Help!! Important plot question.?

Question

Okay I am in the process of writing my book but I never think of the plot. What I mean is that when I first strated writing my story I didn't plan out what the characters had to do or any of that stuff. Now when I am in the middle of the book things are still the same. I just keep writing without planning anything plot wise. My question, did you have your plot planned out before writing it or were there some major blanks?

I do have a plot but i don't have everything planned out. I have the major ideas but as far as what each chapter will contain that is a no. For your info I'm sixteen and I don't plan to be on the best seller list I just plan on getting published so I can throw my book in everybodys face that doesn't think I can do this. You''ll see my name soon. Thanks!

Thankyou too everybody that answered my question because I have felt like i was going down the wrong path to writing/ publishing my first book.

Answer 1

It is first a story before it has a plot. I write, just like you, totally unconventionally. This is how I do it: forget about grammar or sense, just keep writing from the heart; you fix it later. But, to get my story I dream it, I go for a walk and just let my mind wander, mine always seems to come up with some exciting events, and basing my writing on those day dreams I put down the text.
A story can just be a good yarn it doesn't have to mean the redemption of the world.

Answer 2

Authors do everything . . . differently from each other.

I'm an organizer....A Planner at Heart if you will

I plan:
Characters, setting, plots, up and down details etc ...... researching blah blah blah

However most authors get inspiration from poems, movies, and even songs.

Most authors have an idea. An over view of what they want.

Romance? Man/woman

There are Rules to this Genre!

The Hero must be introduced almost immediately.
He should complicate things for the Heroine.

Four things to use!!

1.) When hero and heroine meet, they are deeply aware of each other. They don’t have to like one another, but the awareness must escalate, changes and rearranges throughout the story.
2.) Hero and heroine must be together as much as possible. In scenes where they are apart, the reader must understand the character’s memories and yearnings, etc.
3.) Each time they meet their feelings take on a stronger aspect.
4.) Their feelings sharpened, when fighting or on verge of making love, there is sexual tension.

Remember to important things a romance book should have:

Sexual Awareness
Sexual Tension

There are so many sun-genres you could do and different plots to use or work with. Brainstorm!

Character’s Backgrounds

Cons, Burglars, Pickpockets
Mistresses, Experienced Heroines
Tormented Heroines
Virginal Heroines

Topics

Arranged Marriages
Best Enemies
Opposites Attract
Reunion Romances
Heroes On The Edge
Rags To Riches
Amnesia
Plain Janes'
Guardian/Ward Romances
Captive/Captor
Pirates, Rakes, Rogues

……………so many more!!!!

Best thing to do is research. Research books, genres, authors, movie, writings, even the writer’s market. Learn to know this profession.

A great place to get help and learn about all kinds of authors and books, etc. is

http://www.writerspace.com/

Two GREAT books that are a must have are:

Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell

You Can Write a Romance by Rita Clay Estrada & Rita Galla

If you need ANYTHING just email me. I have so much info!!!

Answer 3

I write with a conflict in mind. Stephen King says that the conflict is actually more important than the characters (those come second). I don't think it is always true, but it is usually true. You don't have to have it all mapped out, but it helps to have some ideas about a major conflict (who committed the murder? What is the secret identity of the main character's husband and why is it a secret? How will the main character figure out what she wants in life? etc., etc.). I would read some books and look at the beginnings. Almost all books start out by directly (or indirectly) mentioning some sort of problem. Through that problem, the reader gets to know the characters. Sometimes it helps to write the book as a short story first to see if you even have enough to say for that. I also like to do a little exercise called "What if?" I write down the words "what if" on a piece of paper and then brainstorm all kinds of possibilities for my characters and I don't reject anything. Sometimes I get great ideas like this.

Answer 4

It's a good idea to daydream your story first so you know who your main character is and the conflicts he has to face and where he's going. It's not necessary to outline before you begin.

When you get blocked, that's the time to write your chapter-by-chapter outline. You don't have to follow it, but it gives you an idea on what needs to happen next. When you need a jump start, it's a handy thing to have.

Never think that everything has to be perfect in your first draft. It won't be. When the story is completely written and you re-read it, you'll see where the holes are that need to be filled and the rough spots that need to be smoothed out. You'll also correct your grammar and spelling at this point. Do NOT sweat it on the rough draft. Just keep writing.

Answer 5

It's a good idea to have your plot planned out and know where your going, even if its just a daydream. Otherwise parts of your plot where you weren't sure what to write may seem very awkward, rushed, out-of-place, or even in a different style of writing. I tend to write out-of-the-blue and unplanned and that serves as a result. I don't suggest completely throwing out grammar and punctuation while you're writing, either, because it will 1] give you more work later and 2]maybe make it hard for you to understand the tone or what you were trying to say later, when you look back to edit.

And also, not meaning to be scathing, but don't just write a book to throw in people's faces. It's good to know your own skill and be proud of yourself but the idea of bragging about your novel is a bit rude. Write for yourself, maybe for a career, and for fun! Best wishes, good luck.

Answer 6

~If you are 10 or under, I sympathize with your dilemma. If you are over 10, I sympathize with your English teacher's dilemma. When you decided on your theme, how completely was your precis developed before you even considered characterization? Or did you just start writing with no story in mind and nothing to say? I guess you've learned something about the process? I won't be looking for you on the Best Seller lists for a week or two.

Answer 7

I usually have the major points in mind when I write, but I don't have a detailed plan.

Answer 8

You should definitely rent or buy the DVD "The Wonder Boys." It addresses exactly the way you're writing and what may happen to you toooo! (Great stars in the flick, screenplay, etc, too) :)

Answer 9

I have read a newsletter by Dean R. Koontz you may me interested in. Imformation in it that would probably help you in your dilemma. Check the net, found the site there.