Lecture #3: Plot Part 2 — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on the insights shared by Brandon Sanderson in his lecture about plotting in science fiction and fantasy writing. It covers essential elements such as outlines, plot archetypes, plot structures, and discovery plotting. By following these steps, you'll gain a better understanding of how to effectively plan your story and enhance your writing process.

Step 1: Understanding Plot Outlines

• Create a plot outline to serve as a roadmap for your story.
• Consider using the three-act structure:
  • Act 1: Set up your characters and the world.
  • Act 2: Introduce conflict and deepen character development.
  • Act 3: Resolve the conflict and tie up loose ends.
• Sanderson recommends visual aids like graphs or charts to visualize the plot progression.

Step 2: Explore Plot Archetypes

• Familiarize yourself with common plot archetypes, which can provide a foundation for your story.
• Some popular archetypes include:
  • The Hero’s Journey: A protagonist goes on an adventure, faces challenges, and returns transformed.
  • Overcoming the Monster: The main character faces a great evil and must defeat it.
• Choose an archetype that resonates with your story idea to guide your plot development.

Step 3: Implement Plot Structures

• Select a plot structure that fits your story's style. Key structures to consider include:
  • Freytag’s Pyramid: Introduces the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
  • The Hero’s Journey: Outlined above, this is particularly effective in fantasy and adventure stories.
• Map your story's events onto these structures to ensure a balanced narrative.

Step 4: Experiment with Discovery Plotting

• Discovery plotting involves writing without a strict outline, allowing the story to unfold organically.
• Start with a core idea or character and let their actions guide the plot.
• Be open to revising your initial concepts as new ideas emerge during writing.

Step 5: Review Failed Attempts

• Examine failed story attempts as learning opportunities. Sanderson shared his own failed beginnings for "Skyward."
• Identify what did not work and why, using these insights to strengthen your current writing efforts.

Conclusion

By understanding and utilizing plot outlines, archetypes, structures, and discovery plotting techniques, you can create a more coherent and engaging story. Consider experimenting with different methods to find what works best for you. Remember that every writer’s journey is unique, and learning from past attempts can lead to improvement. Take the time to sketch out your ideas, and don’t hesitate to explore new directions in your writing. Happy writing!