Fastest Way To Plotting A Short Book
Plotting a short book can be a daunting task. As a novice author I found that getting the right outline, with ample character development and having the correct pace was difficult for me.
Until I learnt this time saving strategy.
Television shows are like short reads
As a crime writer I love to watch crime shows; mostly fiction crime. In particular I love British crime shows like Morse, A Touch of Frost, Midsommer Murders to name a few.
Television shows are the right length
Each episode is around 30 – 60 minutes long; the right amout of time to keep you captivated. In a busy world this is perfect to take you away from the daily humdrum and allow you to escape into a fantacy world.
Television shows have the right pace
A 30 minute television show needs to identify a crime quickly, interoduce the main characters immediately and move quickly through the plot to solve the crime; all within 30 or 60 minutes
Television shows allow you to get to know the main characters over time
Not all episodes divulge details about the main characters. Some of these details are demonstrated rather than laid out. In the show Vera, you can determine that Detective Vera Stanhope is a strong woman by her no fluff actions. Her team respect her although at times I’m sure they would love to see her gentler side. In the episode when Kenny was shot we saw Vera’s caring side for her long standing team member shine through.
In other episodes we get a glimpse of Vera and her father and how that relationship has shaped her
Jo, her offsider, is a different character all together. He’s younger, a family man but also a keen policemean to develop his career.
These opposites of character often work well in crime series. Morse, the Oxford schooled detective, has a less educated side kick in Lewis. Father Brown, the smart analysing thinker, often solves the crime for his dimwitted police counterpart.
How to plot from a television show
- Watch the show
- Take lots of notes
- Write your book
Sounds simple I know, but it can be difficult giving rise to crucial parts being omitted
Here’s a simplier way:
1 Grab a dvd of an episode of your favourite detective series. I have all 33 dvds in a box set of Morse.
2. Each episode can be watched scene by scene. With a dvd you can stop and replay each section as often as you like.
3. Write out each scene.
4. Each episode has approximately 27 scenes
5. Write approximately 500 – 1000 words per scene. Not every scene will be the same in words, some might be 250 words, others could be 2-3000 words
6. The scene appear in the correct structure. Begiining, middle and end. Each structure piece has its automatic tension. As you get toward the end of your book, tensions rise to the ultimate climax wthen the perpetrator is revealed the the case is solved
You now have your short read book and you are ready to publish.
Finally one imprtant step.
Originality Is Key
While drawing inspiration from the show, ensure your work remains original. Avoid plagiarism, and let the characters and plot become uniquely yours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this innovative approach to plotting, inspired by the structure of television shows, offers a streamlined and effective method for creating short reads. By leveraging the optimal length, pacing, and character development inherent in these shows, you can craft a gripping narrative that keeps readers coming back for more. Remember, the key is to use the inspiration wisely and make the story your own.
Plotting a short book using a televion show will give you a great book with ample words, the correct pace and sufficient character exposure to keep the reader coming bak for more.
Looking for a short read book. Visit my website
