Once again, the Plotmonkeys have hit pay dirt with our guest blogger this week, the amazingly warm and wonderful, Misa Ramirez. She has an awesome topic and a wonderful giveaway, so let’s give her one of those welcomes we’re so famous for here in the Jungle! Welcome, Misa!!!
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Epiphanies and Aha Moments
I am SO happy to be here with the Plot Monkeys today! It’s thrilling, it’s a dream-come-true, and it makes me want to swing from the chandelier. Oh, except I don’t have a chandelier, so that won’t work. I have a pecan tree…I’ll swing from that. When it gets warmer.
Okay, onto craft. First, let me introduce myself. I’m Misa Ramirez, author of the Lola Cruz Mystery Series published by St. Martin’s Minotaur/Thomas Dunne Books. The second book in the series came out just 4 days ago and it’s been a wild ride! But even though I’m onto my third Lola Cruz mystery, have developed a middle grade series for girls (being shopped right this very minute), and am hard at work on the most challenging project to date, a women’s fiction with magical realism novel, I still have issues.
Plotting does not come easy for me. Structure is tough, too. Which is why it was absolutely amazing to be able to go to RWA’s Lowcountry chapter’s Master Class last November (can I just say, I LOVE SOUTH CAROLINA’S LOWCOUNTRY and CHARLESTON?!) where I had an epiphany, which led to another, bigger, AHA moment just last week.
The specific epiphany from the Lowcountry week deals with book structure. Alex Sokoloff, a scene-writer-turned-novelist, was one of the speakers during the week and she gave an excellent series of talks about scene structure. The 3-Act structure isn’t new by any means, and though I’ve heard it all before, something really struck a chord this time around. I’m a visual learner, and Alex had a chart on which she laid out the 3-Act structure in a way I completely ‘got’.
From there, I was able to see corresponding delineations for how the Hero’s Journey plays into the various acts, and suddenly structure made perfect sense! Why hadn’t I looked at novel writing in this way before?
I came home, processed, and then saw the 3-Act structure in play when I watched Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino. Excellent movie, clear hero’s journey, and defined structure. It was brilliant!
Then I watched A Knight’s Tale, an old movie I’d never seen (makes me so sad that Heath Ledger is gone…he was so great!). I watched it twice within a week, looking at scene structure, but then going deeper into the construct of the scenes and looking at scene and sequel. If each scene poses a question or a problem (corresponding to the hero’s journey, of course), then each subsequent scene is a response to that question or problem. It was like clockwork in the movie.
I looked at the book, The Help, next, and with some exceptions, the same scene and sequel takes place throughout each of the three women’s stories (if you haven’t read this book, GO DO IT NOW!! It’s my new favorite).
The art of it is in creating a 3-Act structure and hero’s journey that is so organic, the reader (or watcher of a movie) doesn’t see the elements. Same with scene and sequel, and with scene sequence, which is the next step. When I began writing fiction, it was luck and a prayer that got me through. Now I see there is rhyme and reason, and actual devices that can make it so much easier to get to THE END of a story. It’s such a learning process, and it’s a journey I’m thrilled to be on.
How about you? Do you watch movies and read books with an eye on plotting, structure, or other fiction-writing devices, or are you able to lose yourself in a story? What was your last epiphany?
One commenter will win a copy of Living the Vida Lola, or Hasta la Vista, Lola! (winner’s choice), so comment away!
And thanks again to Julie and the Plot Monkeys for having me on Craft Saturday!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold nearly thirty books to three publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, spoiled dachshund, enormous guinea pig and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
ANOTHER WILD WEDDING NIGHT
Hard to Hold
Love Me If You Dare
Wild For Him
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I’m a reader not a writer so I really don’t analyze the writing style while I’m reading the book. Not all books work for me, but I am satisfied with the majority of the books that I read. Now that you’ve introduced me to this 3-ACT structure I’m going to pay closer to this process as I read the book.
My daughter is a 7th & 8th grade English teacher in Wisconsin. I’m going to tell her about this Lola Cruz series of yours. She loves mysteries. Her students might too!
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Lola is not for kids, Laurie, but I hope you and your daughter will give it a read! It’s FUN!
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Missed the 1st podium by one minute! Laurie G got there 1st – lol! Caroline x
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Hey Caroline, I’m so glad you are motivated by the post. Try the movies suggested, or Akeelah and the Bee. That’s got a very clear hero’s journey!
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I have to admit, I usually don’t delve that deep into a book or movie that I am enjoying. I might think back later about what made them work for me, but I usually just don’t analyze it too much. I just want to enjoy them.
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I didn’t do it the first time I watched A Knight’s Tale…pure enjoyment, but realizing things about the movie after the fact made me watch again.
If I get sucked into a book or movie, then I know it is GOOD!
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Welcome, Misa! I’m thrilled to have you here!
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Thanks, Carly! It’s awesome to be with you monkey gals today!
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Luckily, I’m still able to lose myself in a book – if all the elements are there. If they’re not, then I start analyzing to figure out why I’m not engaged in the story.
Margay
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Yep, you said it, Margay. Being so good that the reader gets absorbed is definitely the goal.
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I’m working on my second MS and learning about structure. It’s hard for me to analyze books/movies overtly but the more I read about structure the more I find myself doing it covertly. Fear of not knowing structure is probably what kept me away from writing for so long.
Thank you for sharing your “aha” moment with us!
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Chris, I’m glad you are forging ahead. I think too many people become stifled by the structure and process. It’s important to just let your story flow. Good luck with your second manuscript.
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When I’m reading a great book there are always moments that make me stop and think, “OMG, that was pure amazing the she did this or that.”, and it’s at that moment that I think I really need to pay attention to how this author does this or that. BUT, the problem (well, for my reading enjoyment it isn’t a problem at all), I get so caught up in the story and the world I totally forget to pay attention to anything other than the characters and their word.
I’m very visual as well, which makes reading craft books not near as much fun as seeing and hearing it at workshops. :)
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I’m the same way, Vicki. I’ve taken to dog-earring the corners of pages on those OMG pages (egads, I know I shouldn’t, but I do!). Then I can go back later and remember what struck me on that page.
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I can lose myself in a book or movie- as long as my daughter is not nearby. She is now a film student in LA and just looks at movies so differently now. When we watched movies over the Xmas holiday, I wanted to duct tape her mouth! But on the other hand it was so great to watch the wheels in her mind just spin.
I haven’t seen your books, but will go look for them. They are the just the type I like to read, especially when I want a fun read.
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They are fun, ev!! 4 1/2 stars from Romantic Times Book Reveiws and great reviews all around! Hope you enjoy them.
That’s hilarious about the duct tape and your daughter! I bet she’s got great insight now.
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Like my mom said, I’m in film school and I wasn’t that bad. I was quiet during Star Trek and Basterds. I love the 3-Act play form for writing. Instead of a 3-Act play I use for writing my stories, I’ve borrowed Tarantino’s form which is a 5-Act play format for my scripts.
I’m in need of some new books. I’m Patterson and Robb’d out so I think when I go to the bookstore, I’ll pick up the first one.
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What an interesting column. Thanks for visiting.
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It’s fun to be here!
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Interesting post. Thanks for sharing Misa. I have to be honest that I usually don’t analyze the books I read or movies I watch. Books are my escape so I am usually too busy escaping into them to take the time to think about the 3 Act Structure. Will have to keep in mind for the next book I read.
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Or movie, cherie. It’s EASY to see in a movie, more so than a book, I think.
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This was very enlightening! As a reader, I haven’t delved into the mechanics of the story. I just want to be sucked in to a terrific tale.
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I think that’s every author’s goal, Darcy, and when it happens, you know they are very good at what they do. Read a bad book and you see how effortless really great writers make it seem!
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Welcome to the Jungle, Misa
Great blog today. With books, I generally read for pleasure but if it’s a particularly engrossing story–anything by C.S. Harris–I’m constantly analyzing because I love mysteries. I don’t usually analyze movies until after they are over. Gran Torino was a great movie. Clint just keeps getting better and better.
Thanks again for being here today,
Cher
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Thanks for the warm welcome, Cher. Gran Torino was another movie that I watched and thoroughly enjoyed, then about a week later, watched it again and took notes on structure. Clint is brilliant!
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Hi Misa – Welcome to the jungle and happy release week!!
I try to write with the 3-act structure, and do to a small degree, but I end up getting so overwhelmed with making sure I have the turning points in the right place, and trying to avoid the sagging middle, etc. that I eventually give up and just write the story.
Although I have learned to write every scene with goal, conflict and disaster and it’s amazing how much stronger it makes the story. I just hope it gets easier with time, and comes more naturally, without taking so much conscious effort to make it happen.
I hope it’s a great weekend for everyone!!
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Great to be here, Alannah! I give up, too, and just write scenes without purpose, but what I find is that they ramble, the story rambles, the conflict isn’t near strong enough, or some other problem develops. I try to keep my Central Story Question in mind (I put it in the header of my doc so it’s always there) to make sure that every scene works toward answering that question.
Structure often comes later with shuffling and reworking, but I use it as a roadmap, for sure.
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Congratulations on the latest release Misa.
I am an avid reader and watcher of movies.
It also made me sad that Heath Ledger passed away much too soon.
I fell in love way back with him in A Knight’s Tale. You need to see him in Brother’s Grimm and Casanova. I have both on DVD.
I never thought about ‘Structure’ of a book or movie. I always called it the ‘flow’ of the story. That is what structure means to me.
If the ‘flow’ is right on then you just keeping turning pages to get to the rest of a story as fast as you can read.
If the flow is right in a movie at a theater, I sit still and don’t jump up to go for a restroom break.
I love a story that answers all the questions.
I still can’t figure out how the chicken got in the hotel room in the movie The Hangover.
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Gigi, I haven’t seen The Hangover, but I’m curious! I LOVE Heath Ledger in The Brother’s Grimm. He’s excellent in everything he did. A real talent. The Knight’s Tale is my favorite with him, though. He’s just so likable.
Makes me want to go see the movie again!
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I always have a hard time losing myself if a movie, unless it is amazing. I normally listen to sounds and develop an entire plot line and story around it. My hubbie and kids think I am crazy. LOL
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Patty, amazing movies are fewer and far between, aren’t they? Did you see Avatar? I really loved it and got lost in it (and I didn’t even want to see it!).
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Thanks for the great post. congrats on your lastest release.
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Thanks, Rebekah!
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Great post! I am a reader and I usually don’t dig deep in a story and analyze the writer! If the book is really good I do loose myself in the story, and may stay up half the night reading it. I love a good mystery so your books sound really good!
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Thank you, Ms. Quilt Lady. I can only assume you love quilts, which I do, too, though it’s been a while since I broke out my quilting materials.
Hope you check out my books!
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Thanks Misa! Great post! (btw, your name would make a great character name. ;->)
My epiphany was also related to the 3-act structure. Someone described the end of the first act as the mc making a choice that takes him/her past the point of no return. That resonated with me in a way no other description had.
Good luck on your new release!
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Hey Jeanne! My name came from some Chinese cooks trying to say Melissa. They couldn’t do it…it came out Misa. I met my husband there, so the name stuck.
Sounds like you follow Vogler’s Hero’s Journey with the MC passing the point of no return. Very cool!
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Being an avid reader I usually just let the story flow as I read it. If i’m really into a story I can really lose myself. Now that’s my kind of read!
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I love the books where you can really lose yourself.
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Hi Misa (and everyone else in the jungle)!
In his book, Plot & Structure, James Scott Bell goes into the three act structure in detail.
Act 1: Hook the reader and get him/her to read on to act 2.
Act 2: Scenes that stretch the tension, raise the stakes, keeps the reader worried so he/she reads on to act 3.
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I bought Alex Sokoloff’s book on 3 Act structure. Whatever the source, understanding the core elements will only help our writing. I love Alex’s book because she gives so many examples, and I need those!
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Misa, you nailed this first stop. Plotting and structure are not easy to grasp, but you give the rest of us hope that we too can conquer these necessary hurtles. It wasn’t until my “post Alex” experience that I began to view movies for entertainment as well as structure. Some folks just make it look sooo easy. This is my first visit to The Plotmonkeys. I like it here.
Congratulations again and Cheers!
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Good to *see* you here, Sharon Marie! Alex was certainly enlightening, and has a very firm grasp on 3 Act structure and can give examples. That was huge for me!
I’m so glad you stopped by!
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I’m not sure what happened but allow me to finish up here.
Act 3: Endings. A week ending can ruin an otherwise wonderful book. A strong ending can redeem an otherwise mediocre book.
Of course he goes into lots of details on how to perfect each act. I highly recommend the book.
Happy writing to all!
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I will look for it!
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I just get lost in the book.
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That’s awesome, Estrella. LOVE your name!!
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I suppose I pay some attention to plotting, structure and such when I’m reading a book or watching a movie, although most of the time I don’t really notice them -unless there is something really wrong. I pay more to attention to language and culture (occupational hazard).
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If I am able to be pulled into a book, I know I have a great read in hand… love becoming one with a story…
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I am a reader not a writer…I don’t really analyze books when I am reading…if it has a good story, has interesting characters, I’m in! Welcome to the jungle!
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Hi Misa!
I love your first books, it’s great. I can’t wait to get your new one.!
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Misa,
My wife has your first book. She has been waiting for your new one. I will be in trouble if she knows it came out and I didn’t go get it for her! Maybe I will win it! Don’t let me down, pick me Misa!
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I just saw that Rebekah won the copy of Hasta la Vista, Lola, but I hope you’ll pick it up for your wife, Randy!
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Welcome Misa! Your Lola books sound really fun. I love to read books that make me lose myself in the story.
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Thanks, Liza!
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Hi there Misa,
It sure is great having you here! You know that is something I have done practically all my life is analyze movies and books. I think it is part of my personality that I like to analyze things. I read a lot of mysteries, fantasies, romance, and paranormal romance books. I am forever editing the grammar, names, plot points, etc. I have actually caught things that happened out of order or a character’s conversation got screwed up, names of the characters were changed accidentally, typos, punctuation, etc.
Same thing with movies, I do lose myself in them, but it always happens that I will analyze it, discussing certain scenes with my friends, or secret flags to when something scary will happen, etc. I love discussing a movie with someone. It makes the experience for me even more worthwhile.
What an unusual topic Misa! I don’t know if anyone has ever touched on this subject before. It really makes you stop and think about what you just read or watched. Well, this has been a very deep subject!
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Thank you so much, Michele! It’s been a real pleasure being here.
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When i Read or Watch a movie I only follow the flow. and usually at the end if the story or movie are good, i will discuss it again with my hubby :0
Misa, i read about an interview about you once couple months ago. And i’m happy coz today i might get my chance to win your book, coz You are still A new Author for me
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I’m sure you won’t be disappointed in the books, Mariska…love your name! Thank you for the support.
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I agree with you Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino is an excellent movie. I haven’t read Living the Vida Lola, but I would love
it.
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Hope you go out and buy them both! They are fun, fun, fun!
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You imparted some very good information to us and I do appreciate that so much. I am writing now and all info I can get on who, what, how, when , where etc are always welcomed.
I love the reviews on both Living the Vida Lola, and Hasta la Vista, and loved them. I love humor in books I am reading as that can release your stress and it makes you feel so good to laugh. I would love to win either book. This is my introduction to you and I do plan to read one of your books soon.
THANKS for this great giveaway.
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Sorry you didn’t win this time, Brenda, but follow the tour. There will be other opportunities throughout the rest of Jan. and Feb.
Or just hit Amazon now and get both at a discount! I think they’re worth it!!
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I tend to lose myself in a book or movie and just let the plot unwind without much analyzation. Occasionally, I will find a book completely unable to engage me, but I usually will stop before I get even more than 50 pages into the book if it is completely unappealing (too many good books out there to read, too little time to waste reading something I don’t enough). I don’t analyze the Did Not Finish books because I never get far enough into the story for analyzation.
BTW, I’m one who hasn’t read The Help yet, but I mean to read it soon (my library has a long hold list)! I’m glad to hear you liked it!
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LOVED The Help! You are in for a treat.
I agree, too many books, too little time. I don’t usually finish one that hasn’t engaged me, either (though it took a while to get to that point!).
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Hi Misa!
Working through the premise and turning points before writing the first draft really does help!
Good luck with the latest Lola book – can’t wait to read it
Cathy
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Thanks for stopping by, Cathy! A shout out to South Carolina!
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let’s see, 4 hours ahead of the west coast puts you… somewhere in the ocean off the east coast????
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Ordered the first one from the library. Still want almost $25 for my ereader. Ouch. I hate when they do that. However, I will most likely add it to my collection when I can get it in pb.
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Thanks, ev! You rock!
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WOW! Great post. Thanks for visiting, Misa. As a reader I don’t really think about structure but this was very informative. I’ll be sure to start looking for your series in bookstores. Thanx for getting me “hooked” on yet another author and multiple series. I have a pre-teen so we’ll be looking for those young adult novels,too.
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Hi Deb,
So glad the book intrigue you. You may have to request them in your local book stores. I’ve found it very hit and miss in the brick and mortar stores. There’s always online, too! I appreciate the support!
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Welcome Misa!
I loved reading Living the Vida Lola and congrats on the upcoming release! I love the cover and glad to see Lola and the rest of the gang again!
Great post and now that you mentioned “A Knight’s Tale” it makes me want to break out the DVD and watch it again!
As a reader I don’t really pay attention to structure and if I really like a book I will be sucked into it. I do pay attention to spelling of words though, though I try not too!
Have to agree Gran Torino was a great movie!
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Terri, so glad to hear you loved Living the Vida Lola. I had so much fun writing it, and have to say, I even enjoyed Hasta la Vista, Lola more!
Enjoy!
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Great post- I agree that Gran Torino is a great movie. Usually when I watch a movie or read a book, I just go with the flow. If it’s really good, then I can definitely lose myself in it. And then when I am finished I spend some time analyzing it.
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Watch those great movies again with a notebook in hand. Watch the clock and note what’s happening every 15 minutes. It’s eye opening!
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One movie where I saw a very clear this-is-someone-who-studied-storytelling setup was HITCH. If you’re aware and looking for it, it’s clear in lots of movies, but something about that one was so obvious to me.
Plus it was funny :)
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Venus, you are so right! The romantic comedies do follow the 3 act structure very obviously, and the hero’s journey, as well. Great example!
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Awesome blog, Misa!
I try to totally lose myself in a movie. I have to admit that my husband and youngest daughter hate sitting next to me…I almost always figure out the mystery portion of the plot before viewers are meant to have that ah ha moment.