Part 1 - Drafting a Plan
Six basic conflict types you need to decide upon as you structure your story. The 21 genres listed, though not extensive (the fantasy genre was highly lacking), helped realize that there are other niches open to me as a writer and not pigeon-hole myself.
Part 2 - Building the Structure
Eleven structures from the traditional 3-Act format to some non-traditional formats. No 4- or 5-Act structures covered here, but when you think about what is presented you can have some creativity in combining elements of different structures or taking away.
Part 3 - Adding Stories
Fifty-five dramatic situations that expand on the traditional 36 are explained well with examples from contemporary movies/books.
Character types and their motivations are presents which drive the types of story options listed. This helped me consider some additional motivations for my characters in my stories.
Overall this is a fantastic reference.
The book is practically a book of lists to pick and choose and consider as you construct your story. No fifteen examples to support a point and fill pages. The author keeps things straight and to the point letting the 270 pages consist of meaty, helpful information and not fluff. A must have for any reference library.
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