Goodreads Giveaway!
Enter the Goodreads Giveaway to win an autographed copy of The Foundation of Plot!
The Foundation of Plot — Goodreads Giveaway!
Structure underlies every story, but without a strong foundation, even well-written sentences can fail to result in a marketable manuscript. The Foundation of Plot defines the components of a story arc, details the differences between plot and story, and covers common errors writers make. It also includes exercises which apply concepts to works in progress or new projects.
Drawing on the author’s decades of storytelling and teaching experience, this short guide provides the framework for fiction, narrative nonfiction, and memoir, walking writers through a first draft, the repair of a failed manuscript, or any draft in between. For experienced authors and first-time writers alike, applying the concepts outlined in this manual can help launch a submission from the slush pile to the bookstore shelf.
What the experts are saying . . .
This concise and practical guide to story structure is destined to become a classic, one that every author will want on their reference shelf.
—M.A. Monnin, author of the Intrepid Traveler Mysteries
The Foundation of Plot is a must-read for aspiring novelists and a welcome refresher for already established authors. Drawing from decades of experience, Elena Hartwell provides simple exercises and fresh perspectives that can help writers work their way out of any plot conundrum. It is an invaluable guide that takes the mystery out of plotting a novel. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
—Lori Duffy Foster, author of the Lisa Jamison Mystery Series
If you’re even thinking about writing a book of any kind, Elena Hartwell’s The Foundation of Plot is essential reading before you pick up the proverbial pen. Written in concise prose, Taylor provides a clear outline of what it takes to write a book with relatable examples and exercises. She also provides an authorial perspective lacking in most how-to-writes—the impact of what you write on selling your work. A short read packed with actionable information for the beginner from a clearly experienced writer.
—Christina Hoag, author of Law of the Jungle, Skin of Tattoos and Girl on the Brink.
The Foundation of Plot is a concise guide that doesn’t shoehorn the writer into a single set approach. It’s so good, I’m using it to help my review of a manuscript I was about to submit to my publisher.
I look forward to the rest of the series.
—Edward J. Leahy, author of the Kim Brady Mystery Series
To purchase The Foundation of Plot, click any of the following links: Amazon, Barnes & Noble & IndieBound
Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Foundation of Plot
by Elena Hartwell
Giveaway ends July 18, 2022.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Don’t miss any posts on the writing craft! Click the link here.
Elena Taylor/Elena Hartwell
All We Buried, available now in print, e-book, and audio.
Silver Falchion Award Finalist, Best Investigator 2020
Foreword INDIE Award Finalist, Best Mystery 2020
The Foundation of Plot, a Wait, Wait, Don’t Query (Yet!) guidebook. Out July 19 in eBook, Paperback, and Hardback.