Creative Writing:  Plot

Iain McKinnon is a graduate of the Edinburgh Napier Creative Writing Masters Degree. He currently has 5 novels in print with American publisher Permuted Press. Iain runs a number of workshops most notably a creative writers program in association with Dyslexia Scotland.

Iain McKinnon

Plot is the engine that turns events into a story, learn the technical aspects of plot and the best ways to approach it for your style.

Creative Writing

Iain McKinnon's modular creative writing course offers 18 focused modules, from character development to world building. Flexible for selective or full participation, it's ideal for enhancing writing skills at any level.

<h3>Module 4: Plot</h3>Learn to build compelling narratives with structure, tension, and purposeEver feel like you’ve “lost the plot”? You’re not alone. Plot is more than just a sequence of events — it’s what gives your story shape, purpose, and emotional payoff. In this foundational workshop, Iain McKinnon breaks down the mechanics of effective storytelling, helping you move beyond ‘what happens’ to ‘why it matters’.Using a blend of classic theory and modern techniques, this session explores the structure of stories from the three-act model to the five-act arc, the BMOC method (Beginning, Middle, Obstacle, Climax), and more experimental approaches like nonlinear plotting and the snowflake method.In this workshop, you'll:<ul><li>Understand the core elements of plot: inciting incident, rising action, climax, and resolution</li><li>Learn to map out your story’s shape using proven narrative structures</li><li>Explore “plotters vs pantsers” and how to plan without killing creativity</li><li>Discover how to keep momentum, build tension, and deliver satisfying change</li><li>Analyse the Seven Basic Plots and how they show up in every genre</li></ul>Whether you're writing your first novel or revising a second draft, this session will give you the tools to shape your story’s journey — from the first page to a powerful final payoff.All templates and plotting tools are available at <a href="http://www.iain-mckinnon.com" title="http://www.iain-mckinnon.com" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.iain-mckinnon.com</a> to support your planning and development.Join us to discover how plot can transform your story from a series of events into a deeply engaging narrative readers won’t forget.Module 1: Introduction to Creative Writing, Rules &amp; PURPOSE Module 2: Metrics, Motivation &amp; Productivity Module 3: What is a Novel &amp; Genre Module 4: Plot Module 5: Character Module 6: Theme Module 7: Word Choice Module 8: Writing Scenes – SORCA Module 9: Dialogue Module 10: World Building Module 11: Language Building Module 12: Narrative Positioning &amp; Description over Exposition Module 13: Concept Mapping Module 14: Constraint and Creativity Module 15: Defamiliarization &amp; NLP Module 16: Suspense, Tension, Hooks &amp; Cliffhangers &amp; LOCK Module 17: Editing Module 18: Drafting your Novel with ChatGPT Module 19: From Hook to Inbox: Blurbs, Synopses &amp; Query Letters for Novelists Module 20: Author Function – Social Media Guide http://www.iain-mckinnon.co.uk/creative-writing-course.html Secure your spot today and let's embark on this transformative writing course together!

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Creative Writing: Plot

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