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Rock Your Plot

By: Cathy Yardley
Narrated by: Cathy Yardley, Michael Anthony Johnson
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Publisher's summary

Are you stuck trying to write a novel? Have you tried writing several stories, only to stall out in the middle and move on to a new project? Do you like the idea of plot outlines, but have difficulty figuring out what happens next, or what should happen where? Or are you a writer who hates outlining, preferring to write a novel organically - but still feel like your story needs more plot and structure?

Outlining, whether it's just the turning points or a comprehensive scene by scene plot outline, might help you get past your block.

Rock Your Plot: A Simple System for Plotting Your Novel teaches a clear, flexible process to help you with your:

  • Premise: Test your premise for inherent conflict and sustainability.
  • Characterization: Create strong characters with urgent goals, understandable motivation, and tons of obstacles.
  • Plot outline, turning points: Use those characters to build logical and powerful plot points and complete character arcs.
  • Plot outline, scene-by-scene: Develop a sequence of dynamic scenes that propels your reader through your story.

This audiobook goes straight to the point, putting theory in plain language, adding examples from blockbuster stories, and finishing each section with exercises designed to help you work with your characters to write a novel that excites you... and your readers.

©2012, 2013 Cathy Yardley Wilson (P)2013 Cathy Yardley Wilson

What listeners say about Rock Your Plot

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Exactly What I Needed

What made the experience of listening to Rock Your Plot the most enjoyable?


Listening to a writing coach like Cathy give clear, step-by-step instructions is exactly what I needed. Her method works wonders, especially when coupled with the downloads from her website. This is THE book to get through the "quick and dirty first draft," to use her words.

After that, you can read all the other books to streamline your dialogue, emphasize your theme, all that fancy stuff. But start here. Start with ROCK YOUR PLOT.

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Short, easy to listen to.

Really got the ideas flowing. Great to listen to if you've already listened to or read a few books from other authors.

I highly recommend: William Bernhart's Red sneakers writing series for more in depth planning, wit and humor.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Just the help I needed!

Thank you Cathy Yardley for this clear guideline for starting my novel. I'm finally inspired to dive into that mess of ideas
and half written scenes that have been cluttering my desk for years.

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One of favorite plotting books.

I reference this book often to keep me on track when I plot. Audio version is a must have to listen to while Walking or driving.

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Best I've found for getting started on plotting

I listen to this book over and over again. Although it's narrated by the author it's a very easy listen.
It's also packed full of information. I actually went back and bought the Kindle version just so I could slow myself down. The included PDF (which you find by going to audible on your computer and then downloading), is an invaluable tool.

This is truly the best shorthand advice on how to get started on plotting versus writing by the seat of your pants.

I love, love, love this audiobook! I recommend it for all aspiring writers.

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A Must Have if you are interested in Plot

If you are interested in Plot and a sure fire way to outline your story then you must get this book. It's pure gold!

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Love this series!

All of the books in this series are great. Straight to the point--exactly what I like. The narration is excellent. Just finished my second listen.

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Terrific and condensed!

Short but very informative. She has helpful materials on a website. Got the audio and will go back and take lots of notes.

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Great info on plotting.

Very organized, easy to understand. Examples were clear and really helped illustrate the point the author was making.

The info in this book and the corresponding workbook from Yardley's website breaks the process down so it's not so overwhelming.

I highly recommend.

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Concise and to the point.

I'm a comic book artist that is tired of drawing stories I didn't write. Everything thing seems vapid and pure spectical. This is exactly what I had hoped for. She boils down her method leaving no questions. She names a few resources to expand further if you want. I didn't get bored or lost and will listen to it multiple times as I write my book. Now onto Story and Save the Cat.

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