Advanced Plotting is designed for the intermediate and advanced writer: you’ve finished a few manuscripts, read books and articles on writing, taken some classes, attended conferences. But you still struggle with plot or suspect that your plotting needs work. This book can help. The Plot Outline Exercise is designed to help a writer work with a completed manuscript to identify and fix plot weaknesses. It can also be used to help flesh out an outline. Additional articles address specific plot challenges, such as getting off to a fast start, propping up a sagging middle, building to a climax, and improving your pacing. A dozen guest authors share advice from their own years of experience. Read the book straight through, study the index to find help with your current problem, or dip in and out randomly — however you use this book, you’ll find fascinating insights and detailed tips to help you build a stronger plot and become a better writer. Readers say: “This book is full of great tips. It is like being in a class or workshop learning from an expert. I feel it's really helped take my writing to the next level. I would definitely recommend it!” “If you're like me, this book will end up highlighted in your favorite colors, dog-eared and full of 3M post-it notes.” “Buy this book now. In fact, buy two copies and give one to a writing friend.”