Grant Faulkner

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The Concept of Plot

November 8, 2008 by Grant Faulkner 1 Comment

It’s difficult to know if the ability to plot a good story is something that is genetically endowed or whether it can be learned.

What’s certain is that it’s difficult to tell a good story.

Many can draw a compelling character, paint words into scenes that ring in your thoughts for days, or snap through the back and forth of expert dialogue.

But all of this still needs a storyline, even a loose one.

Take a look at this image from Norman Mailer’s plot for Harlot’s Ghost. It’s not the details that a novelist needs to consider, but the connections. Perhaps it’s worth plotting a story out before or during or even after writing, but what’s most important is keeping the concept of the connections in mind.

Filed Under: Blog, plot, writing tips

Comments

  1. Susan Barnes says

    November 12, 2008 at 1:59 am

    Yes, the connections. It’s all about connections. I wonder how big that piece of paper is that has Norman’s plot diagram on it. Do you know? Is it a regular 8.5 x 11 sheet? It looks almost like a map.

    Thanks!

    Reply

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Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month, co-founder of 100 Word Story, writer, tap dancer, alchemist, contortionist, numbskull, preacher. Read More…

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