Build a Timeless, Original Story Using Hundreds of Classic Story Motifs
It's been said that there are no new ideas; but there are proven ideas t... read full description
reviews
Jul 28, 2011
Michael
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This book is a deconstruction of the major themes and plots behind most western story telling. The author, Victoria Schmidt, is a graduate of film studies, explaining why most of the references and examples are films rather than books. However, storytelling is storytelling, no matter what the medium.
The first two chapters were the most useful from a writer's perspective, outlining and defining the three acts most familiar to western thinkers, planning and development of plot and character. I fel More...
The first two chapters were the most useful from a writer's perspective, outlining and defining the three acts most familiar to western thinkers, planning and development of plot and character. I fel More...
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Sep 13, 2011
Alicia
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This book effectively breaks down plot by explaining dramatic throughlines plus the different type of plots that can be used aside from the traditional 3 act structure.
This would've received 5 stars if it wasn't for the section on the 55 situations that can be used. As someone not familiar with Ploti, I was confused on some of the terminology and the best way to incorporate. I felt like that section could've been expanded a bit.
Even with that drawback, this was an excellent r
This would've received 5 stars if it wasn't for the section on the 55 situations that can be used. As someone not familiar with Ploti, I was confused on some of the terminology and the best way to incorporate. I felt like that section could've been expanded a bit.
Even with that drawback, this was an excellent r
Aug 02, 2009
Heidi
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I found this book very confusing and was particularly turned off when I discovered that all the examples came from movies, not books. But the final straw was when, under the chapter of "Imprudence and caution" she gives this definition of "Little Women": "Jo waits too long to decide to marry long-time friend, Laurie, and eds up losing him to her younger sister."!!!!!
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Jan 21, 2009
Dominic
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This is an invaluable resource for the aspiring writer. It maps out plot shapes and asks basic question for many different types of plot structures. Although it is very useful for starting to weave your story, it is somewhat difficult to navigate, and some of the information comes off as completely erroneous. Overall, B+
Dec 12, 2011
Carrie
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This was offered as a free Kindle download during Nanowrimo, so I grabbed it. It's mostly summaries of dramatic throughlines, conflicts, and genres that can be used in fiction.
As someone who's severely plot structure challeged, I found it semi-useful. It was enough to get me started thinking about potential ways to structure a story, but not enough for me to get something workable down on paper.
As someone who's severely plot structure challeged, I found it semi-useful. It was enough to get me started thinking about potential ways to structure a story, but not enough for me to get something workable down on paper.
Jan 09, 2011
Sherry
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I love this book. Some readers have commented that they found it too formulaic - but of course it's formulaic, it's offering an insight into the many ways that one structure and organise a story. And it's strength is that in offering one a whole host of options, it defies being formulaic because it demonstrates what a wide range of options there are. If anything, this book has opened my eyes and broadened my horizons and helped to kick my brain out of being a little too predictable in my own sto
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Jun 09, 2010
Joe
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There's some good nuggets of information here. I wouldn't call it a great book. There's enough flexibility in the formulas though to allow creativity. I found some use out of it, and I guess that's what is important.
Aug 20, 2009
Story Structure Architect: A Writer's Guide to Building Dramatic Situations and Compelling Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt (2005)
Jun 05, 2011
Suzie
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I have an in-depth review at http://suziequint.blogspot.com/2011/02/s...
Jan 20, 2012
Karen lee
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I too, got this as a free download (much appreciated) and found it useful when skimming back through my finished story; as kind of a check list. There were many pages I skimmed over. I'll keep it as a reference guide.
Aug 28, 2008
Bec
rated it:
Cookbook style guide to story structures which provides lists and descriptions of various dramatic throughlines, conflicts, and genres. Designed to give the beginning reader and overview of nearly a dozen master story structures and 55 dramatic situation, the book's strength is in showing how the simplest story structure can yield a complex and satisfying experience for the writer when dramatic situations are employed. Although limited to screenwriting and writing for adults, many of the princip
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Sep 26, 2011
Suzie
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I suspect this was the author's masters thesis. It's fine if your intent is to analyze a story, but not really helpful in writing one.
Dec 30, 2008
Adrienna
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I was just trying to learn more as a writer, boring!
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Jul 10, 2009
Juliana
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This book and I just weren't meant to be together. It was informative and educational, but it was just too formulaic for me. Yes, yes, I know! It is meant as a guide to plot formulas! That's why I say that we just didn't mesh: I just couldn't love the approach to this book, even though I knew what to expect.
Oct 22, 2007
Carella
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Pretty cool book on story structure...not limited to books, but also delves into movie storylines as well. An interesting read if you're into how a good fiction story is crafted.
Oct 13, 2008
Meg
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Definitely a recommended read. Lots of good information on pacing, characters, plot etc. A good tool box item to refer back to as needed.
Apr 29, 2008
Karey
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This is best book I have come across that deals with how to construct a great story. Anything by Victoria Lynn Schmidt is worth getting.
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