How many times has a writer used the phrase
“Plot is not a four-letter word”
or
“Plot IS a four-letter word”
(and, as an aside, it drives me crazy when people say things such as “Science is not a four-letter word.” No, dumb-ass, it’s not. Math, however, is).
There is some serious plotting in my future, and I don’t just mean when the h/h get together for their HEA. I am planning on writing a much bigger book than previous, and that requires multiple POVs, which I’ve eschewed in the past.
I’ve got the movie My Man Godfrey stuck in my head as an example of what I am going for, the one with William Powell and Carole Lombard. Also Dinner at Eight, with at least one Barrymore, Jean Harlow, Wallace Beery, etc. And I saw parts of Grand Hotel, starring both Barrymores and Greta Garbo and a vixenish Joan Crawford.
Are there other great ensemble pieces I should keep in mind? Oh, and Gosford Park, only the storylines don’t all entirely intersect at the end, the way my book has to for some sort of satisfying ending.
I am terrified of attempting this, only I think I should try to conquer my inability to plot, and intersect, or I won’t be able to write more than the sum of the parts I am writing now.
If you have suggestions as to how to plot, what movies or books have great ensemble storylines, or any other cheery words of encouragement, leave ‘em here.
Oh, and likely I won’t be posting as frequently in the next few days. You know, family holiday hoo-ha and all that.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Trinity by Leon Uris
Ensemble pieces are *really hard*. You can do it!
No suggestions, except that I adore My Man Godfrey. Powell was her ex, you know, which is why they had such chemistry… until she met Gable… sigh.
If you haven’t read “Story” by McKee, I suggest it. It always fires me up.
In regards to plot and your (legitimate) fears, this quote from Ms. Frizzle comes to mind: “It’s time to take chances, make mistakes, get messy.”
You will have to visualize your own magic bus.