background preloader

25 Ways To Plot, Plan and Prep Your Story

25 Ways To Plot, Plan and Prep Your Story
I’m a panster at heart, plotter by necessity — and I always advocate learning how to plot and plan because inevitably someone on the business side of things is going to poke you with a pointy stick and say, “I want this.” Thus you will demonstrate your talent. Even so, in choosing to plot on your own, you aren’t limited to a single path. And so it is that we take a look at the myriad plotting techniques (“plotniques?”) you might use as Storyteller Extraordinaire to get the motherfucking job done. Let us begin. The Basic Vanilla Tried-And-True Outline The basic and essential outline. The Reverse Outline Start at the end, instead. Tentpole Moments A story in your head may require certain keystone events to be part of the plot. Beginning, Middle, End A Series Of Sequences Chapter-By-Chapter For novel writers, you can chart your story by its chapters. Beat Sheet Mind-Maps Happy blocks and bubbles connected to winding bendy spokes connected to a central topical hub. Zero Draft Write A Script Collage

http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2011/09/14/25-ways-to-plot-plan-and-prep-your-story/

Related:  Writing Plot Structure

Notes and diagrams show how famous authors including J.K. Rowling and Sylvia Plath planned out their novels By Tara Brady Published: 13:33 EST, 18 May 2013 | Updated: 20:52 EST, 19 May 2013 Gathering your thoughts when writing a novel can be a tricky process. Which is why many of the greats made sure they planned their plots beforehand. A mini-collection of notes penned by writers including James Salter and J.K.

Random Generators! - LOTS Run out of ideas for your latest novel or roleplaying game? Has your writing or artistic muse abandoned you? Does your creativity just need a kick in the pants? Fantasy Place Name Generator for RPG players and authors Naming Your Geographical Features This name generator generates names for geographical features, town names and village names. Names vary from the amost normal to the downright bizarre. Its good for when you are stuck for an idea. Please note that because this data is based in part upon existing place names you may well find some that already exist. Should you not find the place name you want then you can try again and get a different set. Dummies Guide to Writing a Transmedia Production Bible OK not really a Dummies guide as there are some complex elements in here, but one has to use whatever memes are in vogue A few weeks ago I was commissioned by Screen Australia to write a very basic structure & guide for producers relatively new to multi platform content to structure & document their propositions, after they have developed the ‘audience centric’ concepts. This has just been published on the Screen Australia site as a digital resource for those needing to document projects for transmedia productions. Background? I had already been using a range of structures in my 17 years as cross media producer (BBC, MUVEDesign, GaryHayes.TV etc:) and lecturer (recently Multi Platform course lead at LAMP, Australian Film TV and Radio School, Metro Screen & many international workshops).

Writing an Outline of Your Novel By Glen C. Strathy* The final stage of preparation - writing an outline for your novel - builds on everything you have done so far. So if you haven't yet read the following articles, you may want to do so before we go further: Part 1: Choosing an Idea.Part 2: Choosing a Story Goal.Part 3: Creating a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps.Part 4: Plot DevelopmentPart 5: Creating Archetypal Characters.Part 6: Making Characters Memorable and Believable.Part 7: Choosing Your Main Character and His/Her Essential CounterpartPart 8: Choosing a SettingPart 9: Choosing a Theme Naturally, you don't have to follow these articles step-by-step in order.

Fantasy Name Generator By Samuel Stoddard - Version 1.5 One of the perks of creating fantasy stories -- whether by writing a story or game or by role-playing -- is you get to make up the names. Some people relish the task while others are frustrated by it. Story Starters Looking for story starters and creative writing ideas? You've just struck gold. Here you'll find an endless supply of inspiration. Bye-bye, Writer's Block. Take a moment to bookmark this page so that you can find it again whenever you need new ideas. The Storytelling Mandala: Purpose-Inspired Transmedia Storytelling Marketers have always used stories to share information, change opinions and influence decisions. Now, as people create, consume and share brand stories in new ways, marketers need to go beyond the 30-sec product ad or the 300-word press release, and tell purpose-inspired transmedia stories that inspire, organize and energize people. Six Trends in Storytelling Let’s start by recapturing the six important trends that are reshaping how people create, consume and share brand stories: These six trends play an important role in the narrative arc we will draw next: from Hero’s Journey to Heroes to Everyday Heroes.

Create A Plot Outline In 8 Easy Steps By Glen C. Strathy How would you like to create a plot outline for your novel in less than an hour that is emotionally compelling and dramatically sound? It's easier than you think. The secret is to incorporate the 8 Basic Plot Elements. Creative Writing Topics and Short Story Ideas Here are lots of creative writing topics to give you ideas for your own stories and novels. If you are taking one of our free online writing courses, these fiction writing prompts are especially recommended for the sections on plot structure and story climax. At the bottom of the page, you'll find a links to browse more story prompts, plus the chance to take a free writing course. Do you like this page? Please click the +1 button to recommend it.

3 Little Words You Should Never Say You’re in a meeting, just wrapping up your status update, and things are going well. The group seems reassured that you’re on top of things. Then, just as you’re about to close your laptop and head for the door, your boss’ peer asks, “How are projections looking for Q2?”

hero's journey "A Practical Guide to Joseph Cambell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces" by Christopher Vogler © 1985 “There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before.” In the long run, one of the most influential books of the 20th century may turn out to be Joseph Campbell’s THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES. The book and the ideas in it are having a major impact on writing and story-telling, but above all on movie-making.

Related: