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Diana Kimpton
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Plots and Plotting: How to create stories that work Paperback – April 17, 2018

by Diana Kimpton (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 47 ratings
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Do your stories fall flat? Are you stuck in the mid-book blues? Do you want to create strong stories that readers love?
Then you need this jargon-free guide to plotting which shares the techniques that have taken the author from rejection to success.
Diana doesn't just tell you how to plot. She shows you how her method works by developing a brand new story as she writes, complete with all the ups, downs and changes of mind.

Review
"A great book full of insights and ideas useful for new and experienced authors alike." (Lynne Garner, Authors Electric)

About the author
Diana Kimpton writes fiction, non-fiction and scripts, and her Pony-Mad Princess series has sold more than a million copies worldwide. She enjoys talking about writing and helping other writers improve their skills

Previous page
  1. Print length
    162 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    April 17, 2018
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.37 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1999877500
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1999877507
  7. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kubby Bridge Books (April 17, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 162 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1999877500
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1999877507
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.37 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 47 ratings

About the author

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Diana Kimpton

Diana Kimpton

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Diana Kimpton has written more than forty books for children as well as scripts for stage and screen, and her sense of humour shows in much of her writing. She writes for adults as well as children, and many of her books have been translated into other languages.

Diana enjoys helping other writers to develop their skills and is happy to pass on the techniques that have taken her from rejection to success.

She lives in the UK, just a short walk from the sea, and spends her spare time looking after her horse and painting.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
47 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kimberly F.
5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2022
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I learned a lot from this book. I finished it, and I don't usually finish nonfiction books. I think novice writers would find it helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Some Good Clarifications Basics in Plain English
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2018
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Same old writing stuff from a different perspective. A lot of new writers get confused when people who should know what they're talking about actually do not. I know one alleged writer who talks down to new writers, yet when pressed can not explain basic concepts.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a Number One Read for Writers
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2020
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This Author covered the essentials with illustrations that brought understanding and clarity, example "high stakes" by the use of a Fox story helped me more than any other book.
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Ellie of ME
5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2018
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Answers my questions. Her voice is very good.
3 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars A PROCESS
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2018
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More than basic
Questions and examples greater than her children's books
It will help you
From idea to edits and rewrites
I recommend this
Worth the money and your time
2 people found this helpful
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CSinclaire
5.0 out of 5 stars At Last -- A Plotting Method That Makes Sense!
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2018
I have read dozens of books about writing and, for the most part, they have all contained the same or very similar information. Almost without fail, they will emphasize the three-act structure or the hero's journey or some other "standard" plotting method that I've come across a hundred times before. Unfortunately, these "proven" methods of plotting have usually never worked for MY particular plot needs.

That's why I am thrilled to have found "Plots and Plotting" by Diana Kimpton. Not only has the author provided a new and fresh approach to plotting via the "step outline" -- truly, the first method of plotting with which I've ever made progress -- but she has also shown me that I'm not necessarily "doing it wrong" if I do not follow every instruction outlined in every plotting method I try. What freedom!

For instance, so many instructors say you MUST have a theme for your story. I've always been stymied by "theme" -- wondering exactly what "theme" is, wondering if I'm failing as a writer if I don't have a theme in place from the beginning to guide me as I work on my plot, worrying if I'm going to have a less than stellar novel if I just go on and tell my story and leave theme to molder in the corner.

Ms. Kimpton has relieved my mind about theme.

Likewise, I've always had great subplot ideas but have never been sure how to weave them into the main story or what to do when one of my subplots begins to interest me more than my main storyline.

Ms. Kimpton has relieved my mind about subplots.

These are just two examples of the many topics Ms. Kimpton touches on. She has also relieved my mind about pacing, humor, conflict, backstory, flashbacks, passage of time, and a dozen other considerations that I've faced when trying to plot my novels (which, I admit, tend to be a bit complicated; hence my difficulties!).

Unlike many writers-writing-about-writing, Ms. Kimpton refers only infrequently to previously published fiction and never suggests that the would-be writer should dissect a published book to "see how it's done." She points out that all a person would learn from such an exercise is how a book finally turned out (after editing and polishing) -- but not how it was actually brainstormed into existence. (I am paraphrasing what she says, and not that well, so be sure to read "Plots and Plotting" to get a better explanation of this concept.) To demonstrate her step-outline method as well as the power of brainstorming, Ms. Kimpton actually plots a book as you follow along, complete with false starts and alternate ideas. It's enlightening to watch a published author's mind at work.

Ms. Kimpton's step-outline method is the cleanest, most straightforward, most flexible, and -- yes, I'll say it -- most comforting method of plotting I've ever tried. Likewise, the tone in which she writes is friendly, nonmystical, and encouraging. In my case, she amazed me chapter after bite-sized chapter as she somehow managed to address, one by one, all the random questions and mental roadblocks I've encountered over the years when trying to plot via all the "standard" methods. For the first time -- EVER -- I don't feel as if I'm foundering on the rock of plot. Yes, some of her info is similar to info I've read elsewhere -- I mean, she isn't reinventing "the book," after all! But her presentation is somehow much clearer -- less technical, yet so rich with help, compared to other instructional books I've read about writing. She has somehow simplified the mysterious art of writing, and this has made all the difference for me.

Thank you so much, Ms. Kimpton, for writing this book -- not only for sharing the step-outline method but also for making the extra effort to address the myriad small concerns that nevertheless can loom large when a writer (particularly an aspiring one) is plotting. Very, very much appreciated!
13 people found this helpful
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SJ
1.0 out of 5 stars Nothing new...don't waste time or money!
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2018
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Wish I could say there were new things or information in this book, but I can't. I bought the book because of reviews and feel that if this book is one of the best you've read on writing I hope to never read anything you publish.
One person found this helpful
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Lynne V
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good resource on plotting
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2020
Honestly, there's this 1-star review that's listed as the first review (which is quite mean, but I digress) and it's totally not true. I got a lot out of this book and I have read a bucket load of craft books over the last couple of years, so that says something.

This is a book on plotting, not necessarily on character building or story structure. Sure, those are important, but it helps to focus on the story you want to tell first, before you build your characters from the ground up or try to cram events into a pre-meditated structure.

The author uses lots of examples from her own work, which is a big help in understanding the concepts she's explaining, but it is in no way necessary to have read her work to be able to follow along with what she's doing. In fact, Future Proof (the plot for a novel she's building in the book) hasn't even been written (yet--I do hope the author gets round to writing that story, because I so want to read it!).

The language is clear and concise, no unnecessary fluff here. If there's one recommendation for improvement, it would be to maybe include a cheat sheet at the end of the book.

This book alone probably isn't enough to be able to start a novel, but A) I don't think any book really is and B) nor does it claim to be. As mentioned before, there's not a lot on actual character development (though I really liked her Problem-Dilemma-Action sequence that she uses to convey character arcs in her stories--simple, yet effective) and story structure isn't covered. But I think there's enough here for any author to start brainstorming a plot, start writing and figure out the nuts and bolts along the way.

Seriously, ignore the silly 1-star review. This is a great writing resource for any novelist. Definitely recommend.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

S. Vigneault
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Help
Reviewed in Germany on February 1, 2022
Verified Purchase
I myself wrote a novella. Miserably I crashed and burned. Family, friends patted me on the shoulder; being nice, “the next one will be better”. I have read many great books on writing, how to, what to, here`s to, this too, then I stumbled over Diana Kimpton`s book “Plots and Plotting: How to create stories that work.” In simple, thoughtful, clear pattern Diana Kimpton gives, provokes, analyses and provides examples; a beginner’s delight. I enjoy it so much that I just had to order her first “The Bear Father Christmas forgot.” example – so I could study the set-up. Diana Kimpton`s “Plots and Plotting” is a method, which provides well used basic information about structure and method; without all the jargon.
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ejm
5.0 out of 5 stars A great straightforward no nonsense guide
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2020
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I you're looking for plainly told guidance without jargon then this is the book for you. Don't confuse simplicity of style with simple content. The advice here is thought-provoking enough to challenge more experienced writers to think again about their work as well as giving a clear pattern to beginners. I can't say I learnt a huge amount that was new from reading this book, but as a one-stop summary of principals in plotting it was a helpful and accessible reminder. A great starting place for those new to analysing structure and a useful reminder to those who are more familiar. The examples provide engaging clarification of the techniques under discussion.
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Crusty
4.0 out of 5 stars A very practical and useful approach to plot development
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2018
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Like many aspiring writers I suspect, I am guilty of 'analysis paralysis' and spend many hours reading about writing rather than actually writing! For myself the age old argument regarding 'plotting' or 'pantsing' has been resolved because I'm a born planner. However, despite intensive planning I struggle to put together a complete plot and therefore become disenchanted with my story. This book has provided a very practical suite of tools to help build a plot. I've read it once and plan to re-read it in a week or so. For now though, I'm happy to recommend.
One person found this helpful
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crimereader999
5.0 out of 5 stars Great easy to follow advice
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 10, 2020
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I attended a workshop given by Diana and her book is a great reminder of the basics of her method as well as providing lots of information about structure and method. If, like me, you have struggled to write a decent synopsis, this is the book you should have read before you started writing (and so should I).
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Paul Tully
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2021
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The step by step outline using an ongoing story was insightful. One of the best novel writing books of its kind.
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