Plotting in a Circle
Some people are organized, detailed and methodical with plotting out their stories.
Others, like me, are not.
That's why I found this plotting tool so very helpful. It allows freedom for the story to take different turns and twists, all while keeping a strong structure. I found this on Karen Harbaugh's site a long time ago (the article about story structure).
Basically, there should be four major decisions that happen in your book. The first two lead up to the third, which brings about the black moment (or the climax). The fourth decision leads to the resolution (or the HEA).
I actually draw a circle, just like Karen recommends, and mark the four points and what my character's projected decisions may be. Karen's article is great and I really encourage you to read it, especially if the middle of your book seems to fall flat or get boring.
How do you outline your stories?
Others, like me, are not.
That's why I found this plotting tool so very helpful. It allows freedom for the story to take different turns and twists, all while keeping a strong structure. I found this on Karen Harbaugh's site a long time ago (the article about story structure).
Basically, there should be four major decisions that happen in your book. The first two lead up to the third, which brings about the black moment (or the climax). The fourth decision leads to the resolution (or the HEA).
I actually draw a circle, just like Karen recommends, and mark the four points and what my character's projected decisions may be. Karen's article is great and I really encourage you to read it, especially if the middle of your book seems to fall flat or get boring.
How do you outline your stories?
Comments
I usually plot by just writing out the skeleton of my story ... most often a two page write up. But this is very loose plotting, and lots of kinks still have to be worked out in the actual process of writing, which means going back to the beginning and middle when I've reached the end and strengthening my foreshadowing and tightening conflicts, etc...
I'm part pantster and plotter. I guess you could call me a literary mutt. :-)
thanks for stopping by the eazy cheezy site and commenting *smiling*
Generally I start out with a very basic summary, then before I start writing I compile a rough chapter outline. It's generally little tidbits and not everything that happens in the chapter. Also, I find that they are very loose guidelines, for many times events change or are added/deleted when I'm actually writing the chapter. But it helps me keep my thoughts moderately organized, even if it changes from what I had originally (I'll at least know the direction the story is going).
It's funny because this is probably the only aspect of my life I'm moderately organized in--my office and my house is pretty disorganized and often looks like a tornado came through.
Your method sounds pretty cool. I'd bet you'd be interested in doing a plotting board. There's an article somewhere in the Seeker archives.
A fast pace sounds good to me! :-)
I'm a pantser, but wish I could outline at least part of a story. I think it might be nice to know where I'm headed. LOL!
Blessings,
Susan :)
I know what you mean. Most of the time I know the beginning chapter, what the character's conflicts are, and sometimes I see the black moment and resolution scenes. Otherwise, the rest is a dark and twisty path. LOL
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for coming by.
Jessie, that's interesting and one of the reasons I don't like to outline. It takes the fun out of learning what happens next.
Hope you're pleasantly surprised with you wip and have no major rewrites. :-)
Good luck with your book!
This helps me more than anything I've tried. I have an article on Stepping Stones Magazine about Rapid Writing that you might find interesting.
Hi I'm Jessica. :-)
I noticed your comment on Amy Deardon's blog, so I thought I'd see what you were talking about over here.
I outline, character sketch, write on the fly, map the scene out in my mind first...basically anything it takes to get to the end product. I stop revising when everything "feels" right...
You know, I actually have a notebook too. Don't write much in it except at the beginning, like my blurb, conflict, etc. If I think of it. I don't just sit down and try to think it up though. It has to be brewing already. :-)
Thanks for stopping by! I imagine you must be pretty busy right now!
You've hit it on the nose (sorry for the cliche). Anyways, your way is what counts. Whatever helps finish the story and make it the best it can be. Interesting though, that you can do all that. You must be a literary mutt like Anita. LOL