The Bible when it comes to plotting
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I cannot recommend this book enough. It's a practical, hands-on, and downright USEFUL guide to learning about plot and structure. It's written by a professional and successful working author. I think this makes a huge difference.
Plot is what happens in your novel. Structure is WHEN (and to an extent WHY) things happen. We can all generate plots, but structure must be learned, in my opinion (unless you're a one-in-a-billion natural story teller). But that's no problem because structure is one of the few writers arts that can be codified. That's the achievement of this book---Bell has identified the timeless rules and comprehensively explains them. His rendition of the rules can be slightly idiosyncratic at times (in my opinion), but if keep your wits about you and follow the advice in this book then you will be able to generate a winning plot and structure. No question. Of course, that doesn't mean you will have a winning novel...
I studied this book like I studied books at school, and no doubt I'll read it again many times.
Like many guides, Plot & Structure makes the distinction between "literary" and "popular" plot types, and concentrates most definitely on "popular" (Bell is an American author and barely a page goes by when he doesn't mention Dean Kootnz). However, the author will occasionally reflect on the difference between the two types to illustrate a point.
Ultimately Bell's focus is on entertaining and delighting the reader, and what he describes is focussed very much on this end goal. If you have an objection to this (and I've met many who find it questionable, considering writing a pastime for their own pleasure), then this book will just be one irritation after another. But even so I'd advise you read it. Archetypes are archetypes. Structure is structure. It exists outside of genre. And a surprising amount of "literary" novels have structures that are fundamentally very similar to the latest Stephen King or Dean Koontz.
All in all, if you're aiming to write successful fiction and want a complete guide to structure, this book is highly recommended. If you buy no other book on writing then make it this one.
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Great Plot
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An easy-to-read book, and yet it contains countless ideas and suggestions for the writer - well worth buying!
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Very good indeed
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I teach novel writing. I found this to be a highly readable and exceedingly helpful book for those who want to take novel writing seriously. A few too many references to cinema plots, but essentially the best book I have read on the subject. Recommended
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An essential plotting guide for all writers
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I've read many books on plotting and structure, but this is probably the best so far. It doesn't offer a miracle cure for ailing plots, or promote a magical formula for coming up with the perfect novel, or divulge any flashy techniques - instead, it provides a nuts-and-bolts, back-to-basics guide to developing a strong foundation for your novel.
It has to be said that a lot of books on writing can come across as quite patronising - not so here. The book has a very friendly tone and puts its points across in a simple, straightforward manner that's always easy to read and often quite entertaining. There are many tips and exercises, all of which are practical and useful.
I read this before embarking on my current project, but I imagine it would be useful whatever state your novel's in, as many of the hints and tips can (and should be) applied throughout the whole novel-writing process. My copy is already covered in highlighter pen and scribbled notes in the margins, and I have no doubt that I'll be returning to it again and again. I see this book as an essential reference guide to the craft of plotting, and would encourage anyone who's serious about novel writing to invest in this. If you only buy one book on plotting and structure, I'd make it this one.
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A must read: practical, insightful and entertaining at the same time
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I really enjoyed reading this book. Whether you aim at writing commercial (plot driven) fiction, or literary (character driven) fiction, this book will be a useful read.
Extremely practical in its excercises, it is a particurarly useful tool for those who somehow, get lost in their own plots.
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