This free four-minute video explains what you learn and the class and shares the presenters credentials. You can skip this if you've already decided to sign up.

What you'll get from Advanced Plotting

Intro

Understand the promises your first chapter is making and how to fulfill them. Then learn how to write “grab you by the throat” openings to pull in readers.

The Promise of the First Chapter Handout

The Promise of the First Chapter Video Lesson

What Do You Want to Promise?

Advanced Plotting: The Promise of the First Chapter

Most editors, agents, and readers will judge a story on the first page or two. if you can’t get their attention right away, you’ve lost that opportunity. 

Fast Starts Handout

Fast Starts Video Lesson

Practice Fast Starts

Advanced Plotting: Fast Starts

Your plot should challenge your character and your character should be the best (worst) for your plot.

Advanced Plotting: Characters in Conflict Handout

Characters in Conflict Video

Studying Characters in Conflict

Advanced Plotting: Characters in Conflict

After your fast start, pack the plot full of drama to keep readers turning pages.

Advanced Plotting: Pack the Plot Full

Pack the Plot Full Video

Pack the Plot Full Practice

Edit by starting with the big picture. This section will share tips and resources for identifying the major plot points and seeing what you need to revise.

Eboch Advanced Plotting Handout-Story Analysis

The Plot Outline Exercise (PDF)

The Plot Outline Exercise (Word document)

Analyze Your Plot Video

Advanced Plotting: Analyze Your Plot

Learn techniques to make the most of your dramatic moments!

Cliffhangers and Pacing Handout

Cliffhangers and Pacing Video

Practice Cliffhangers

Advanced Plotting: Cliffhangers and Pacing

Get a developmental edit from Chris. Plus, learn about her other workshops. 

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Next Steps

<h5>Many books and workshops teach the basics of plotting: conflict, complications, and climax. Now learn advanced techniques that will make a decent plot dynamic. Understand the promise of your first chapter. Then start with a “grab you by the throat” opening. Once you’ve caught the reader’s attention, you’ll want to pack the plot full. But how do you make sure you’ve done that? Check out these tools to analyze your plot. Once your plot is strong, learn techniques to maximize your pacing, including cliffhanger chapter endings to drive the story forward. Learn techniques to make any story or book better. Novelists will benefit from these insights, whether you are just starting out or have years of experience. Many techniques work for memoires, nonfiction, and even picture books too!</h5><h5><span style="color: black; color: black"><strong>Please note</strong>: If you are new to EzyCourse, you will need to sign up and get a password first. Then return to the course page to enroll and pay. You will not have access to the course until you "Complete Purchase."</span></h5><h5><strong>Chris Eboch </strong>is the author of over 100 books for children and 23 novels for adults written as Kris Bock. Chris has led dozens of popular writing workshops around the world. <strong>Students say</strong>:</h5><h5>“This class has been one of the good ones. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and the sheer amount of knowledge you possess is fantastic. Your advice was always spot on. The links to various articles and blogs was and will continue to be extremely useful.” ~ Nancy P.</h5><h5>“I now catch myself recognizing cliffhangers and secondary-characters-as-villains while I read.&nbsp; More importantly, your information was helpful to my own work. Thanks again for such a great workshop.” ~ Linda R.</h5><h5>“You gave us very specific things we could incorporate into our own work.”&nbsp;~ Pamela H.</h5><h5>“Your workshop was the one I got the most useful information from. It was quite informative and introduced me to several trains of thought that were new to me.” ~ Donna B.</h5>

Learn advanced techniques that will make a decent plot dynamic. Start with a “grab you by the throat” opening, pack the plot full, maximize your pacing, and use cliffhanger chapter endings to drive the story forward.

ADVANCED PLOTTING: KEEP THOSE PAGES TURNING

Chris Eboch

Course Details

Course content

Includes