Rock Your Plot

A Simple System for Plotting Your Novel

By: Cathy Yardley

Narrated by: Cathy Yardley, Michael Anthony Johnson

Length: 1 hr and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Are you stuck trying to write a novel? Have you tried writing several stories, only to stall out in the middle and move on to a new project? Do you like the idea of plot outlines, but have difficulty figuring out what happens next, or what should happen where? Or are you a writer who hates outlining, preferring to write a novel organically - but still feel like your story needs more plot and structure?

Outlining, whether it's just the turning points or a comprehensive scene by scene plot outline, might help you get past your block.

Rock Your Plot: A Simple System for Plotting Your Novel teaches a clear, flexible process to help you with your:

• Premise: Test your premise for inherent conflict and sustainability.
• Characterization: Create strong characters with urgent goals, understandable motivation, and tons of obstacles.
• Plot outline, turning points: Use those characters to build logical and powerful plot points and complete character arcs.
• Plot outline, scene-by-scene: Develop a sequence of dynamic scenes that propels your reader through your story.

This audiobook goes straight to the point, putting theory in plain language, adding examples from blockbuster stories, and finishing each section with exercises designed to help you work with your characters to write a novel that excites you... and your readers.

©2012, 2013 Cathy Yardley Wilson (P)2013 Cathy Yardley Wilson

Exactly What I Needed

What made the experience of listening to Rock Your Plot the most enjoyable?

Listening to a writing coach like Cathy give clear, step-by-step instructions is exactly what I needed. Her method works wonders, especially when coupled with the downloads from her website. This is THE book to get through the "quick and dirty first draft," to use her words.

After that, you can read all the other books to streamline your dialogue, emphasize your theme, all that fancy stuff. But start here. Start with ROCK YOUR PLOT.

Short, easy to listen to.

Really got the ideas flowing. Great to listen to if you've already listened to or read a few books from other authors.

I highly recommend: William Bernhart's Red sneakers writing series for more in depth planning, wit and humor.

Just the help I needed!

Thank you Cathy Yardley for this clear guideline for starting my novel. I'm finally inspired to dive into that mess of ideas
and half written scenes that have been cluttering my desk for years.

One of favorite plotting books.

I reference this book often to keep me on track when I plot. Audio version is a must have to listen to while Walking or driving.

Best I've found for getting started on plotting

I listen to this book over and over again. Although it's narrated by the author it's a very easy listen.
It's also packed full of information. I actually went back and bought the Kindle version just so I could slow myself down. The included PDF (which you find by going to audible on your computer and then downloading), is an invaluable tool.

This is truly the best shorthand advice on how to get started on plotting versus writing by the seat of your pants.

I love, love, love this audiobook! I recommend it for all aspiring writers.

A Must Have if you are interested in Plot

If you are interested in Plot and a sure fire way to outline your story then you must get this book. It's pure gold!

Love this series!

All of the books in this series are great. Straight to the point--exactly what I like. The narration is excellent. Just finished my second listen.

I. Needed. This. Book!

Oh my gosh! I can't even describe how inspired I've been since I got this. I was barely into the start of the first chapter when I realized this is exactly what I needed. I've come up with endless examples of characters and "cool ideas" as Yardley mentions, but story plots have always been my Achilles heel. And nothing ever reached completion because of it.

All throughout listening to this book, I've jotted down notes and steps to take, absolutely drinking in the long-needed structure my stories have been missing. And so much has come to me just from that! I'm off to fill in the blanks in my outlines but I wanted to put this here first.

I can't thank Ms. Yardley enough for sharing her collected research.

A Definite Winner!

I will definitely be using this book each time I outline my books from now on! It was clear, organized and the instruction and examples were easy to follow and incorporate, making my work in progress more complex and deep.

Best Three Act Structure Explanation Ever

I'm a Creative Writing graduate with a degree from a prestigious university that did not focus on commercial fiction. Forty years later I'm finally trying to write something other people might want to read. If you want to understand plotting, buy this book. It is an excellent investment in time and money.

Battling with plot and structure has been a nightmare for me, but somehow this book worked. I don't know why this is so much more helpful than the MANY books, videos, blogs, etc... I've read on plot and structure. Maybe because it's trimmed of all the fat. It's brief, no nonsense, and gets the job done. Also, there's a bit of humor. I recommend this audiobook unreservedly. Super helpful. If you're like me, slow, a little dull, and in need of some practical explanations to get you going, you've arrived at the right place. Be happy. Read this and be inspired!