Masterplots Theater: T is for Thriller

Welcome back to Masterplots Theater! Is your story about a someone on a mission to stop a murderer? Great! But do you know whether it’s a thriller or a mystery? If you’re like me, you might have answered, “It’s both — a mystery thriller!” Thing is, I’ve discovered that mysteries and thrillers are not the …
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Masterplots Theater: R is for Rite of Passage

Welcome back to Masterplots Theater! When people hear “Rite of Passage plot” they often think it’s another term for “coming-of-age story.” While youthful tales involving loss of innocence and puberty most definitely fit the Rite of Passage mold, not all ROP stories are about teenagers. Allow me to explain… Rite of Passage Plot Notes:  The defining …
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Masterplots Theater: P is for Pursuit

Welcome back to Masterplots Theater! Today we’re going on a wild ride with the Pursuit masterplot, which is more commonly known as the Chase plot. But hey, this is the A-Z Challenge where coming up with a suitable synonym so one has a post for a tricky letter is fair game. 😉 Pursuit Plot Notes:  …
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Masterplots Theater: N is for Nemesis

Welcome back to Masterplots Theater where we examine archetypal plots in books and film. Today we’re going to study a plot often referred to as “Rivalry”, but I need an “N” post for the purpose of the #AtoZChallenge, so I’m going to call this masterplot “Nemesis.” After all, there is no rivalry if the hero doesn’t …
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Masterplots Theater: L is for Love Story

Welcome back to Masterplots Theater! Today we are exploring one of the most popular masterplots of all time: The Love Story. And even if you’re not writing a full-on romance, most stories have an amorous subplot which contains the same plot elements. So without further ado, let’s fall in love! Love Story Plot Notes:  The …
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Masterplots Theater: J is for Journal

Welcome to Masterplots Theater! Today we’re examining Juvenile Journal, which admittedly is a term I just made up so that I have something to write for the letter J. But still, there are many books out there written in a diary format. Perhaps your own teenage scribblings would make a great story… Journal Plot Notes:  …
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Masterplots Theater: H is for Happily-Ever-After

Welcome back to Masterplots Theater!  So far we’ve covered: A is for Adventure B is for Buddy Love C is for Chosen One D is for Dystopia E is for Escape F is for Fool Triumphant G is for Gothic And today we’re discussing Happily-Ever-After stories. Do you like happy endings? According to this article, most people …
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Masterplots Theater: F is for Fool Triumphant

Welcome back to Masterplots Theater!  Episodes thus far include: – A is for Adventure – B is for Buddy Love – C is for Chosen One – D is for Dystopia – E is for Escape Those last two masterplots were pretty intense, so today we’re going to lighten things up! If you love comedy, you might have a …
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Masterplots Theater: D is for Dystopia

Welcome back to Masterplots Theater!  So far we’ve covered: – A is for Adventure – B is for Buddy Love – C is for Chosen One And today we tackle Dystopia! Despite the cry of “dystopian stories are sooooo over!” new ones come out every month. It feels to me that dystopia is not just a trend; …
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Masterplots Theater: B is for Buddy Love

Hope you’re back in your comfy chair and ready for another episode of Masterplots Theater! Perhaps you’ve been contemplating a story idea that has two compelling lead characters and can’t decide which is the true hero. Well, I have good news for you — maybe you don’t have to choose! Today we study a masterplot …
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