The Writer's Compass · From Story Map to Finished Draft in 7 Stages by Dodd, Nancy Ellen -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Title Page Copyright About the Author Dedication Table of Contents Introduction

• Some Things You Should Know Before You Begin

part one the Beginning: Building a Writing Life

chapter 1: Simplifying the Writing Process

• The Learning Process • The Development of the Map and the 7-Stage Process

chapter 2: Becoming a Writer

part two the Middle: The Story Map and the 7-Stage Process

chapter 3: Creating the Story Map

• How Do You Know Where You’re Going Without a Map? • Mapping the Elements of Good Storytelling • Brainstorming and Mapping Your Story • When to Research • Good-Versus-Evil Structure • Creating The Picture Map

chapter 4: Stage 1—Developing Ideas

• Where Do Ideas Come From? • Capturing Ideas—Getting Your Hands Around Them • Methods of Brainstorming • Creating Obstacles Historical Timeline—Building a Background • Genre, Format, and Form • Tools to Develop Your Writing Skills • Mapping the Story

chapte 5: Stage 2—Building a Strong Structure

• Who is the Audience for Your Story? • Character or Plot-Driven Stories • Style • Voice • Point of View (POV)) • Showing the Story Versus Telling the Story • Does Your Story Have a Conceit? • How to “Hook” the Reader • Time Clamp • Deus Ex Machina • Looking at Cause and Effect • Flashbacks • Foreshadowing • Surprises, Twists, and Unexpected or Wrong Turns • Backstory • Using Historical Events to Develop your Story • Subplot or “B” Story • Story Truths • Story Issues • Tools for Stage 2

chapte 6: Stage 3—Creating Vibrant Characters

• Do You Really Know Your Characters? • Character and Personality Profile • Defining the Goal • Creating Obstacles • Character Time Line • Tools for Stage 3

chapte 7: Stage 4—Structuring Scenes, Sequences, and Transitions

• Shaping the Story • Checking Facts • Are the Scenes Active and Relevant? • The Opening • What’s Working and Not Working? • How Do I Break Down the Story to Make it Stronger? • Tools for Stage 4 • Research

chapter 8: Stage 5—Increasing Tension and Adjusting Pacing

• Building the Scene Versus the Roller-Coaster Approach • Is More Less or More? • Using Dialogue to Increase Tension • Tying Up Loose Ends • Is This the Right Ending for This Story? • Tools for Stage 5

chapter 9: Stage 6—Enriching Language and Dialogue

• What Makes the Pages Come Alive? • Enriching the Language • TOOLS FOR STAGE 6

chapter 10: Stage 7—Editing the Hard Copy, Submitting

• How Many Drafts Does It Take to Finish A Story? • When Do I Know Whether I’ve Edited Enough? • What’s Left? • Marketing—Mapping a Submission Plan

part three the End: Living a Writer’s Life

chapter 11: Mapping Your Life as a Writer

• Nine Qualities of Successful Writers • Networking • Entering Writing Competitions • Setting Goals That Make Sense

Bibliography Index Acknowledgments