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Plot Gardening: Write Faster, Write Smarter Paperback – April 28, 2018

by Chris Fox (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 374 ratings
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Learn to Plot without sacrificing Creativity

What separates great novels from mediocre ones? Story. Authors that master this vital skill keep their readers up at night, and suffer the deluge of 'when is the next book coming out' emails.

Whether you are a first time novelist, or a seasoned author, Plot Gardening will teach you the fundamentals of storytelling, delivered in a practical way. Through exercises at the end of each chapter you will build your own outline, and you'll do it without sacrificing the creativity that is so vital to telling great stories.

In this book you'll learn:

  • The basics of story structure, and how it is used
  • How and why worldbuilding is important, and how to do your own worldbuilding
  • The components of great characters, and how you can bring yours to life
  • How to create a living outline that will change and adapt as your characters come to life
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  1. Book 7 of 8
    Write Faster, Write Smarter
  2. Print length
    168 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 28, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    5 x 0.38 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    171702131X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1717021311
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 28, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 168 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 171702131X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1717021311
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.38 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 374 ratings

About the author

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Chris Fox

Chris Fox

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If you need to reach me I can be found at chris@chrisfoxwrites.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Once upon a time I was an iPhone developer architecting the app used to scope Stephen Colbert’s ear. These days I write stories about dragons tearing apart starships, and gods blowing up planets.

I’ve been writing since I was six years old and started inflicting my work on others at age 18. By age 24 people stopped running away when I approached them with a new story and shortly thereafter I published my first one in the Rifter.

Wait you’re still reading?

Ok, the facts I’m supposed to list in a bio. As of this writing I’m 42 years old and live just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in beautiful Marin County. If you’re unsure how to find it just follow the smell of self-entitlement. Once you see the teens driving Teslas you’ll know you’re in the right place.

I’ve published over 20 novels, and have a series of non-fiction books that teach writers how to duplicate my success. I’m far better known for the Write Faster, Write Smarter series, and have spoken all over the country about writing to market, making your writing a habit, and quitting your day job to become an author.

My true love though? Science fiction and fantasy. I love worldbuilding. I love storytelling. I’ve been playing D&D since I was six, and they’ll have to pry my d20 from my cold, dead hands =D

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
374 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides great information on novel plotting, with one review highlighting its comprehensive breakdown of outlining techniques. Moreover, the book is considered a must-read for writers, particularly helpful for first-time authors, and offers meaningful exercises that are straight to the point. Additionally, they appreciate the character development content and the metaphor of plot gardening.

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41 customers mention "Plotting"41 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to novel plotting, praising its unique method and fantastic explanations of various outlining techniques.

"...and how to naturally figure out a novel with a good balance between story and plot. It's a real short, easy read too, so I'd reccomend for any author." Read more

"...PLOT GARDENING seemed the answer, and it doesn't disappoint...." Read more

"This book is full of great information on plotting a novel. I plan to refer back to it often as I plot and write my next novel." Read more

"...Plot Gardening has changed that for me. Provocative questions and examples of why the seeds of your story are more important as to how tall your..." Read more

35 customers mention "Readability"35 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a full class on writing and a must-read for all writers, particularly helpful for first-time authors.

"Similar to The Snowflake Method, this book is excellent for us writers who are about halfway between plotters and pantsers...." Read more

"...It's a quick read, and it sticks to the point." Read more

"This book will absolutely change how you write your stories...." Read more

"...you turn intangible ideas into concrete sentences and put inspiration into your writing. Very well done and I will read often for reference." Read more

7 customers mention "Exercise content"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the exercises in the book, finding them meaningful and straight to the point, with one customer noting they provide actionable information.

"It's pretty basic advice about plot, characters and world building, so it's best for beginners who haven't read many other books on the craft of..." Read more

"...I really appreciate how he breaks down the exercises...." Read more

"Chris Fox gets right to the point and provides exercises that are meaningful and not the same as what you see on every other website or book...." Read more

"...This one provided more actionable I formation than all the college writing courses I took for my BA. 💯 Worth the read..." Read more

4 customers mention "Metaphor"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the metaphor in the book, with one mentioning how it helps them flesh out their novel.

"...The gardening metaphors lend themselves to his way of layering elements from both plotting and pantsing to create an interesting and refreshing take..." Read more

"...This is the book for you. Helped me develop and flesh out my novel to the point where I can now write it with confidence!..." Read more

"I enjoyed the metaphor of plot gardening, super fun!..." Read more

"A good metaphor..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...It is as heavy with Character Development as it is with Plot, and Chris reminds us we cannot have one without the other...." Read more

"...book is a great resource to get you thinking about plot and character development, especially if you are just starting out on your writing journey." Read more

"...But Chris gives you just what you need to create strong character arcs and outlines...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Michael R.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for us Writers in the Middle
    Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Similar to The Snowflake Method, this book is excellent for us writers who are about halfway between plotters and pantsers. This does an excellent job of breaking down structure and how to naturally figure out a novel with a good balance between story and plot. It's a real short, easy read too, so I'd reccomend for any author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Gil Miller
    5.0 out of 5 stars A big help
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Though I have previously published five books with a small press, I'm now venturing into the world of self-publishing. I also want to always be improving my craft. I learned about Chris Fox through a podcast and finally decided to check him out. I started with 5,000 WORDS AN HOUR and then moved in to this one in plot gardening, a subject be talks about in his videos. I wanted to learn more because I want to move from panther to plotter, but need a method that's more organic than most of those I see out there. PLOT GARDENING seemed the answer, and it doesn't disappoint.

    In short, if you're looking for something that doesn't seem as strict as many of the other methods, pick up this book. It's a quick read, and it sticks to the point.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • S. Moody
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Information
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is full of great information on plotting a novel. I plan to refer back to it often as I plot and write my next novel.
    One person found this helpful
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  • JG Koratzanis
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Making Good Writers Great
    Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book will absolutely change how you write your stories. I have always been a pantsing plotter, suffering from constant questioning and retooling. Plot Gardening has changed that for me. Provocative questions and examples of why the seeds of your story are more important as to how tall your tree will grow. If you don't take care of the garden before you sow, your reap will bear little fruit. It is as heavy with Character Development as it is with Plot, and Chris reminds us we cannot have one without the other. Plot Gardening systematically leads you from the ideas to character development and world building. There are helpful links throughout the book in case you find yourself lost in your own head. If you want to go from a good writer to an amazing author; GET. THIS. BOOK!
    16 people found this helpful
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  • Peramia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for a beginning writer
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I discovered Chris Fox through YouTube and his videos combined with this book are invaluable. I've been reading non-stop lately between craft books and popular books in my genre. Chris' practical, simply spoken advice have been the most useful by far.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lou
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Outlining Workflow
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    As I read this book I found everything Chris said clicking with how I work. He pretty much summed up my own outlining process, but in a clearer way (totally going to use the exercises as a step-by-step guide). I basically start with the concept/synopsis for the book, which I derive from brainstorming/snowflaking. Then I do some quick character sketches and move onto Dan Harmon's story circles for the main characters. BTW, I really like how detailed Chris got in this section of the book. He tackled each each point with clear explanations and multiple examples. Very useful! Then I use Russell Blakes' action beat and reversal/surprise technique. Its very comforting and affirming to read that Chris has come to the same workflow :)

    I don't stop there though. I find I need a little bit more for my scenes before I start writing. I do some location scouting, which I learned from the guys over at Sterling and Stone. I'll find some pictures/art for the locations along with writing down key features, props, and smells that might be in the scene - that way I don't have to think of them on the spot as I'm writing, letting me focus on the story instead of the details. I also add info I picked up from Jim Butcher and Deborah Chester - Goal, Conflct, Disaster, Reaction, Dilemma, Decision. Sure this is more work up front, but it makes the writing process so much more enjoyable.
    48 people found this helpful
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  • Anonymous
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Synopsis
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I've read The Writer's Journey, Story Engineering, The Art of Character, Layer Your Novel, and many more. But this book is different because it explains the creative process in addition to what-to-do. How do ideas form and fit together to create a whole. When an idea pops into your head, what do you do with it and why? If you're suffering from writers block, and don't know what story to write, I could see how Fox's beginning suggestions could help you turn intangible ideas into concrete sentences and put inspiration into your writing. Very well done and I will read often for reference.
    25 people found this helpful
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  • Sean Bai
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not for a pantser like me
    Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I've read Chris Fox's "Write to Market" and "Six Figure Author", which are books 3 and 5 in his series on writing. I gave them both five stars.

    Maybe this is a personal pet peeve of mine, but I struggled to read this book. Right from the beginning, I felt Chris Fox relied too much on the gardening analogy.

    He started by talking about why we like stories and society as a whole, and I felt like I didn't need to know that information.

    Chris Fox describes himself as something between a plotter and a pantser, and while I lean more toward being a pantser and do a tiny bit of plotting, I felt this book was dry in comparison to his other books.

    I stopped reading after he talked about story structure. I would have been more interested in learning how Chris Fox plots and writes, rather than read about different theories on stories and plot structure. When I got to the part about "life, order, the conscious mind, chaos, disorder, and subconscious," it felt like I was reading a psychology textbook.

    I only read 56%, and I will not be finishing this book.

    If you're more of a plotter than me (if you can plot more than one chapter in advance) and like reading theories on plotting, this book is for you. Otherwise, skip this book and read Chris Fox's other books on writing instead.
    15 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ben
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent series with YouTube support
    Reviewed in Australia on February 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book. I bought it on Audible as well as in hardcopy because I kept wanting to go back and check things. A perfect pocket companion for any writer.
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  • andrea romano
    5.0 out of 5 stars Straight to the point and useful
    Reviewed in Italy on July 29, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Chris has tried different methods and is a successful author, and I felt plot design was my main weakness. So I bought the paperback, took notes and found lots of inspiration. I then gradually integrated many of his points in my writing system. I began thinking differently and faster about my stories and seen results within few months.

    I'm in a one-year writing program now and I'm the fastest writer, and also the best at plotting. I attribute this to different manuals, such as this from Chris and Syd Field's on Screenwriting
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  • Mickael
    5.0 out of 5 stars complete
    Reviewed in France on May 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book. I learned all the basics to write the best story I could. I recommend for everyone that want to begin.
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  • Paul J. Fleming
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I am biased. I've watched Chris' videos on YouTube and gained a tremendous respect for how much pertinent information he gives in each. I've become a fan of his approach and manner over time, and also am grateful that all his videos are completely free to watch over and over again. No subscription required nor do I have to mortgage a body organ to join a course to gain access... No. They're just out there to help fellow authors develop and master the craft.

    He has studied and learnt the lessons, and now gives back to the community that educated him by providing fledgling authors with amazing tomes of knowledge to draw upon in their own journey.

    This book is no different. If I were to pick holes, there is one instance he refers to one of Agatha Christie's characters as Ms. Marples. No Chris... Miss Marple. Is that being too petty? Well, it's the only gripe I had through the entire text!!!!

    The whole book leads you casually along the path of setting out your planter and preparing the soil before paying the seeds to give your story the best chance to grow. In itself, this book is like baby bio... A wonder plant food to help you achieve much more vibrant and luscious blossoms.

    I've read so many titles on story, structure, character, plot... But to read Chris' offering is a pleasant addition to them all. Not only are his points clearly made, they are reinforced with examples from Star Wars, The Matrix and other films / books. It helps tremendously when conveying the true essence of his guidance along the path of crafting a story which readers will invest their time in.

    With my obvious disclaimer out there, as being a fan of Chris' work for quite some time now, I shall end with a huge recommendation for this title.

    If you want to write, and wish to do it well, you owe it to yourself to grab a copy of this and let Chris guide your creative genius. Simple as that.
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  • nagendra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on writing
    Reviewed in India on June 8, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book is great for someone who wants to write a novel and don't know where to start or confused by too many choices out there(like me).
    I'll read a book(like Rachel Aaron's or Monica Leonell), wanted to write next novel using that book, start and then just stop because it is too overwhelming.
    But something is different with this book. It might either be of the size(small) or the simplicity of the book. Concepts explained are clear and to the point. I can already imagine my next novel and I will finish that(outline and drafting) in next few days.
    It's huge relief and also reveals tion that indeed I can outline(something that I was afraid of).
    Thanks a lot Chris. I followed your videos and books regularly and the first book I will self-publish will be dedicated to you.
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