Building Better Plots

by Robert Kernen

Creating strong plots can be one of the most challenging aspects of writing narrative. This guide provides instruction for writers on analysing their work, and also introduces tools and methods for writing better plots from the outset.'

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

247 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1999

Reviews

[Barbara Ish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if you’ve never heard of this book; there are many books on writing that get much more attention. I’ve gotten a lot out of reading Sol Stein’s and Stephen King’s ideas on craft; I spend more time re-reading Joseph Campbell’s The Hero With a Thousand Faces than any other ten books. I coach writers all the time, and recommend those and other books on a regular basis, particularly when I’m working with a writer whose story structure has a problem. But when I feel at sea with a plot, I reach for Building Better Plots.

There's a much longer essay about this book and what it's done for me on my blog, here.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed his informative step by step guidelines on plot. I never fully understood the connections between the generic plots until now, and thanks to his wonderful examples I do. As a downside, I was dissapointed with the chapter on outlining, which I felt should have been covered better and more than it was. Overall, a book you should definitely invest in if you have trouble with plot structure. Although be warned: If you're looking for a book that helps you get inspiration for plots, this isn't really the one -- although learning more on the structure may jar a few ideas loose.

[Stephanie Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend "Building Better Plots" by Robert Kernen on my blog for historical fiction writers. I highly recommend this book for getting a good knowledge of the basic elements and functions of plot. Once you understand plot, you will know exactly the base components every story needs to be successful, interesting, and satisfying to the reader.

Check out the review at http://carrollbooks.blogspot.com/2012...

[Dionna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second best book I've read on the subject of plotting. One of Writer's Digest's many excellent books on writing well.

[Emily Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me so much! I'm going to use all the knowledge from this book to help me write a novel.

[Ableabelian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building Better Plots is an excellent book about the nuts and bolts of actually designing your plots. It includes several exercises, quizzes, and checklists to help make sure you're on track. This is a book I was lukewarm about the first time I read it, but every time I am working on plot I end up coming back to it and finding more and more useful information.

Now I think it should be on every writer's shelf because he goes over SO MUCH, including practical steps to go from terminology to being ready to start writing.

[Roland W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study and guide for anyone interested in what plot is, and how to develop ideas into strong, compelling stories. The author covers every aspect of storytelling in novel form, and how each relates to a story's plot, revealing the enormous value that should be placed on this basic building block of great fiction writing.

[Frances Wentworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores so many plot options. Whether you've already studied plot structure or you're a complete novice, this book will help you organize your idea into the complex framework of a novel.

[Keith Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well laid out guide to plots and storytelling. Valid for presentations and content writers as well as novel, TV or movie writers.

[T.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

usefull.