Creative Writing: Plotting a Story that is a Page-Turner

Plot is an important element of every story, and in its simplicity the plot is just what happens in a story. However, a plot is more than sequence of events. A strong plot is centered on one moment—an interruption of a pattern, a turning point, or an action—that raises a dramatic question, which must be answered throughout the course of the story. Every element of the plot—each scene, each line—exists in service of answering that question. 

Plot is what some writers develop first before they ever think of put pen to the page. There are myriad plot devices that can bolster the main story; these are considered subplots. In this class learners will discover the best way to plot their plays, short stories and novels. Using one of the seven ways to plot a story, young authors will learn how to create strong plots that will make their books page turners.

This class is for those who have not yet written their stories, novels or screen plays as well as young authors who may have started their novels but their novel or story needs revision. 

Class Schedule:
•	A review of student homework aligned to the weekly schedule. (First week homework will be posted in the Outschool classroom). 
•	Instruction: Reaching the objectives
        	PowerPoint and instructor YouTube videos
•	Sharing: Learners will share weekly in-class exercises
•	Wrap-up: The upcoming homework will be reviewed

Session One
Objective: Learners will discover seven different ways to plot a novel or a story. 

Activities: Young authors will outline their proposed, or in-process, novels, stories or screen plays using one of the seven methods that will be taught. Learners will also discuss plausibility and the strengths and weaknesses of each plot method. In small groups, learners will develop discuss the best plot approach for their stories. 

Homework: Students will make a list of plots they have identified in books they have read.

Session Two:
Objective: Students will learn to compose an outline plot in three structured acts. 

Activities: Young authors will compose a story plot outline in a act three structures using their own ideas for their stories, plays or novels. Learners will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their beginning, middle and end of their stories and share their plot outlines with their peers.

Homework: Learners will complete their story plot outlines for homework.

Session Three:
Objective: Learners will understand how to use Freytag’s Pyramid to ensure their story plot makes senses,and is well-paced.

Activities: Learners will study the Freytag pyramid, then record the sequence of events in their story on the pyramid. In small groups, learners will provide feedback on whether the events were placed correctly on the Freytag’s pyramid. 

Homework: Learners will complete the Freytag pyramid as it relates to their story.

Session Four:
Objective: Young authors will learn how quicken the pace of their stories.

Activities: Young authors will learn how to quicken the pace of their stories and make it a page-turner by employing ten different strategies to deepen the plot. Young authors will revise their plots and write brief portions of their stories to be reviewed by their peers. 

Homework: Optional; Learners may submit a portion of their stories to the instructor for comment.

Class size is limited due to attention the instructor will provide each young author. The instructor will use her own  Powerpoints and Youtube videos during the lecture portion of the class sessions.

The only requirement for this class is a creative imagination and an open mind. Newbie writers welcome.

Cheryl Carter is a professional writer, college professor (Writing and Creative Writing) and professional Writing Workshop facilitator.