Plotman to the Rescue: A Troubleshooting Guide to Fixing Your Toughest Plot Problems

by James Scott Bell

"Help! My plot drags, sags, and has no heart!" This looks like a job for Plotman! Yes, solving your plot problems is why the superhero of story came to Earth. His mission? To give practical, easy-to-apply answers to the most vexing plot questions writers face, such • How do I plan a plot if I'm not a plot planner?• Does my plot need a prologue?• What if I hit a plot wall?• What if my plot is getting away from me?• Why ins't my plot more gripping at the start?• Why is my overall plot dull?• What should I do if my plot is implausible?• Do I really need to think about plot structure?• How do I deepen the emotional impact of my plot?• What's the best way to plug a plot hole?• How do I keep my plot from ending with a thud?And more! With bonus material on how to find and utilize beta readers; and several plot generating methods you can put to use at any time. Whether used as a reference guide or refresher course, this book will strengthen your storytelling muscles and help you elevate every novel you write. Because Plotman, along with his faithful sidekick Subplot Boy, has sworn to uphold plot, story, and the bestselling way.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Crafts

132 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2019

About the author

Jim is a former trial lawyer who now writes and speaks full time. He is the bestselling author of Try Dying, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise and several other thrillers. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Inspirational Fiction, and was a fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine. He has written two books in the Writers' Digest series, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure and Revision & Self-Editing.

Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.

Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan

Reviews

[Cora Foerstner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bell does it again!

I buy all of James Scott Bell’s writing books because his books have helped in every step of the writing process.

This book is packed with excellent ideas to help revise and troubleshoot problems in your manuscript.

I found an unexpected bonus from reading this book. I think I can use several of Bell’s ideas to fix a manuscript I abandoned this past summer. I put the novel aside because it felt flat and uninspiring. I think I can troubleshoot some of the problems and get the story back on the right path.

[Angela Boord · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repeats a lot of the info from Write Your Book From the Middle, but there are a few other good ideas to help solve problems like dragging plots. Thriller writers will probably find it most useful.

[Jonathan H. MONTES · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a fun little book about writing.

It starts off like a story, and you quickly realize that it's based off of Superman. But it quickly, thereafter, gets right to the part you want-learning about plot.

There's really not much to say as this is for writers or anyone looking to start plotting their novel. Strongly recommended for the price, and for the author who has had a lot of success with writing about writing.
The page count is roughly 100 pages. There are exercises and things you can try out. There's motivation for writers and tons more in a compact book. I got it for Kindle, which is cheaper. If you have one, maybe go with that. I don't think there will be time to read it a second time with the amount of books on writing out there.
Thank you for reading this review. I'll catch you on YouTube.

[Les Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sound Advice And Techniques

I have enjoyed the author’s other books on writing fiction, and found this one to be quite serviceable. There are lots of good ideas to try and good examples to follow. I would not call this work to be revelatory or overly inspiring, but I do think it offers sound advice and techniques for troubleshooting plot problems.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice for different writing situations. Definitely a "by the side" book to have while revising or writing.

[K.M. Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books about writing from this author. They're always useful and full of helpful ideas I can use.

[Justin Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Writing Bible

I learned so much from this. I've taken plenty of mental notes and look forward to using them improve my own craft.

[Elizabeth Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

So helpful, with solid, practical advice and many thought provoking questions. It was easy to read and apply right away.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chat maybe we are NOT cooked

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much more than the title implies (and in spite of the comic book cover). Bell does address plot issues at length (whether you're plotter or pantser), but along the way there are so many bits and pieces that can enhance your writing. Readers familiar with mythic structure and the SAVE THE CAT method will find some common ground but Bell's informal style is more clever and engaging than most writing books. Those who participate in National Novel Writing Month will find many useful topics and helpful exercises. Much useful advice for those whose efforts run aground or whose enthusiasm fades as a project wears on. Overall, a great book for writers in general, not limited to those struggling with plot issues. Also a good sourcebook for writing instructors and writing/critique groups.

[Marylou Condike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tips in an easy-to-read presentation

Plotman to the Rescue is a great quick reference for writers who have completed one or more novels that are in draft form that needs help. Bells’ tips are easy to understand with clear and recognizable examples.

[Peggy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes go for it!

Every book I have read by Me Bell has improved my writing by leaps and bounds, like flying up, up away. He gives you correct and easy ways to become bette!r at being a great writer!

[Kay Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent little book from Bell, covering techniques of plotting and ideas for fixing a wide variety of plot problems. Well worth the attention of any fiction writer.