The next section of James Patterson's Master Class is an expansion of the last post, moving from the raw idea to figuring out your plot.
The Plot
TAKE IT FURTHER
• James explains the difference between a plot and a story by using an E.M. Forster quote: “The king died and then the queen died, is a story. The king died and then the queen died of grief is a plot.” Read more from Forester’s guide to writing, Aspects of the Novel.
ASSIGNMENTS
• The best plots are simply told. Using your favorite raw idea from the lesson 03 assignment, write a plot down in 3-5 concise sentences. James explains “These are not things you write overnight...it’s really hard to come up with a good idea.” Don’t worry if you don’t finish this assignment before moving on to the next lesson. You can always come back to it.
• Successful plots make readers say “Tell me more!” James recommends tapping your most honest friends for their feedback on your plot ideas. Once you have your original plot condensed, call a friend and share the pitch. Pause for a moment and see if they ask for more. If they do, you might be onto something.
I partly did this assignment already for the first plot idea. Biggest issue so far are the parameters - they need to be expanded, explaining how hard it is to qualify to be in the trial (those were just things I could think of off the top of my head - 20s, non-smoking, etc).
- Though the compensation for a drug trial seemed too good to be true, Esther agreed to join her friend in participating. Her concerns were explained away by the tight parameters - patients in their 20s, non-smoking, no history of cancer, diabetes, or other major health concerns. They were required to stay overnight after the first dose and were assigned to dorm-like rooms with bunkbeds. But when she woke, Esther was alone in a windowless locked room. Many questions whirled around her head, including why was her hand glowing?
- Arthurian setting, with the addition of fantasy creatures. Some knights ride unicorns and they must contend with centaurs and fight off roving bands of vampires. The deep, dark forests belong to the fae creatures and the tenable land belongs to the humans. While they mostly coexist in harmony, a dark presence is trying to expand its power beyond the forest border. Perhaps they're also preying on damsels in distress (hence the distress)?
I'm feeling the second storyline a bit more than the first, though neither is super jumping out at the moment. Sleep deprivation may have something to do with it. 😊😴
Alright friends, I need some feedback! Thoughts, comments, questions, concerns?
Music Bonus:
I first heard Maisie Peters when she did a duet with JP Saxe ("Maybe Don't"). You to You recently popped up in a YouTube channel I listen to and I'm a big fan. It's got a pleasant, bouncy feel, while offering a fairly vindictive "eff you" to an ex. The contrast between th style and substance works really well. I like John Hughes Movie too - it reminds me of Emma Stone in Easy A. "But no, John Hughes did not direct my life."
"You to You" by Maisie Peters
"John Hughes Movie" by Maisie Peters
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