Maass

how to use suspense, targeted storytelling strategies, and structure to captivate your readers

"The key to keeping readers on the edge of their seats is filling your stories--from memoirs to thrillers and stage plays to screenplays--with unexpected twists and turns. By integrating Plot *T*wists, Plot *R*eversals, and Moments of Heightened *D*anger (TRDs) at crucial points, you can captivate your readers with I-can't-wait-to-see-what-happens-next intrigue. The quicker pace and focused action that come from strategically placed twists form the core of the nuanced, multifaceted books that sell--and that help you find a devoted readership. In Mastering Plot Twists, Agatha Award-winning author Jane K. Cleland goes beyond telling writers what to do; she shows you how to do it. Within these pages, you'll find: a proven, five-step process for using TRDs, with detailed examples from best-selling books; a deep dive into plotting, structure, pacing, subplots, and more to help you develop surprising yet inevitable twists; "Jane's Plotting Roadmap" and worksheets--essential tools for planning your plot. Building on the award-winning instruction provided in Mastering Suspense, Structure, & Plot, Cleland's newest guide will help you write effective and credible twists, creating the kind of stories that will keep your readers up long into the night."--Back cover

Part one: Pre-plotting. Hone in on a conflict ; Align your people with your conflicts ; The power of perception ; Generate compelling narrative questions -- Part two: Plotting. Plot your course ; Use TRDs to control pace ; Find fire in ice ; Choose two subplots ; End with a wallop