READER’S FORUM

June 10, 2024 at 11:39 pm Reply

Ember

Hello Mr. Korman,

one of my favorite aspects of your books is how you almost seamlessly connect smaller side plots to boost the larger story, like a pair of tough boys getting cornered by an abusive step father. As an aspiring author, I was wondering if you had any tips on how you come up with side plots and how to make them benefit the story in the end.

Thank you,

Ember.
June 11, 2024 at 03:44 am Reply

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Hi, Ember,

If you'll take a closer look, you'll find that what you call "side plots" are very much a part of the story, and have to be there as a part of the story right from the start. They're never incidental, never "freebies" just there for amusement. What happened in the "fort" was planned from the beginning. Something had to save the younger boys from the older ones and, in turn, something had to happen to Marcus to take him out of the picture.

Good luck with your own work, Ember. Writing, whether it's for publication or for your own entertainment, is a very pleasant business! -----Gordon Korman-----
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Hi, Ember,

If you'll take a closer look, you'll find that what you call "side plots" are very much a part of the story, and have to be there as a part of the story right from the start. They're never incidental, never "freebies" just there for amusement. What happened in the "fort" was planned from the beginning. Something had to save the younger boys from the older ones and, in turn, something had to happen to Marcus to take him out of the picture.

Good luck with your own work, Ember. Writing, whether it's for publication or for your own entertainment, is a very pleasant business! -----Gordon Korman-----