Searching for a plot?

It's been said, more than once, that there are just seven basic plots which recur throughout the long history of storytelling.

They are: Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, the Quest, Voyage and Return, Comedy, Tragedy, and Rebirth.

It's been suggested, too, that there may be thirty-odd resolutions of these basic plots, but that even the most elaborate Hollywood blockbuster can trace it's lineage back to the earliest stories is readily accepted.

A basic plot, though, can be summarised in a few words. It makes for a very slim volume on its own, so there's clearly a lot more to plotting a book than just selecting a basic plot.

How should you go about it, then?

Assuming you haven't been fortunate enough to stumble upon the eighth basic plot idea, complete with all its ramifications, character developments, romantic asides and suspense-building subplots, you might like to cheat...

There's one way of finding a fully-functioning, ironed-out and bestselling plot for your next novel: borrow it.

Just go to your local second-hand book shop, charity shop or library and buy or borrow a novel, about seven or eight years old, with the legend 'Best-Seller', or similar, on the cover. Note: not 'By best-selling author...' - these are the damp squibs that followed the best-seller, unless you are certain you know otherwise.

Having got your best-seller, read it (of course), then write down the plot in as much detail as necessary. That's all the pertinent points but ignoring setting, era and even characters' genders.

Now, change the era, the genre, the genders, even the species, and anything else not essential for the plot, and write your novel, using the exact same plot.

One of the seven basic plots will describe the essential mechanics, your best-seller's plot will provide the wheels-within-wheels to make it work. Your genius will bring it alive and up to date.

Don't worry. It's been going on since at least the eighth story ever told (after the first seven had been used up). Jaws is just Beowulf, Ziggy Stardust was Icarus revisited, Terminator borrows from The Epic of Gilgamesh etc, etc.

But an eight year old novel (or even 2001, A Space Odyssey), is a far quicker read than, say, Odysseus. Just don't set yours on a spaceship or use any jet-black obelisks - Homer won't sue but Mr Clarke might.

Roy

PS If you're new to writing, or looking for information, tips and resources that will help you make money as a writer, don't forget to take a look at the great new ebook I've been telling you about.

It's absolutely free, along with an ever-growing number of other guides and reports, and it's available here. Just a couple of clicks away; the most comprehensive and comprehensible guide you're likely to find anywhere.

Any problems, email me or leave a message here.

Roy