Difference between story and plot ?

  • This message board permanently closed on June 30th, 2020 at 4PM EDT and is no longer accepting new members.

Jun 18, 2019
2
12
30
Hello,

I'm currently reading "On Writing", and at the page 110, I'm supposed to write a story of 5-6 pages about Jane and Dick. Stephen King already wrote a story about them, but I have to change their roles...
The problem is, I don't know how to differentiate a story and a plot... I tried to search online, but it seems every advice indicates something, and the opposite...

From what I understand theorically, is that a story is supposed to just describe what the novel will be (or whatever it is), it's in a chronogical order, it's supposed to be only logical.
And the plot is supposed to be how the story is wrote, we have the reasons why the characters are doing it, it binds the story, it explains all the unlogical behaviors.

But what I don't understand, is that the story is already giving direction, maybe we don't have the exact reasons of why the character is doing it, but we can imagine it. I don't know if it's really clear what I'm saying ^^', but it really disturbs me...

Hope I'll get some clarifications, have a good day and thanks for any answer^^
 
Jun 18, 2019
2
12
30
Welcome! Someone will come along who will be great help, I'm sure of it.

Just to let you know, Stephen is no longer accepting the story ideas, so your writing would be for your own personal writing development.

Good luck!

Thanks,

No problem, I didn't think he would still check it 20 years afterwards haha. I originally planned to post it on the forums (or at least a link of it) and maybe if someone wants to give a feedback, it would be great.
 

FlakeNoir

Original Kiwi© SKMB®
Moderator
Apr 11, 2006
44,082
175,641
New Zealand
Thanks,

No problem, I didn't think he would still check it 20 years afterwards haha. I originally planned to post it on the forums (or at least a link of it) and maybe if someone wants to give a feedback, it would be great.
Hi there and welcome. :smile: Posting an external link to your story in our Self Promotion forum would be fine, as we don't allow members to post their writing directly to the message board.
 

Gerald

Well-Known Member
Sep 8, 2011
2,201
7,168
The Netherlands

Even the picture above the article is totally apt for the SK forum! That is the most brilliant alternative cover for IT I've ever seen.