Writing Forum

I've got a lot of good story starts and not many finished. My innate pantserish nature works against good literature, or at least finishing good literature. I realized that I needed Plot and Structure. I found "Plot and Structure," by James Bell a help.

Mr. Bell offers a couple of ideas that my swiss cheese brain can hold and utilize.

1) The L.O.C.K system which stands for a LEAD character introduced and supplied with an OBJECTIVE, something they must do or have (the best is staying alive) Then there must be CONFLICT standing in the way of the LEAD's OBJECTIVE all culminating in a KNOCKOUT ending.

2) The three act structure. As your story roams where it will, keep in mind that readers expect (or at least have become habituated to) a three act structure. It's not that much to try to do as you write. In the first act you introduce the character and his/her problem, the objective, and at the end of this first act the LEAD is presented with a door, will they go through in pursuit of the Objective? Well yes, of course, and having gone thru they can not return. Both doors 1st to 2nd, and 2nd to 3rd Act are one way only. In the second Half of your story, the second Act, your Lead strives for the OBJECTIVE, failing repeatedly with increasing drama until the Second one way door... Act three the KNOCKOUT resolution of the LEADS OBJECTIVE, succeeding or failing, and doing it in excitement filled riveting style.

And so you see. LOCK and Three Act structure. Not too much to keep in mind. I'll let you know how well it works for me when I reach my 2nd door and have my KNOCKOUT ending.

Hope that helps.

LSO