Plot Basics: Plot Your Novel or Screenplay in Eight Sequences

by Paul Tomlinson

There is no secret formula for plot — but there is a pattern that has proved satisfying to readers and movie-goers for years. Once you have an understanding of this underlying structure you can apply it to a novel or screenplay in any genre. In Plot Basics you'll How to break down your plot into four quarters and decide what must happen in each — applying the 'rule of three' to give a strong through-line with rising action and suspense. How to divide these into eight sequences that enable you to tell your story with maximum dramatic effect — including six major turning points plus a midpoint and a climax. What individual story elements belong in each of the eight sequences and how to develop them. You can use the eight sequences method to plot a story from scratch. Apply it to edit the first draft of a novel or screenplay you already have. Or use it to take apart a story you've started but which isn't working. When you know what needs to go where in a story, you can get on with the fun part of writing and create something for readers or movie-goers to enjoy — safe in the knowledge that your plot works.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2017

About the author

Paul Tomlinson was born in Nottingham, England, in 1966. He has conducted author interviews for Starlog and Starburst magazines, and is co-creator of the Official Harry Harrison website. He is the author of the mystery novel The Sword in the Stone-Dead; the science fiction novel Robot Wrecker; and the fantasy novel Slayer of Dragons.

Reviews

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might have a few pages left to read of this, but I can say with confidence that this book was SO HELPFUL with plotting my CampNaNoWriMo project in June. If I ever got lost with my plot, I would come back to this book for ideas on where the story should go from here, to get where I wanted it to be.

[Candice Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adds some useful tips for writers

If you've read other books on plotting a novel or screenplay, a lot of this book is going to feel like well tread territory. He quotes heavily from several other books on craft. I still found his explanation for why things should occur when they do and how to achieve it helpful.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book breaking down plot. Independently published, so not as polished as it could be. The breakdown of the often sluggish middle section of the book, Act II, is the most useful part of this guide.

[Page Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Very helpful guide to using the eight sequence structure. Lots of details are given to explain each section. It helped me test the structure of a story I’d already written as well. Ignore the few typos in the text, the overall steps to build your story are gold.

[Ravi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and to the point

Good for beginner's. Nice for revising the basic concepts.Deals with the 16 plot points just like the heroes journey. By .

[Nikki Kincaid]

I've got several of Tomlinson's books and have found excellent nuggets in each.

[Jcl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good How-To-Plot Book

Book covers all you need to know to make a great start on your novel (or screenplay). Has a good bibliography too.

[Mark Mathes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful primer for fiction writers who are starting out or advanced writers who need a refresher.

[Cal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sample Only - I will likely read the full version at a later date next year.