Devise Your Story’s Plot

by Rob Bignell

When writers come up with a great story idea but don’t know how to to develop it, usually the problem is one of plotting. Understanding story structure – i.e. plot – would be extremely helpful in developing their story.

Devise Your Story's Plot is all about understanding the basic rules for constructing your story. It examines plot’s role in storytelling, the importance of conflict in plotting, and the five traditional elements of a plot. It also looks at some common plot pitfalls. The structural guidelines outlined in the book work for any genre, whether you’re writing a serious literary piece or penning in any of the escapist genres from romance or science fiction to mystery or fantasy. By the end of this book, with a little imagination tossed in, you should be able to construct an impressive plot.

Part of the Storytelling 101 Quick Read series, Devise Your Story's Plot answers all of your plot questions in a brief, easy to understand format. It cuts to the chase and provides practical, useful information that can be followed step-by-step.

ROB BIGNELL is the author of more than 50 books and an established editor who has helped more than 300 authors achieve their publishing dreams. His works include hiking trail guidebooks, a novel, children's books, and poetry.

78 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2023

About the author

I'm a professional and affordable editor running Inventing Reality Editing Service, which meets the manuscript needs of writers both new and published. During the past five years, I've helped more than 300 authors achieve their dreams of publication. In addition, for more than two decades, I worked as an award-winning journalist, with half of those years spent as an editor. I'm also the author of the "7 Minutes a Day..." writing guidebooks, the nonfiction "Hikes with Tykes", "Hittin' the Trail", "Best Sights to See," and "Headin' to the Cabin" hiking guidebook series, and the literary novel "Windmill". Several of my short stories have been published in literary and science fiction magazines. For seven years, I worked as an English teacher or a community college journalism instructor. I hold a Master's degree in English and a Bachelor's in English and journalism.

Reviews

[Irene Baron · Rating 5 out of 5]

"DEVISE YOUR STORY'S PLOT," by Rob Bignell is "A Guidebook in "The Storytelling 101 Quick Read Series." In 65-pages, this book tells writers all they need to know to create their story's plot. Author Rob Bignall is succinct and to the point at each step. I've read numerous books that discuss writing plots. In my opinion, this is the best! Anyone who wants to write a story of any length should read this first. If you're already finished writing your story, be prepared to make improvements by reading about plot recommendations/requirements. Definitely a five star read for writers. irenebaron.com

[Bookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a beginning writer (or even an experienced one), I can’t imagine a better place to start than with Rob Bignell’s Devise Your Story’s Plot. Plot is the backbone of most any novel; a story with an extraordinarily compelling one can be successful even with mediocre writing. Bignell’s tips could hardly be easier to read and absorb, yet they’re not facile. They are essential points efficiently explained. Once you’ve read through the details in each section, the section titles themselves—from “Inciting Incident” to “Falling Action and Denouement”—then serve as a handy checklist to refer back to any time you start a new project. Of course, occasionally in life you’ll come across a worthwhile book that will break one or more of the rules explained here, but you can be all but certain the author knew the rules being broken. Spending time with Bignell and his Devising Your Story’s Plot is a great way to ensure you know them too.

[Debbie Monteggia]

If you are interested in becoming an accomplished writer, this is the book to get you started!
The author outlines the step-by-step process of how to plot a successful novel or short story. He explains each rule in the writing process from the beginning, middle, and end. Detailed examples accompany each rule to help you better understand the rule and how to apply it to plotting your own story. He also provides writing pitfalls, do’s and don’ts, and several other writing guidelines. This is a very motivating and informative read if you are struggling with organizing your ideas and creative thoughts while plotting your story.

[Stan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creating a plot for you story. One of the most challenging parts of writing. Most writers have the idea in mind they want to write about, presenting it the right way in a story can be very difficult. Devising Your Story’s Plot by Rob Bignell is a great guide to building the best foundation of plot for your story. Very detailed and complete, in just 38 pages he covers all the do’s and don’ts that will help writers create a plot that captivates readers. Definitely a great pick for an aspiring writer.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rob Bignell has laid out great advice for both new and practiced writers on developing and following a plot to smooth out the storytelling process. Beginning with clarifying plot and offering examples, followed by how plot works, to creating memorable opening hooks and purposeful endings, Rob’s style makes the books in his series great reference tools. He explains not only cliches and pitfalls, but gives examples and explains why and how to keep the reader satisfied and coming back. If you want to write a sequel, there’s a better way than ending your book on a cliffhanger.

Recommended for writers who are just getting started, as well as those who like a sweet refresher now and then. The book is not genre-specific and can be used for any fiction.

[Oleg · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Write your story plot” uses clear analogies and ample, often familiar examples that illustrate the concepts. The quotes from published authors help reader /prospective writer see each point and engage their train of thought. For each step, the general statements are connected to specific action points, making it easy to follow.
Bob's descriptive style allows readers to connect dry and general concepts into an actionable roadmap to guide their craft. It is easy to read and concise.
Even though the primary audience of the “Write your story plot” seems to be fiction writers, I found most approaches helpful in developing my creative no-fiction stories. This book is for writers, but the focus in on readers: how to engage them and keep them turning the pages.

[Wyly OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bignell’s guide has many helpful points, whether you’re a first-time writer or an experienced author. I’m anxious to explore his other resources to glean more tips, tricks, and ideas to improve my own writing. True, a writer writes. Bignell helps us do that!

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with common pitfalls explained. Highly recommend.