Plotting the Novel
This comprehensive guide covers the essential elements of
plotting in detail, pinpointing the origins of plots, and examining the way
that characters affect their development, the part that sub-plots play, the
need for twists and turns, the welding-together of the various ingredients
into a well-constructed whole, and the value of advance planning.
The author draws on his own experience as an editor, teacher of
creative writing and published novelist, to provide plenty of practical advice
on how to plot your novel.
In a fascinating final chapter, Michael Legat shows how
he planned his own first novel. He
reprints the synopsis for the novel and in a series of illuminating notes
points out frankly the mistakes that he made and the changes required to put
them right. This is a very useful
book for any aspiring novelist.