Let's Do It: Plot Tension Map

A 1-hour live online workshop to map out a one-page plan that keeps your story gripping throughout – plus a replay for one week and a PDF template to keep.

Does the beginning of your story feel sluggish, before the plot gets underway? Or does the middle feel "soggy": you have a whole lot you need to include, but it's losing focus and you're coming unstuck in the writing? Or are you just starting to plan and wondering how to organise everything?

The Plot Tension Map workshop will help you map out clear trajectories in every part of the story, so you can structure it confidently, write it more easily, and keep the reader hooked throughout.

This is another tool I return to at the start of every novel and story, and whenever I need to troubleshoot a tricky bit. Use it to plan, troubleshoot, or redraft: it shows you exactly where and why the story's coming unstuck, and what it needs to make it work.

Note: This is a new workshop, so all the reviews are from previous courses and workshops.

What you’ll get to map out your plot tension

• An in-depth 1-hour live workshop with time to map out your plot tension within the session
• Live on Zoom, so you can ask me questions and workshop your plot tension in small groups
• A week’s access to the replay, so you can do the workshop even if you miss the live
• A PDF summary to keep, so you can return to the same principles for future stories / tricky sections within your story

When and Where

• Date: Monday 30 June, 6–7pm UK time; replay available 1–7 July
• Price: £20
• Numbers: No minimum or maximum on places

Can I do this workshop? and other FAQ

• Do I need to have a story? Yes – that can be one where you have an idea where it’s going (or how it ends) all the way through to a finished draft you want to refine.
• I’m a beginner / experienced writer: will this work for me? Yes: like my other teaching, it’s multi-level. If you’re new to writing, it’ll start you off with clear guidance. If you’re experienced, it’ll help you troubleshoot familiar issues.
• Have I met this tool before? It’s used in the Page Turners workshop and briefly shown in the Story Elements course. You don’t need to have done either that workshop or the course. If you have, you can still do this workshop if you want to use it in more depth.
• What if I can’t make the date? If you can't make it live, book to get access to the replay. If you can make it to the live, you'll also get the chance to ask questions and to discuss it in small groups.
• Will I have my mic / camera on? Yes: it's an interactive workshop, and you'll be chatting with other students in small groups and joining in whole-group discussions / feedback. You will not appear on the replay.

What's a Let's Do It workshop?

Most of my courses and workshops are designed for breadth: they whisk you through a wide repertoire of tools and strategies, with short bursts to rapidly try them out, then take them home to use at your own pace.

The Let's Do It workshops are designed for depth: they hone in on 1–2 tools or activities, with much more time to actually do it, in the workshop. Plus time to workshop it, discuss it, and ask questions.

Any questions? If there's anything else you'd like to know or ask about the workshop and whether it's a good fit for you, email me at megan@thewritersgreenhouse.co.uk.