Hi {{ first_name | Friend }},
Do you want your readers on the edge of their seats—staying up too late, telling themselves just one more page?
Then you need to remember this: The plot is not about the plot.
What?
That’s right. The plot is not about the plot.
I ask students all the time, “What’s a plot?” I get all kinds of answers:
“A character with a problem.”
“A causal chain of events.”
“What happens next.”
Sometimes someone quotes E.M. Forster: “The king died and then the queen died is a story. The king died, and then the queen died of grief is a plot.”
At which point we all sit there and blink.
Those are fine definitions—but they all miss the vital ingredient.
And no, I’m not talking about character.
If you don’t know this one thing, you’re going to struggle with plot—no matter how many cats you save or beat sheets you use.
Discover the secret.
It’s been a while since I last wrote, so a quick reintroduction: I’m John D. Brown, author of action-packed, PG-13 adventures like Gun Runner, Servant of a Dark God, Bad Penny, and The Drovers.
I’m on a mission to teach writers how to craft thrilling stories. And if they avoid rough language and keep the romance clean, that’s even better because that’s what I like to read.
You’re getting this email because you signed up to learn more how to write such stories.
If that no longer fits what you want, no hard feelings—you can unsubscribe anytime at the link below.
Have a great week,
John D. Brown
Award-winning author of Gun Runner and The Drovers series
P.S. If you have a plot question, ask! I may base a future craft note around it.
P.P.S. If this email addressed you as “Friend”, that’s because I don’t have your first name. I’d much rather call you by your first name. Hit reply, and let me know.