Creative Writing Part 2: Plot & Organization

In part 2 of her series on creative writing, Michelle Stimson discusses the plot and organization of your book. She will walk you through the classic story structure, and the general 'beginning,' 'middle,' and 'end' structure of a story. You will also learn that publishers look at word count instead of page count, and that this can vary based on genre. Michelle will teach you how to calculate estimated word count, and the number you need to aim to write for the average adult novel and young adult book. Finally, Michelle suggests ways to organize and manage plot lines, characters, and the passage of time.

This is lesson 2 of 6 in the Creative Writing series of lessons. See the others:
Part 1, Ideas: http://www.mindbites.com/lesson/2031
Part 2, Plot & Organization: http://www.mindbites.com/lesson/2034
Part 3, Character & Viewpoint: http://www.mindbites.com/lesson/2040
Part 4, Voice & Word Choice: http://www.mindbites.com/lesson/2039
Part 5, Dialogue & Description: http://www.mindbites.com/lesson/2042
Part 6, Getting Published: http://www.mindbites.com/lesson/2043

Do you have the next great American novel sitting in your desk drawer – or in your head? Ever read a book and thought to yourself, “Why didn’t I write this?” If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, you owe it to yourself to join national bestselling author and reading/writing instructor Michelle Stimpson, M.Ed., for this intense workshop, preparing you to take your writing to the next level! Who knows? Maybe YOU are sitting on the next bestseller! This session covers character and viewpoint and includes a handout. It was recorded at a face-to-face workshop session.

• Once you purchase this lesson you will have access to these files:
• Session2Handout.pdf

Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults.

In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), Breaking Bondage to Biscuits, The Good Stuff and Trouble In My Way. She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational...

Thank you, Michelle

04/09/2009

~ ht1979

This, too, was a tremendously helpful lesson. Thinking about writing a book is much different than actually figuring out all of the nuts and bolts - it's great to have Michelle walk me through all of the different elements to the book.

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