Theme, Plot & Structure

by Ross Lampert (a.k.a. The Critique Doctor) The Critique Doctor’s guide to helping writers (and yourself) build a story readers can’t put down

What is a story about? What are the events its characters experience during the course of the story? Do those events flow in a logical, easy-to-follow sequence? These are the kinds of questions Theme, Plot, and Structure examines in detail, especially when there are problems.
In this book, long-time critique group leader Ross Lampert (a.k.a. The Critique Doctor) provides detailed, practical articles on how to help you and your critique partners improve your:
• Story’s theme and how it affects everything else in the story
• Beginnings of stories, chapters, and scenes to turn them from ineffective to irresistible hooks
• Plots components—like story arc, turning points, stakes, conflict, tension, and pace—to keep readers turning pages
• Scene and chapter endings so they’ll launch readers into the next one, and story endings that leave readers satisfied.
Each article ends with questions you can ask yourself about the piece you’re reviewing to identify the exact problem you’re seeing and offer the author usable critique.

Genres:
nonfiction, writing, critique, theme, plot

ISBN:
print: 979-8-9989737-0-3; ebook: 979-8-9989737-1-0

Endorsements

The Craft & Critique Series

by Ross Lampert

Whether you’re looking for the write—I mean, right—place to take your story to, or you want to sharpen your critique skills, these books are here to help. They’re full of tips, techniques, and tools to help you be a better critiquer—and a better writer too! And they’re available wherever you get your print or ebooks.

Pre-Order Now

Across the Web... and Beyond: Critique Groups and Sites

If you’d rather not join an in-person, hybrid, or virtual critique group, or there aren’t any near you that seem like a good fit, you have options on the web. Some online critique sites are dedicated to giving and receiving feedback to their members; others offer critique as a side benefit. Social media groups connect their members with alpha or beta readers or critique partners. Colleges, universities, and standalone programs offer courses and classes online.

The buttons below will get you to the right group or site so you can explore them further.

Online Critique Sites

“Critique-primary” sites offer opportunities to give and receive critique as their only or primary function. “Critique-secondary” sites prioritize other things, but offer some opportunities for critique.

Social Media

Looking for feedback on an early draft? Check out the alpha and beta reader match sites. Other sites will connect you with critique partners.

Courses & Classes

Need a quick refresher course on some particular aspect of a writing partner’s work, or your own? Or are you interested in pursuing a formal degree in writing? You’ll find all of that and everything in between here.