Bell's book Plot & Structure is based on the premise that good writing can be learned, and is not necessarily confined to those who are born blessed with the ability. Bell calls this nature-only perspective as the Big Lie and proceeds to explain some tenets of great writing. In particular, Bell addresses the concepts of plot and novel structure. His approach follows what he calls the LOCK system (Lead, Objective, Confrontation and Knockout finish). Following the LOCK system, a novel should have an interesting Lead character who has an Objective. While trying to achieve that Objective the Lead experiences Confrontation, which produces conflict. The novel should end with a Knockout finish. It is Bell's premise that all great novels follow this structure, regardless of whether the writer understands it.

Bell's book also stresses the importance of the three-act structure. He says all great novels have three acts (Act I, II and III). There are also key points in these Acts, such as the Incident, the point of no return that propels the Lead into Act II and the turning point that sends the Lead to the climax of the novel in Act III. While this structure may seem artificial, Bell argues that it is found in nature and all of life itself, and thus lends itself well to the novelized structure. We are born, we grow up, then we die. There is a beginning, a middle and an end in all of life. Bell says this helps the reader identify with the story since it is the natural way we understand life.

Bell also describes various plotting techniques and typical plot patterns. This is useful for understanding the wide range of possibilities when it comes to plotting.

Overall, this is an excellent work that should help any writer understand the basics of story and writing the novel. Some have criticized this work as promoting a more formulaic approach to the process. While this may be somewhat true, Bell argues that following well-proven patterns that have produced some of the greatest writing in history will help the novelist achieve success and produce work that readers identify with and will enjoy. I say the writer should take this philosophy as a foundation for her work and build upon it. Like anything else, it is not the only valid approach, but it does have a proven track record and merit.