Alvina Ling is vp and editor-in-chief at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers."There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are." ~ W. Somerset Maugham
Aristotle: Character is plot revealed by action.
Alvina believes conflict is the most important element of plot.
The cat sat on a mat is not a story. The cat sat on another cat's mat is a story.
7 basic plots
- overcoming the monster
- rags to riches
- the quest
- voyage and return
- comedy
- tragedy
- rebirth
3 plots
- boy meets girl (human meets human)
- the little tailor (power to slay giants)
- man learns a lesson
2 plots
- a person goes on a journey
- a stranger comes to town
Know what the rules are, then break them.
Elements of plot Alvina looks for:
- believability
- pacing
- high stakes and emotional impact
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