Science fiction has often predicted future technology and events. In 2025, Gardner Dozois’ 1971 novella Chains of the Sea reads as fresh and timely in its exploration of AI, the alien, and humanity’s challenges. Explore a plot analysis made using Plottr. We examine how the novella’s episodic plot structure sets up a series of compelling …
Chains of the Sea: A Classic Sci-Fi Novella [Plot Analysis] Read More »
Story beats are the moments that make stories move. They’re like the steps in a dance routine: some might seem simple on their own, but when you chain dramatic beats together, you get a mesmerizing narrative flow — and a story that keeps readers hooked. This Plottr 101 guide dives into writing those crucial moments …
Story Beats: Plotting Key Moments that Hook Readers Read More »
Crafting scenes that captivate readers isn’t just about what happens; it’s about why it matters. When your scenes align with your characters’ motivations and your plot’s cause-and-effect arc, you create a story that hooks readers and keeps them invested. The Story Genius Scene Starter Template is a worksheet in Plottr inspired by Lisa Cron’s Story …
Story Genius Scene Worksheet: Make Every Scene Meaningful Read More »
What can one of best loved fantasy books for younger readers tell us about plot and story structure? Explore how C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe maps to the Heroine’s Journey, one of many plot templates available in Plottr. Plot Summary of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe The Lion, the …
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Fantasy Plot Analysis Read More »
E.L. Doctorow famously said writing a novel is like driving a car at night — you can only see as far as your headlights, but you can still make the whole trip that way. That said, a planned plot structure can help you steer clear of plot-hole-sized potholes! Keep reading to discover seven timeless story …
Plot Structure: 7 Story Forms All Writers Should Know Read More »
© Fictional Devices, 2025. All Rights Reserved.
