Tiffany Haney
Planning a story can be daunting, especially for debut writers. However, it is a crucial step in the writing process, as it provides a roadmap and ensures your story has a plot. There are several approaches to planning a story, from detailed outlines to writing with minimal planning, allowing the story to unfold as you go. A good starting point is to develop a simple, compelling premise or central idea, which will serve as an anchor for your plot and give your narrative focus. This can be done through brainstorming and creating a mood board for inspiration. Once you have a basic idea, you can start to flesh out the big picture, considering the genre, setting, characters, and their backgrounds. From there, you can begin to plot out the events, creating a story arc, building subplots, and deciding on a structure, such as the common three-act structure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | To happen, end, or develop in a particular way; to turn out well or be successful |
| Synonyms | Work out, turn out, result |
| Origin | Alludes to washing gold from gravel in a pan (mid-1800s) |
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What You'll Learn
Planning vs Pantsing
Planning and Pantsing are two contrasting approaches to writing. Pantsers, or those who write "by the seat of their pants", create a story as they write, allowing their intuition to guide them. They may have a general idea of the story they want to tell but discover the specific scenes and elements as they go along. Planning, on the other hand, involves creating a detailed outline of the story before beginning to write. This can include brainstorming ideas, developing characters and their bios, and outlining the setting and plot points.
Planning can provide a clear roadmap for the writer to follow, reducing the risk of getting lost along the way. It can also help to increase daily word count and allow for the inclusion of foreshadowing. Outlining beforehand can help writers avoid getting stuck and provide an antidote to writer's block. Additionally, planning can reduce the amount of editing required later on.
Pantsing, or discovery writing, can unlock more creativity and allow for a more spontaneous writing process. It can help writers explore new genres or ideas and stumble across new story threads. Pantsing can also be freeing, as writers can simply write without knowing what comes next and see where the story takes them.
Some writers find success by combining both approaches, starting with a general plan and then allowing themselves to discover the story as they write. Ultimately, the choice between planning and pantsing is a personal one, and writers should experiment to find the method that works best for them.
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Brainstorming and Researching
Brainstorming Techniques:
- Write what you know: Start with a topic or area that you are knowledgeable about or passionate about. Your personal experiences and memories can be a great source of inspiration.
- Use writing prompts: Try writing about something related to your chosen topic, or step out of your comfort zone with science fiction or fantasy. Writing prompts can spark new ideas and help you explore different genres.
- Freewriting: Simply start writing and let your ideas flow without censoring yourself. This technique can help you make room for new ideas and is beneficial for both novice and experienced writers.
- Mind mapping: Create visual representations of your ideas using diagrams or images. Mind maps can help you see connections between different thoughts and information.
- Borrow from other artists: Take inspiration from existing plot ideas, character development, or settings, and put your unique spin on them.
- People-watching: Observe people in your surroundings and use their mannerisms, behaviours, or conversations as inspiration for your characters or storylines.
Research Techniques:
- Read widely: Immerse yourself in books, newspapers, online articles, and other written materials related to your story's topic, genre, setting, and characters. Reading will help you improve your craft and expand your knowledge.
- Use visual platforms: Pinterest, for example, can be a great source of inspiration and a way to create digital 'mood boards' for your story's setting, characters, and clothing.
- Organise your research: Use programs or platforms to store and organise your research effectively. Ensure that your research is easily navigable and well-organised so that you can refer back to specific information during the writing process.
- Interview experts: Step away from your desk and talk to real people! Interviewing experts on the subject you're writing about or locals from the setting of your story can provide valuable insights and perspectives.
- Avoid info-dumping: Remember that not all your research needs to end up on the page. Weave your research sparingly into your story, allowing it to inform your writing subtly.
- Manage your time: Don't get so caught up in research that you procrastinate on the writing itself. Set time limits for your research and focus on the key details that will enhance your story.
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Plotting and Structure
Plotting and structuring a story is a creative process that involves crafting a sequence of events that will develop in a particular way and captivate the audience. Here are some key steps and techniques to help you pan out your story effectively:
Outline the Basic Plot
Begin by outlining the basic plot of your story, including the key events and their sequence. Consider the main conflict or problem that drives the narrative and how it unfolds. Think about the story's beginning, middle, and end, ensuring that there is a clear progression and logical flow to the plot.
Develop Complex Characters
Well-crafted characters are essential to a compelling story. Create multidimensional characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and flaws. Explore their backstories, goals, and relationships with other characters. Characters should drive the plot forward and undergo meaningful transformations or arcs throughout the story.
Build Suspense and Conflict
Effective storytelling often relies on creating tension and conflict. Incorporate twists, obstacles, and challenges that your characters must navigate. Use suspense and dramatic techniques to keep your audience engaged and eager to find out what happens next.
Pacing and Structure
Consider the pacing of your story to ensure a smooth and engaging narrative flow. Vary the pace with a mix of action-packed scenes and moments of reflection or dialogue. Structure your story into chapters or acts, creating natural breaks and milestones that propel the plot forward.
Use Narrative Techniques
Utilize narrative techniques such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, and subplots to add depth and complexity to your story. Foreshadowing hints at future events, building anticipation and keeping readers guessing. Flashbacks can provide crucial backstory or context, while subplots enhance the main plot and explore additional themes.
Show, Don't Tell
Strive to show your story in action rather than simply telling it to your audience. Use vivid descriptions, dialogue, and action sequences to immerse your readers in the narrative. Show character emotions, motivations, and conflicts through their words, actions, and reactions.
Edit and Revise
Finally, editing and revising your story is crucial to refining its structure and plot. Re-examine your story for consistency, pacing, and clarity. Cut unnecessary scenes, tighten the narrative, and ensure that each scene serves a purpose in advancing the plot or developing the characters.
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Character Development
Backstory
A character's backstory refers to the events that occurred prior to the story's plot but still affect it. A character's history can help you understand their decisions and motivations in the story. For example, a character with a traumatic childhood may have different motivations and reactions than one with a stable and loving upbringing. Consider what events in your character's past have shaped their perspective and informed their actions in the present.
Goals and Motivations
A central component of character development is the character's goals and motivations. What does your character want, need, or desire? What is standing in their way, and how do they plan to overcome it? These questions drive the plot and create conflict. Think about Harry Potter's goal to defeat Lord Voldemort, fueled by his parents' murders. His motivation is to maintain the 'goodness' he believes in and protect those he cares about.
Flaws and Conflicts
Every character has flaws, and these traits can lead to bad decisions or prolong conflicts. For example, a character with pride or hubris may refuse to ask for help when they need it, creating tension and challenges. Additionally, creating internal and external conflicts for your characters is essential for their development. Inner conflict takes place in the character's mind, while outer conflict occurs in the world outside the character. These conflicts can be driven by the character's beliefs, values, or desires, causing them to question their own truths and lies.
Evolution and Growth
Archetypes and Relationships
While creating unique and memorable characters is essential, considering archetypes can spark inspiration. Think about how your character reflects or deviates from common archetypes and whether they serve similar functions. Additionally, spend time developing relationships between your characters. How do they interact with each other? How do their convictions and beliefs influence one another? These dynamics can create interesting tensions and growth opportunities.
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Editing and Revising
Add Dimensions and Refine:
Begin by adding dimensions to your story. Refine your characters and plot points, and consider any new aspects that you may have introduced during the writing process. Ensure that your characters are well-developed and undergo changes throughout the story, following consistent arcs.
Fill in the Gaps:
Identify any plot holes or inconsistencies in your narrative. Revise, edit, and reconfigure your story to address these gaps and ensure a coherent and compelling plot.
Track the Pacing:
Pay close attention to the pacing of your story. Rapidly written first drafts often suffer from uneven narrative action, with too much exposition at the beginning and a rushed ending. Redistribute the key turning points to maintain a balanced and engaging pace throughout the book.
Space Out Story Points:
Ensure that each section of your novel is equally intriguing. Avoid the temptation to shoehorn in plot points or excessive exposition. Create a smooth flow to your story, with a good balance of action, dialogue, and reflection.
Clean up Cosmetic Errors:
While this step typically comes towards the end of the editing process, it is crucial to address cosmetic errors such as grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation. Consider hiring an outside proofreader to assist with this step if needed.
Reflect and Revise:
Take the time to reflect on what you are trying to convey through your story. Ensure that your message is clear and effectively communicated. Don't be afraid to revisit earlier drafts to recapture the essence of certain sections.
Write and Rewrite:
Understand that editing is a process of continuous improvement. Be open to rewriting scenes or chapters to enhance their impact. If you get stuck, write a placeholder scene and return to it later. Remember, editing is where your story transforms into a polished and captivating narrative.
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Frequently asked questions
Start with a simple, compelling premise. This could be a one-line pitch or a question you're trying to answer. For example, "the tragic story of star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families".
Develop your premise into a basic story. This involves brainstorming ideas, collecting inspiration, researching your topic, and dreaming up unique characters. You can use tools such as mood boards to help you visualise your story.
The most common structure is a three-act structure. Start by setting out the main conflict and what's at stake, use the middle to complicate the story and develop tension, and build towards an exciting climax before resolving any loose ends.
