How do you keep your reader reading till the wee hours of the morning—because they have to figure out how the story ends? You must create a narrative arc that, scene by scene, plot point by plot point, keeps the reader questioning.

Paula Munier, author of Plot Perfect: Building Unforgettable Stories Scene by Scene, offers a plot-building strategy that works no matter the genre you’re writing in. 

Great Moments in the Episode

6:19-7:10 : How people decide to buy a book.

7:10-8:52 : The importance of the first page and “that feeling” you want readers to experience.

8:54-12:42 : What is an inciting incident and why you need it immediately in your story.

13:02-16:01 : Definition and examples of big story questions and small story questions—and how to use them to make your story different.

16:20-18:05 : How to plant major and minor story questions to drive your story.

18:10-20:01 : Why you must know your genre to know your obligatory story questions.

23:24-24:58 : Using index cards to help you visually plot your story.

25:00-27:04 : How to use your genre tropes without becoming cliché.

30:27-35:48 : Tips for writing a visually engaging setting that sets the tone and creates tension.

39:15-41:25 : How to know if your writing is good before you pitch a literary agent.

Words of the Episode

Vermillion: A deep, brilliant red color.

Stelliferous: Having or abounding with stars.

Paula Munier’s Books to Check Out!

Plot Perfect

Home at Night

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