Plot Structuring Simplified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Seven-Point Plot Structure
In a fascinating exploration of storytelling, author Josh Langston delves into the world of the 7-Point Plotting method, a technique developed by Science Fiction writer Algys Budrys. This method, alternatively known as the "Formula for Fiction," offers a structured approach to crafting captivating narratives.
Josh Langston, a graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in journalism, has shifted his writing tastes from reportage to fiction. His works have found a home in various magazines and anthologies. Langston's contribution to this article serves as a testament to his growth as a storyteller.
According to Budrys, the beginning of a story consists of three distinct elements: Character, Setting, and Conflict. This can be summarised as a Person, in a Place, with a Problem. The Middle of the story, on the other hand, consists of one or more paired concepts: Try and Fail. Each Try is an effort made by the protagonist to resolve the main Problem of the story, paired with a Fail, which could be a failure or a situation where the problem worsens.
The denouement, as referred to by Mark Twain, is a summary of who survived the Climax in a story. The End of a story reaches the Climax, which is the result of the final Try/Fail, the most dramatic and far-reaching, potentially determining life or death for the protagonist.
The 7-Point Plotting method suggests that every story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. However, it does not prescribe that each element of the method should be addressed specifically while working on a story. This method can be used to identify missing elements in a story if it doesn't work, offering a helpful tool for writers seeking to refine their craft.
Josh Langston, who benefited from a workshop led by Kris Rusch and Dean Wesley Smith, renowned authors and writing instructors known for their workshops and guidance that help writers improve their craft, highlights the potential of this method in his article. Kris Rusch and Dean Wesley Smith, a husband and wife team with near legendary status in the speculative fiction writing world, have both produced a prodigious volume of high quality fiction across several genres and under a variety of names.
Currently, Josh Langston has two short story collections in the Amazon top 100 for genre fiction, a testament to his mastery of the 7-Point Plotting method and his prowess as a storyteller. If you're a writer seeking to enhance your storytelling abilities, Langston's article on the 7-Point Plotting method is a must-read.
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