What's a good technique to work out a plot for a novel?

Answer 1

First of all, everyone uses a different approach. Even if you hear everyone is doing it a certain way, don't be afraid to try it in a way that you are comfortable with.

However, writing and publishing is a business. If you're just starting, keep that in mind. It's great to think you can write a novel and that people will love it regardless, but that just isn't true. Write to appease the masses if you're looking for success.

Read a couple books first. I HIGHLY recommend:

- The complete idiot's guide to Getting Published

and

-Writing the Breakout Novel.

I have been published a couple of times and make a moderate living off of it, but trust me, if fame and fortune are your goals, these books will be a TREMENDOUS help. Even if you feel you are a pro, these are beneficial.

When it comes to writing, keep in mind a few things. First, people are going to pick up your book because it sounds incredible in less than 250 words. More will buy it if it sounds incredible in 25 words. Can't think of a summary for what you want to write? Keep working on the idea.

Second, people keep reading your novel because there is suspense on every page. If you have to use fillers anywhere in your book, get back to the drawing board. Because reading takes so much time, a reader will never become overwhelmed. However, in movies, there's so much action that people need it slowed down here and there. Never forget, you're not writing a movie. You're writing a book. If you're writing, always write stuff that adds instead of maintains status quo. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

So how do you work out the plot?

I agree with the person that said you should write the ending first. You shouldn't have to plan out exactly what's going to happen per se, but you can't go anywhere if you don't know where you're going. Been there, tried it, didn't work.

Write this on a sticky note and arrange it on the wall in your room. One sticky note. w00t. We're getting somewhere now. Now add a beginning. What about some major points. Write them all down and stick them to the wall. Keep adding every idea you have and stick it where you think it fits best. Have an idea that you don't know where it could fit? Fine. keep it to the side.

The nice thing about this is that you can constantly add to your list. If at any point you're not happy with where something is, move it. If you have an idea, but if you don't think you can expand heavily upon it, let it go. Weak ideas make for weak books.

Maybe you could work in some subplots. Keep in mind though that your subplots should work with the flow of the story. Keep in mind how many people were upset at Star Wars ep 1 because of how much time was dedicated to the podrace. Overly zealous and overly weak subplots can kill a novel in a hurry.

Don't be afraid of rewrites. They are frustrating, but don't worry too much about them. You are currently under no contract to write the book, so relax, take the time, and enjoy the process.

From the main points method (sticky notes) you can move into chapter notes. Be careful though. Just because you like something for a little while, don't think you'll like it in six months.

Happy writing!

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Answer 2

From my reading about writing, there appear to be 2 main approaches.
1. Some writers do a detailed outline of every plot twist before they start writing the actual book
&
2. Some writers start out with an image or 2 images that somehow seem to fit together. Usually there are a couple of characters the writer sees mentally and the as the writer actually puts words on paper the characters take hold of the story and move the plot along. If I remember correctly, Stephen King says he often takes this approach. His book, On Writing, is an interesting combination of autobiography and thoughts on the writing process.

Answer 3

I recently listened to a reading by John Irving, the novelist who wrote The Cider house Rules and The World According to Garp (both of which are also now movies). His reading was good but one of his comments really stuck me.

In my own writing, like yourself, I have started stories and not finished them. I have about 5 short stories and 6 novels started right now with no endings! What mister Irving said he does with every book is writes the ENDING FIRST and then works his way backwards filling chunks of the story as he goes. He even writes what he called “the pefect ending line” – the last sentence for each story before he even starts. This was an amazing revelation to me and I am now on a writing bonanza to finish one of my novels. Now that I wrote an ending for it I have a GOAL.

This should have been obvious to me but is wasn’t. I hope this concept works for you as it did for me!!!

Answer 4

Use a thinking tool like a mind mapping software.