Writing Plot: Finding Your Story’s Driving Force

“‘I’m bad at writing plot.’ It’s one of the most common things I hear my writing students say, and it’s rarely true,” says instructor Shelby Hinte. “Plot can feel daunting, especially if we’re using Hollywood blockbusters full of wild action scenes as a metric for good plots. But compelling stories don’t need car chases and shootouts to feel propulsive. Creating urgent stories is all about locating the driving force that compels our characters to act.”

In this 3-week intensive, we'll move beyond surface thrills to uncover what truly drives engaging narratives in both fiction and nonfiction. Through craft lessons, writing prompts, and group discussions, we'll discover how to create plots that resonate with readers and keep them invested in a story. We’ll explore essentials like how to build suspense and pace scenes effectively, and we’ll experiment with different structures such as braided and circular narratives.

By the end of the course, you'll have tested multiple storytelling frameworks and discovered how to locate that “driving force” and structure a story around it. Whether you come to this class with a work-in-progress or just a head full of ideas, you will leave with loads of raw material and tools to help you craft memorable plots.

About The Writing Salon's In-Person Classes

Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about the class. If you have any questions about in-person learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.