(Recorded Course) FICTION WRITING 1: Plot & Structure (HS 11-1)

What makes powerful story structures, dynamic plot lines, and how to
make a story’s plot and structure strong...

An artist designing a building over an open book.     

Instructor Access (optional grading support) is available for Unlimited Access or Single Access. See the sidebar to the right for signup information! 

NOTICE: This is an older course recorded with Adobe Connect and/or Vimeo recordings. We are currently working to replace the recordings with new Zoom recordings.  Please don't hesitate to email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com with any questions.

How to Get the Most Out of Fiction Writing 1: Plot and Structure with Professor Erin M. Brown (AKA Erin Brown Conroy/E.B. Conroy):

  • Read the course details below.
  • Prepare a notebook for note taking and homework.
  • Click on the "Recording" and watching Professor Brown’s lecture.
  • Complete the Assignment(s), and give the assignments to your parent for grading. Please note: Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.
  • If you need to review the information, go back and watch the recording again and/or go over the PowerPoint.
  • Repeat this process until all four classes are complete.
  • Once the course is completed to the parent's satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.
  • Be sure to access and take the next course in this series, Fiction Writing: Description and Setting.

    Please Note: There are eight (8) courses in the Write Your Own Fiction Book series. Students can jump into the series at any time. Students are also encouraged to take The Hero's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers (1 & 2) and Screenwriting (1 & 2), which may be taken at the same time as the four-week courses.

    Each of the four-week courses presents critical information regarding the key elements of fiction writing. All eight courses are designed to give you the skills to write your own book and have a solid foundation for story and form, for college literature courses.

Total Classes: 4

Prerequisite: Required: WRITING ESSENTIALS 1: Essential Punctuation and Grammar I (HS 9-1). Recommended: SIMPLIFIED WRITING 1: Strong Foundational Writing Skills (HS 9-2). Prerequisites can be taken either "live" or through Unlimited Access. Your student will need Word 2007 or later version or the ability to convert a document to a Word-compatible document.

Suggested Grade Level: 11th grade; however, this course can be taken at any grade level in high school
Suggested Credit: One-third (1/3) of a semester's credit for Creative Writing. Take this course with HS 11-2 (Description & Setting) and HS 11-3 (Characters & Dialogue) for a full semester of credit (12 weeks).

Instructor: Erin M Brown (AKA Erin Brown Conroy/E.B. Conroy), M.A, M.F.A.

Course Description: This course teaches the key components of writing a gripping plot for fiction books of any genre. Designed for writing fiction for middle grade, young adult, and adult plots, the course covers great openings (the opening line, hook, drop into action, and inciting incident); development (doors of no return, peaks, and the rising plot line); creating tension and intrigue; and the climax and finish.

Course Outline:

  • Class 1: Great openings—the opening line, hook, drop into action, and inciting incident
  • Class 2: Developing your plot—doors of no return, peaks, and the rising plot line
  • Class 3: Creating tension and intrigue—tricks, tips, and “the plant”
  • Class 4: Great endings—creating a strong climax and finish

Course Materials: All materials are provided FREE via the instructor.
Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with an estimated three (3) to four (4) hours per week for homework outside of class time that includes reading, writing, and responding to feedback from parent/teacher.