“Plot vs Subplot, and Other Narrative Structures” with John Pipkin
November 20, 2024 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM CST
$59.00 – $119.00
- This event has passed.
This Event is for Members only.
Click here to learn more about benefits of membership
$59 for Members
$119 for Non-Members
Can’t make it to the live class? No problem! This class will be recorded and made available to class registrants until January 31, 2025.
This class is a part of “The Novelist’s Toolbox” class package.
Plot can seem like one of those elusive storytelling elements that resists definition and tempts us to say with exasperation: “I can’t explain it, but I know it when I see it.”
Often, it’s easier to see where and when a plot fails, and far more difficult to recognize why a plot succeeds. In this class, we’ll identify those elements of plotting that help to organize, structure, and make sense of a narrative. We’ll take a deep dive into plot structure, its historical development, how it holds a narrative together in a short story or a novel, how to make use of structure in your own storytelling, and when to abandon traditional plot structures and try something else. Beginning with a brief look at some of the origins of narrative form, we’ll examine a variety of plot structures, including three-act structure, five-act structure, the epistolary form, the hero’s journey, Freytag’s pyramid, story wheels, and other developments. We’ll also look at the difference between main plots and anecdotes, subplots, and digressions, how to use them and when to leave them out. And finally, we’ll discuss non-traditional plotting, and how to find a structure (or non-structure?) that best suits the story that you’re trying to tell.
TAKE THIS CLASS IF:
- You want to tell stories that pull readers in and raise their expectations.
- You have a great idea for a series of events you want to describe, but you are struggling to turn it into a short story or novel.
- You want to discover how to identify (or modify) a plot structure that will help you achieve your story’s goals.
The deadline to register for this class is Wednesday, November 20 at 5:00 PM CST.
CONTINUING YOUR WRITING JOURNEY
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
The WLT is committed to making our online classes accessible to all writers including writers who do not have the financial means to pay for programming. Five (5) seats in this class have been set aside for scholarship recipients to attend free of charge. Please fill out this application no later than 2 days prior to the class to be considered for one of the scholarship seats. We do not ask for any corroborating documents; we only ask that you help us understand your situation. If you are selected for one of the available seats you will be notified via email (from wlt@writersleague.org) no later than 24 hours before the start of the class. Please note, each writer is limited to no more than four (4) total scholarship seats per catalog season.
Instructor
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John Pipkin is the Director of the Undergraduate Creative Writing Program at the University of Texas-Austin and also teaches in the low-residency MFA Program at Spalding University. Originally from Baltimore, he holds a Ph.D. in 19th-century British Literature and is the author of the critically-acclaimed novels: Woodsburner (Nan A Talese/Doubleday 2009) which won the New York Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, and The Blind Astronomer’s Daughter (Bloomsbury 2016). He has received fellowships to MacDowell, Yaddo, Dobie-Paisano, and the Gullkistan Center for Creativity in Iceland. He is also the recipient of the 2021 Harry Ransom Award for Excellence in Teaching at UT-Austin.
Before purchasing, please read all policies as noted below and on our Accessibility and Policies page.
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Anti-Harassment Policy
The Writers’ League of Texas is dedicated to providing harassment-free spaces for everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, age, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Violating these rules may result in expulsion from WLT programs without a refund at the discretion of the WLT staff.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
- Comments that reinforce social structures of domination (related to gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, age, or religion);
- Sexual images not appropriate for the specific subject of the public discussion;
- Deliberate intimidation or stalking;
- Harassing photography or recording;
- Sustained disruption of discussions or other events;
- Unwelcome sexual attention;
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
Enforcement
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in harassing behavior, event organizers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no refund. Event organizers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants. We expect participants to follow these rules during all events and event-related social activities.
Reporting
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. Reports can also be made via email at wlt@writersleague.org. We’ll handle any and all reports as respectfully as possible. You won’t be asked to confront anyone, and we won’t tell anyone who you are.
Accessibility Policy
Closed captioning is available for all online classes and special events.
The WLT is committed to making its programs & services accessible to all writers. Please contact us at wlt@writersleague.org or at 512-499-8914 for more information or to discuss accommodations you may need.
Credit Card Transaction Handling Fee Policy
All credit card transactions will incur a 4% handling fee. If you’d prefer to pay by check for membership, a class, or an event, you can use the provided forms on the membership or event pages and mail to: WLT, P.O. Box 14355, Austin, TX, 78704.
Writers’ League of Texas classes and workshops are also funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts – Investing in a Creative Texas. For more information, go to www.arts.texas.gov.