Plotting your novel
Original: Essay
I’m indie writer Teague de La Plaine, author of the bestselling Sea at Sunrise and other stories. This is my weekly newsletter, where I talk about writing and self-publishing in addition to my own life. I keep the newsletter free, because I prefer you spend your money on my books.
Plotting a story is the process of creating a framework for your narrative. It is a way of organizing your thoughts and ideas so that you can write your story in a clear and concise way.
The Importance of Plotting
Plotting a story can be helpful for a number of reasons. First, it can help you to stay on track. When you have a clear plan for your story, you are less likely to get sidetracked or lose your way.
Second, plotting can help you to avoid writer's block. When you know where your story is going, it is easier to keep writing, even when you hit a roadblock.
Third, plotting can help you to create a more satisfying story. When you have a well-crafted plot, your story will have a clear beginning, middle, and end. This will make it more enjoyable for your readers to read.
How to Plot a Story
There are many different ways to plot a story. Here are a few tips:
Start with a strong idea. Your story should be based on an idea that you are passionate about. If you are not excited about your story, it will be difficult to write it well.
Do your research. If your story is set in a particular time period or location, do your research to make sure you get the details right.
Create characters that readers will care about. Your characters are the heart of your story, so make sure they are well-developed and relatable.
Plot your story carefully. Your plot should be well-paced and have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Don't be afraid to make changes. As you write, you may find that you need to make changes to your plot. Don't be afraid to do so. The most important thing is to create a plot that helps you to write the best possible story.
The Three-Act Structure
The three-act structure is a common way of plotting a story. It divides the story into three parts: the beginning, the middle, and the end.
The beginning introduces the characters and the setting. It also introduces the main conflict of the story.
The middle builds on the conflict and introduces new challenges for the characters. The characters must overcome these challenges in order to achieve their goals.
The end resolves the conflict and brings the story to a close.
The three-act structure is a flexible framework, and you can adapt it to fit your story. You may find that you need to add or subtract scenes, or that you need to change the order of events. The most important thing is to create a plot that works for your story.
Plotting Tips
Here are a few additional tips for plotting a story:
Use a template or a software program to help you get started. There are many different templates and software programs available online that can help you to create an outline.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling to create an outline, ask a friend, family member, or writing teacher for help.
Don't be afraid to change your outline as you write. Your outline is a working document, so don't be afraid to make changes as you go along.
Have fun! Plotting a story can be a fun and creative process. So relax, enjoy yourself, and let your imagination run wild!
Conclusion
Plotting a story is an important part of the writing process. It can help you to stay on track, avoid writer's block, and create a more satisfying story. There are many different ways to plot a story, so find a method that works for you and start writing!
Here are some additional tips for plotting a story:
Use a character-driven plot. This means that your plot should be driven by the actions and motivations of your characters. When your characters are well-developed and relatable, readers will be more invested in your story.
Create conflict. Conflict is what drives a story forward. It can be internal conflict (such as a character's struggle with their own inner demons) or external conflict (such as a character's struggle against an antagonist).
Use foreshadowing. Foreshadowing is a literary device that hints at events that will happen later in the story. It can be used to create suspense and to keep readers engaged.
Create a satisfying ending. The ending of your story should tie up all the loose ends and leave readers feeling satisfied.
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