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Thought this would be an appropiate place to post this

I ordered this a few weeks back (and yes, it came in the mail a few days after):
Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell

One of the best writing references for plot I've read thus far. The first 50 pages alone provide a lot of insight to the basic plot structures found throughout novels. I dare to say that the information this book has can certainly apply to manga as well because with both book genres, it comes down to good storytelling.

One of my favorite quotes from the book so far in describing the way plot moves:

"Put your protagonist up a tree, throw some rocks at him, and bring him back down."

Beginning, middle, and end you see?



EDIT** - I paraphrased a few good notes from the small section on structure in this book. I picked the basic formula used for a three-act "mythic structure". I'm actually using this structure for my own stories.

Act I - Introduction

-Introduce the hero and his/her world. [Include the setting, time, and immediate context (what's happening in their world?)]

-A call or disturbance interrupts the hero's world. (Disturbance - threat or challenge.)

-The hero may ignore or answer the call/disturbance. (Introduce the opposition: Who or what stops the Lead?)

-The hero crosses the threshold into a world different than his/her own. (Not necessarily in a literal sense but certainly a different setting than the hero's surrounding.)

-Transitional Doorway 1 - This is where the main character, our hero, is permanently thrust into conflict. If the hero can walk away from the plot right now and go on as he/she has before, the transition into Act II hasn't occurred yet. This is where the subplots blossom, adding complexity and perhaps deeper meaning.

Act II - The Middle

-A mentor appears to teach the hero.

-Various encounters with dark forces and/or opposition. (Confrontation where a series of battles between the hero and the opposition.)

-The hero has a dark moment in himself/herself that he/she must overcome to continue. (Deepen character relationships.)

-A talisman aids in battle.

Transitional Doorway 2 - Something happens (a clue, piece of information, a setback, crisis, etc.) to set up the final confrontation. Set up the final battle to wrap things up.

Act III - The Resolution

-The hero gathers forces (inner and/or outer) for the final battle/choice that will end the story.

-Tie up all loose ends - resolve in a way that doesn't distract from the main plot or "forget" certain loose ends ever existed.

-The final battle is fought.

-The hero returns to his/her world. (Give a feeling of resonance - what does the story mean in a larger sense? Think of themes.)

Keep in mind, this is a very basic formula with a specific (and often used) structure: mythic. This is not the only type of plot structure in existence but I found it the most useful for what I wish to do and I thought it would share it with you. You can certainly make your plot more interesting by switching any of these events around, adding and subtracting your own ideas to the formula.

I thought I would also includ a helpful exercise from the book that helped me get the skeleton of one of my plots down. I figured it would be useful for anyone who wanted to lay down their main plot ideas.

Exercise:
My Lead/Hero is a ________________. (Profession, Role, Race, etc.)
His/Her objective is to ______________.
He/She is confronted by _____________ who oppose him/her because____________.
The ending will be a knockout when _____________.

If you have filled in the blanks, you have the skeleton for a solid story!

Some helpful elements to keep things more interesting:
-unique setting
-colorful characters
-intriguing dialogue
-impacting scenes