Thursday, May 28, 2009

To plot, or not to plot

So I've been reading a lot about story construction. It appears to me that either you plot out your novel, or you don't. Some authors just start writing and see where the story takes them and others tightly structure every major twist and turn. So now I ask you: What works best for you? Do you plot, or not? Do you keep tabs on your story in your head or do you draft an outline?

6 comments:

  1. Haha, I don't think there is a right way to do it. I use a combination of knowing where I want my story to end up and then plotting a few scenes in advance. If I try to plot too many scenes at a time, I end up writing myself into a corner. Or I get bored and quite writing. :D

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  2. I've done all three. The most efficient seems to be drafting an outline, but I don't write to be efficient (at least not till I'm like super popular and rich from all my awesome novels lol). I do however really like planning out certain aspects of what I'm writing.

    You should check out First Draft in 30 days by Karen Wiesner. She's all about plotting, ridiculous style. I've never followed her to a tee, but I really like her system when I'm stuck or I can't figure out why something is not working.

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  3. Great question. I've only written one novel for NanoWriMo. I did have a plot, but not an entire outline. I've heard its quite efficient, and will probably attempt something like that for this year. Good luck!

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  4. I'm sure I already shared how I work with you. I like to have an idea of what I want to happen- the big plot moments. I'll usually then block out my chapters with a fluctuating outline of how I want the story to flow. Then I write and let it all come out. If it doesn't match my outline, that's fine. I'll adjust or toss it out as I think is best. But then I won't be trying to remember that great idea I had weeks or months ago. I like to think I'm semi-organic in writing.

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  5. Thanks ladies! All of your ideas are fabulouso!

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  6. I'm definitely a plotter, but I allow myself some "wiggle room". :)

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