Plot Development: An Outlining Method for Fiction

Writer's Resources

by Jesper Schmidt, Autumn M Birt

Do you want to write a stronger story? Would you like to worry less about plot holes and weak characters?
Some writers shy away from outlining, believing it their worst nightmare, and state that time is better spent writing a novel than planning it. Then there are those who've tried plotting, perhaps more than a few times, only to get lost in the weeds and overwhelmed by frustration.
Stories that work all follow a certain structure; you just need to learn how to apply it.
Plot Development is a step-by-step guide which will teach

Included are seven bonus chapters , covering important topics theme, beta readers, short story plotting, and much more. Additionally, you'll be able to download an outline template to provide an in-depth guide for your plotting. No more getting lost in those weeds!
Plot Development is brought to you by two bestselling authors , who have published more than twenty novels between them. Leverage the power of story structure and take your writing to the next level. Click Download Free Sample today and see for yourself!

Genres: Writing

422 pages, Hardcover

Published September 15, 2020

About the author

Jesper Schmidt is a bestselling fantasy author who also dabbles in non-fiction.

If you need help with writing, publishing and marketing, Jesper can be found at www.amwritingfantasy.com.

He also invites you to join the world of Ylécium, an immersive experience, full of engaging fantasy stories. Visit www.amreadingfantasy.com.

There was a time where the art of writing was something that lived a quiet life, in the back of his mind. A dormant desire and, like so many of our dreams, it was placed on a list of things to do later. That’s, luckily, all in the past.

Nowadays, Jesper write stories about underwater dragons, vampires, awesome spellcasters, and dark Gods attempting to gain a foothold in the material realm of Ylécium.

If you haven’t had enough of this bio yet, here’s more: As of this writing, Jesper is 42 years old. He lives in Denmark with his wife and two sons. Denmark is that small spot of land, just North of Germany and East of United Kingdom. It’s the place where the population refuses to believe that the few can’t leave a mark on the world. Perhaps it’s the Viking heritage, but if the Hobbits could save everyone, so can the rest of us. Denmark might be an insignificant country in the eyes of Sauron, but at Mount Doom the truth will be revealed.

Jesper loves fantasy, worldbuilding – especially maps – and storytelling.

Come say hello on Facebook: http://bit.ly/28NJQXO
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SchmidtJesper
Podcast: http://bit.ly/2GXfbIr (just search for “Am Writing Fantasy” in your podcast app)
YouTube: http://bit.ly/1WIwIVC

Reviews

[Kathryn Bigelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy for proofreading purposes and didn't expect a ton. I've read other plotting and writing books that didn't really work for my writing style. This one was different. I liked the way it built up layer on layer. Building first the character, and the emotions, and layering in other characters to support the main character. Finally how to layer in subplots, foreshadowing, and context through for a book or a series.

This book reminded me a little of the Snowflake Method but with more detailed discussions of motivations. After reading, I immediately turned around and applied the whole process to my current work creating a better outline that even contained foreshadowing for the plot ahead within the next books. Everything felt natural with emotional threads to draw the story and character through realistically.

I recommend this for anyone who can pull ideas out of the air, but not necessarily put them in the right order with the right motivations. Even a non-outliner can benefit from thinking about the steps as they approach writing.

[Angelina Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Great Reference For The Non-Seaters In Writing

And to be honest, whether you write by the seat of your pants or outline things first, this book is great to have at hand. Grab the workbook as well and have something that will help stimulate your brain for the times when words elude you and you haven't written a thing for hours.
The book skillfully takes you through a process that works for many writers, and shows you some fantastic ways to get through some important but often overlooked parts in creating a good story. Questions you may not have realized you should have asked are answered and the help to keep you on track is here. Best part is you don't have to pay for a class that may or may not cover the things you are unsure about in this ever changing field.
I received a copy of this book as part of the Typo Slayer team to help the authors with those pesky errors that slip through to the end and I am giving an honest review.

[Silhouette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book for fiction plotting.

I found this book really easy to read. It is laid out in a very logical and clear fashion with each new step building on the last one, but you can also just dip in and out of it as you need to. There is also a workbook to support it which is useful. This book helps you to define the plot and build the key characters without losing the creative aspects. If you are writing a novel, this book on plotting is certainly worth reading.

I am three-quarters through the first draft of a novel and know that a few things just aren’t working. Once I’ve finished my first draft, I will be using this book to help me find and fix the characters and plot points that just aren’t quite right at the moment. I just wish that I had this book before I started my first draft and I will certainly be using it for the next two books in the series! I definitely recommend this book.

I received this book for free and voluntarily decided to review it.

[Scishellgmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a whole as it gives me more confidence to write the book I have always dreamed of. I am a “follow the steps” kind of person which makes this book perfect for me. It clearly outlines each aspect of plotting a book from character journeys to how to weave different character points of view, sub plots and character arcs throughout the novel. I now have the confidence I need to start developing the outline and fleshing out the story in each chapter for the book I have always wanted to write. I can’t thank Autumn and Jesper enough for this wonderful guide on how to develop a plot. –Michelle

[James Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an aspiring writer, the information and theory found in this book will prove enlightening and very useful. By taking a creative writer’s fear of planning and turning it into a strength, this good read, touched with humor in just the right places sets up clear steps for strong writing in any genre. I highly recommend this book.
James Walker Brown

[T.S. Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb resource for new and old authors alike, honestly can't wait to start splitting a new book using the tips I've picked up from this book.

Well explained, each step is logical and easy to follow. What a fantastic methodology for plotting a book!