I can't tell you how much I'm learning from James Scott Bell's book, Plot & Structure. I wish I had read it years ago!When writing the middle of our novels, Bell says we should "ARM yourself for confrontation." He defines ARM like this:
A = Action
R = Reaction
M = More Action
This guy knows how to teach! Bell says that in order to keep readers interested, we should not only think about ARM, but we should also stretch the tension and raise the stakes.
When stretching tension, we should remember to set it up properly. Bell writes, "Always make sure scenes of tension have something to be tense about." We can stretch the physical tension by slowing down and paying more attention to detail. For emotional tension, Bell says, "When a character is in the throes of emotional turmoil, don't make things easy on her."
When raising the stakes, we can accomplish this through plot, character, or society. Either way, Bell says, "If you can create a character worth following and a problem that must be solved--and then along the way raise the stakes even higher--you're going to have the essential elements of a page-turner."
Aha!
How about you? Do you have fun shooting arrows at your characters? Or, do you like them so much you want to play nice?
I'm one who needs to work on "keep increasing the tension". I tend to allow mine to solve a problem first before hitting another...I need to stop that. Remembering ARM might work :)
ReplyDeleteI love those two phrases stretch the tension and raise the stakes. So good! I think I'll put them on a sticky note by my writing chair!
ReplyDeleteSo true this fella. I love to stress my characters,bash them and then lump on more stressful situations to shove them or have them leap into. And I love it more when the character chooses the bashing.
ReplyDeleteI think we are loving/doing our characters a justice when we send them to the school of hard knocks and plots. It makes the moments they get a breath or we are cheering for them all the more poignant when it comes. Good article!
I love building conflict! The more the better!
ReplyDeleteJaydee, I definitely needed to work on this too. This little tip helps though.
ReplyDeleteKaren G, sticky note by the computer is a great idea. I might just do that myself.
Nicole & Terri, sounds like you've got the right idea!
I so agree about Scott Bell's book. So glad you are getting so much out of this gem. :)
ReplyDeleteJ., I'm always learning, and he's a great teacher!
ReplyDeleteI've got to pick this book up again as I'm working on the new WIP. I hate torturing my characters, but I know it's necessary!
ReplyDeleteHi Kris. I know, I know. Sometimes it's tough, but we must do it!
ReplyDeleteMe? Play nice? He he he. I love making them suffer. But, *sigh* I'm also a sucker for a happy ending. Not so sure about this new WIP though... Sounds like a great book, btw..
ReplyDeleteLisa, I know how you make your mc suffer. But that's what makes your books great, right?
ReplyDeleteHey - thanks for saying my books are great Julie! :D You made my day.
ReplyDeleteHey, I own that book! Guess I should read the rest of it. Which do we love more, reading or writing?
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing a ton of great things about this book so I think it's time I pick it up!
ReplyDeleteI'm one that does like to keep the tension, what fun is a book if you can't add a little tension and make the characters a little uneasy, just until the end of course :) I love happy endings!
Cheesy, yes! Get that book out! I'm loving it. I borrowed it from the library, but I just might buy it for future reference.
ReplyDeleteJen, sounds like you add just the right stuff to your fiction!
BTW, I have a thank you on my blog for you.;-D
ReplyDeleteNicole, that is so sweet. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. I love setting up tension and pushing through to the conclusions. Often my problems come in dragging out the tension too far or making too many layers.
ReplyDeleteOkie, it's a tough balance, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThis was very helpful thanks Julie
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! I learned this late too and have to remember this for plotting my next WIP. I think I'll take a look at that book, too!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, no problem. I'm glad it was helpful!
ReplyDeleteLydia, you and me both.
This is such a great advice! I've heard a lot of recs for this book, and will try to get a copy for myself. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSandy, this book has been really helpful for me. I hope you grab a copy too!
ReplyDeleteHey Julie! Thanks for stopping by my blog and following! I liked this post and it's good advice. I see I'm going to need to go to the book store (or half.com) and get this one, and one that Piedmont Writer recommended...can't remember the name...anyway, it's nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteWord Crafter, it's nice to meet you too!
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice, Julie! What would a story be without conflict? I love throwing stones in a character's way to see how problems can be overcome.
ReplyDeleteDear Julie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, and for your lovely comments. It's very much appreciated.
Have a wonderful day :-))
Doris
I did read that book years ago, but now you've got me thinking I need to read it again. I try to heap on the problems whenever I can, I think that's part of the fun of writing - figuring out how the character's going to get out of the mess I've put them in. I also love when I'm reading a book and I think, "Okay, author, let's see how you get them out of this one."
ReplyDeleteI love this book! Right now I am reading his book on editing. It's also really good.
ReplyDeleteso interesting and very helpful :)
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteBanned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem not learn, so enjoy it :)
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