Writing a novel without a plan is like going on a journey without a map. Discover how to stay on track.
This course is ideal for: Fiction writers looking for more structure who want to learn from an international bestselling author
You will learn:
The basic formula for all stories
Intuitive approach versus the analytical approach
The seven basic plots you need to know
How to keep your reader glued to your plot
And much more.
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This is an online self-paced course
Duration:
Your 12 months' access begins straight away
Course Creator: Kate Forsyth $195 | |||||
Why plot is so important
Plot is a vital component of any narrative, and yet many writers fail to understand exactly what it is or how to create one. A strong, compelling plot keeps your readers turning the pages long after lights should have gone out. It makes them laugh and cry and gasp and shiver. Yet building a plot is not nearly as difficult as most people fear. All it takes is a little planning.“Great practical and creative ideas to help you plan your book and to fully recognise your own creativity. I had thought that a plan would somehow stifle my story. Instead, it has allowed it to grow and improve.”
Emma Farnam
What is this course about?
This course is designed to give you practical techniques to help plot your novel – from the very first idea to the final narrative arc. Each writer approaches the creative process in different ways and this workshop aims to open up new ways of thinking and developing plot, rather than narrowing down your creativity.
It will illuminate the underlying structure of a novel and discuss different approaches to plotting, from mind-mapping to plot-lines, to chapter and scene breakdowns. We will learn about the Three Act Structure, writing a pitch, developing a synopsis, the basic patterns of plots, the hero's journey and why Aristotle thought a beginning, a middle and an end are so important (rather than a beginning, a muddle and an end!).
- The intuitive approach versus the analytical approach
- What is a plot, anyway?
- Aristotle's theories on plot
- The basic formula of all stories
- The narrative arc
- The hero's journey and the writer's journey
- The seven basic plots (or is there only three?)
- Turning an idea into a plan – mind-mapping and brainstorming
- Chapter and scene breakdowns
- Ten points to always remember
An introduction to Plotting and Planning by course creator and award winning author, Kate Forsyth.
“This was by far the best course on plotting, planning and structure that I've done.”
Kirsty Tyler
How our “self-paced courses” work
This is one of AWC’s 35+ “self-paced” online courses. But what does that mean? Allow us to explain:
Your presenter
Dr Kate Forsyth is an award-winning author, poet, and storyteller. Her most recent novel is The Crimson Thread, a reimagining of ‘The Minotaur in the Labyrinth’ myth, set in Crete during the Nazi invasion and occupation of World War II.
Kate's other historical novels include The Blue Rose, set against the backdrop of Imperial China and the French Revolution, published by Penguin Random House in 2019, and Beauty in Thorns, a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty set amongst the wild bohemian circle of Pre-Raphaelite artists and poets, which was published by Penguin Random House Books Australia in 2017. Kate is also a well-known writer of children's books, such as her fantasy adventure series, The Impossible Quest, and the Long-Lost Fairy-Tales collection, illustrated by Lorena Carrington.
| Key information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key information: | |||||
|
This is an online self-paced course
Duration:
Your 12 months' access begins straight away
Course Creator: Kate Forsyth $195 | |||||
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