Includes index.

Putting the big lie to sleep -- What's a plot, anyway? -- Structure: what holds your plot together -- How to explode with plot ideas -- Beginning strong -- Middles -- Endings -- Scenes -- Complex plots -- The character arc in plot -- Plotting systems -- Revising your plot -- Plot patterns -- Common plot problems and cures -- Tips and tools for plot and structure -- Checklist: critical points -- Creating your own back cover copy.