Tables of Contents for Writing the Breakout Novel
Chapter/Section Title
Page #
Page Count
Foreword
1
4
Anne Perry
Introduction
5
10
You Have the Power to Break Out
How to Use This Book
Why Write the Breakout Novel?
15
18
The Truth About Book Publishing
The Truth About Authors
The Myths of Success
The E-Revolution
Where to Go From Here
Premise
33
26
The Stories That You Love
Four Facets of Three Great Novels
The Little Components of Big Ideas
Build It and the Breakout Premise Will Come
Brainstorming the Breakout Premise
Stakes
59
22
Creating High Human Worth
Public Stakes
Personal Stakes
Escalating Stakes
our Own Stakes
Time and Place
81
22
The Psychology of Place
Keeping Up With the Times
Working With Historical Forces and Social Trends
God at Work in the World
The Secret Ingredient
Characters
103
30
Real People vs. Larger-Than-Life Figures
What Makes a Character Larger-Than-Life?
Dark Protagonists
The Highest Character Qualities
Building a Cast
Advanced Character Relationships
Sidekicks and Narrators
Depth and Differentiation of Character
Plot
133
30
Conflict
The Five Basic Plot Elements
Bridging Conflict
What is the Worst That Can Happen?
High Moments, Turning Corners, Killing Characters
Structuring Plot
Larger Plot Structures
Contemporary Plot Techniques
163
18
The New Shape of the Novel
The Character-Driven Story
Self Discovery in the Plot Driven Novel
Nonlinear Narrative
Tension on Every Page
Multiple Viewpoints, Subplots, Pace, Voice, Endings
181
18
Multiple Points of View
Successful Subplots
Narrative Pace
Voice
Endings
Advanced Plot Structures
199
30
Families, Groups, Generations
Thrillers
Crossover Fiction
Whole Life
Historicals
Out-of Category Romance
Linked Short Stories
Inventing Your Own Advanced Plot Structure
Theme
229
18
Having Something to Say
Step-by-Step Theme Building
Symbols
Becoming Passionate
Right and Wrong in the Novel
The Protagonist's Declaration of Purpose
What Makes a Theme Universal?
Discovering Theme
Breaking Out
247
14
Agent and Editor
The Pitch
Outlines
Breakout Publishing, Breakout Living
Success, Sequels, Series and Beyond
Index
261