A Paperback Writer on Bass and Plot Lines

Wow, the Beatles really pegged the plight of the author in their 1966 hit, Paperback Writer, written by Paul McCartney. The song is essentially a query letter from an aspiring writer to a publisher.

Some of the lyrics:

Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?

It took me years to write, will you take a look?

It's based on a novel by a man named Lear

And I need a job, so I want to be a paperback writer…

It's a thousand pages, give or take a few,

I'll be writing more in a week or two.

I can make it longer if you like the style,

I can change it round and I want to be a paperback writer…

If you really like it you can have the rights,

It could make a million for you overnight.

If you must return it, you can send it here

But I need a break and I want to be a paperback writer…

Sound familiar? Kind of crazy that this tongue-in-cheek view of a struggling writer is still bang on almost 50 years later. The tune was also one of the first of the Beatles songs to feature the bass as a solo instrument. I dig it. As a member of an all-woman band, and a bass player, iconic bass lines are my current musical obsession. ;)

I equate a solid bass line with having a solid plotline. In most songs, you may not be able to pick out the bass riff, but it is there. Locking the drums and guitars in, supporting the vocals, balancing the highs and bringing out the lows. A simple bass riff is sometimes best – grounding the other instruments, keeping them on track. This is called “rooting” – sticking to the root notes of the song – and essentially that’s the role of your plot. It is the glue that holds your fictional world together.

Yet when given the opportunity, the bass can dazzle, much as a rich plot can wow the reader, taking them in new directions. A bass line foreshadows and pre-empts key changes, supports verses, builds to the chorus, and can offer a haunting fade out.

Just like a solid plot line full of rising action, conflict, ever-increasing tension, an epic showdown, and falling action.

Remember, when you’re outside a concert venue, it’s the bass you feel pulsing with the beat of your heart, thrumming under your feet, drawing you in.

I dare you to listen to the next song you hear and listen for the bass – I bet you’ll be surprised by how much it adds / fills out the tune. My fellow paperback writers, consider the beauty of a solid plot line – it ROCKS!

~Judith Graves

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Writing a One-page Synopsis...Yes, it CAN be done!

I'm unusual amongst my writerly friends - you see, I LIKE writing the synopsis. In fact, I typically write a synopsis after my "zero" draft to help me find the plot holes and start the revision process. 

I know, I know - I am strange. But then, I warned you, right? What's even more strange? I like crafting SHORT synopses - ones that average 2 pages or less, no matter how long the novel.

Before you call the insane asylum, how about I share my tricks for writing them...trust me, follow these guidelines and you, too, may use the synopsis as a way of highlighting your story and finding the plot holes.

I am a dying hard believer in the structure used in screenwriting. This structure can be found in books like Save the Cat and others. Regardless of which of these basic structures you use, all stories can really be broken down into stages and turning points (or "beats" to use the lingo from Save the Cat). Nailing down these major stages and turns that transition from one stage to another gives a novel the structure it needs to effectively tell a story. And going through this process gives a writer a tool to see what may or may not be lacking within the story.

Here is a quick run down of the basic stages and turns - the terms are not really important, but what happens within each section and transition is:

• Opening set up - The MC is introduced in the "normal world".
• Catalyst  - This first turn introduces the problem or event that causes a change in the MC and his world.
• Reaction or new scenario - A new scenario occurs for the MC as a direct result of the choice the MC makes regarding the catalyst
• Mini Crisis - This is typically the end of the first part of a three-act plan structure and is typically an event that occurs and changes everything, resulting in a new goal for the MC
• Edge of Adventure - also called "Fun and Games" in Save the Cat lingo - In this sec tion, the MC begins working towards his new goal. It carries in it the "promise of the premice" of the story. Subplots are typically woven into this section of the story
• Point of no return - Typically the half-way mark of the story, this is the turn in which the MC experiences a false victory or defeat and can't ever turn back on his journey
• Complications - Stakes are raised as the "bad guys" close in and the MCs resolve is increasingly tested
• Despair - All is lost for the MC as it seems he will never achieve his goals
• Dark Night of the Soul - The MC falls into a depression, believing there is no hope
• Transformation  - This turns marks the end of the second act in the three-act structure and represents the "ah-ha" moment for the MC, as he figures out a way to face the final obstacles to his goal
• Climax - The MC faces the final obstacle standing between him and his goal
• Resolution - The final outcome of the final confrontation.

This type of structure has worked for me with plot-driven stories like Lacrimosa, my YA Gothic Romance, and character-driven stories like Transcend, my YA psychological thriller.

With this structure, you can easily craft a short synopsis by going through your story and writing a sentence or two for each of the stages and turns. Then link it all into paragraphs and before you know it, you have a basic synopsis to help guide your revisions, or to polish and use. 

What do you think? Not so bad, right??? For more information on synopsis writing, check out Jane Friedman's classic post and her links at the end. 

Christine Fonseca is a critically acclaimed author of edgy YA fiction, psychological thrillers and non-fiction self-help books. Her upcoming releases include DOMINUS, the final installment in the Requiem Series, and the highly anticipated GIRL GUIDE, a self-help book for teen girls. When she is not writing a book or working to develop programs for children with emotional and behavioral needs, she can be found hanging out at her favorite coffee house, drinking Skinny Vanilla Lattes. 

It’s a Doctor Who Christmas

While I may have been lateish to the Doctor Who party (only started watching a few years ago), I’ve certainly become a solid fan (caught up on all seasons and even read the comics) and Whovian enthusiast. From the miniature TARDIS and sonic screwdriver I have on display in my office to the complete DVD collection and endless quotes used in daily conversation – I’m a sucker for the Doctor.

And why the hell not? As a character study for writers, there’s none better than a centuries old time traveler who befriends underdogs, saves star whales, entire civilizations, has his hand in every historical event of significance, changes his face, quirks, personalities, never gives up on humanity, abhors violence, uses his wit as a weapon, and all the while struggles to rise above the dark, jaded parts of himself.

Yeah, I sorta love the guy. 

There are just so many layers. And each new companion he takes upon his epic journey across time and space provides infinite opportunities for danger, growth, conflict, and humour. Doctor Who companions are as much a part of the appeal as the Doctor himself. Here the average Joe gets a shot at rewriting history, or re-establishing it. Imagine you…yes, you….travelling back or forward in time to help take down evil in any guise – all with a slightly nutty professor watching your back and making you a better person. It could happen. You never know when the Doctor might drop by needing your help to save the world.

Heady stuff. Kinda addictive.

The show takes a mid-season hiatus during the winter and while fans feel a bit left out in the cold, there’s a beacon of light ahead. The annual Christmas special. To say I’m keen for this year’s offering is an understatement. First – it’s set in Victorian London and lately I’m all about Victorian influences for my steampunk series. Plus – the big bad – SNOWMEN.

I know, right? Haven’t we all wondered what those silent sentries of snow get up to when we aren’t looking? Guess we’ll find out this December 25^th at 9pm EST.

Anyway, I encourage writers of genre fiction to climb aboard the blue police box and analyze the character development, plot structure – the sheer freaking fun of Doctor Who. You’ll drop in to see what the fuss is about and stay for love of the Whoniverse.

Happy holidays, keep writing, and remember, top hats and bow ties are cool.

~Judith Graves

Judith is the author of the Skinned series, paranormal with more bite than bark.