Now that I understand Brooks' Story Structure (see link above) I see it everywhere and can't read a book without figuring out where the plot points were. I'll be sitting at the dinner table and say "Plot point #2 was . . . " I am driving my kids insane. We were watching Van Helsing last night and I was doing it again. My kids groaning only added to the soundtrack I am sure.
No doubt about it. I am cursed, and it's in a good way. Who knew just 13 simple lessons would have me understanding plot and structure so well that I plotted out almost all the books buzzing around in my head. This morning! Bwahahahahaha!
Back to Van Helsing, I didnt watch any editors comments but I am way curious if the director/prodoucer had a "thing" with windows. Looking out of them, looking in, crashing in them and getting thrown out of them. Just curious.
Wednesday: SDE post and another poll. :)
6 comments:
I saw that movie and liked it. Good call on the windows--if I ever see it again, I'll be watching.
Okay, you talked me into it! I'm starting Larry Brooks' series. Wish me luck!
btw, stop by my blog if you want to enter a drawing for free movie tickets...
LOL,the cursed life of a writer!
M. Gray,
Good for you, I promise you'll be a better writer if you learn the structure and use it. I has been mind opening for me. Come back and tell me what you think. I'm curious to know what you think.
I read the entire series and loved it! Thanks so much for sharing! He really did explain structure succinctly.
Plot has been my biggest weakness as a writer. When my publisher accepted my manuscript, they said they loved my writing style and characters but that my manuscript "wandered and floundered" and that intense revisions were necessary. So then I bought two plot books (this was about 3 months ago) and hacked up my manuscript. The books were great: Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schmidt and Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. The info I learned from these books was invaluable, my greatest tidbit of knowledge being throughlines--Schmidt taught about those.
I'm on my fifth draft and have now read Brooks' series. I was a bit nervous to read it (I was terrified of what I might find) but was relieved I'd placed my milestones in the appropriate places. A few things to improve: my midpoint could be stronger, and I wonder if my current ending is sufficiently satisfactory.
But I'm waiting to hear back from my editor on my latest draft and I can point out my revelatory concerns (thank you, Noble M. Standing)!
Noble: you're welcome. :)
I origionally structured my book based on the Hero's Journey. While it was eye opening and useful I like how Brooks structure gives you a literal blueprint.
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