What's a good, fun way to plan out a story?

Question

Besides brainstorming (I'm not good at those), is there anything than I can do to plan out my story so that I can know everything that happens in the beginning, middle and end? Also, what are some good, fresh ways to boost your imagination so that you'd know what to write about next when you're having writers block?

Answer 1

For my last story, I just started with one initial situation. The character was faced with a choice-- to break the law or not. That established conflict right away, and drew me in because I really wanted to find out what she would do. Then, every night I wrote one chapter of the first draft. I made sure each chapter ended with suspense, so that the whole next day I would be wondering what would happen next (and thinking it out), and then that night I would write it.
It made the first draft pretty easy to write. Of course, if you do it that way-- without outlines or any major research-- your second draft needs a lot of work. Still, I think what it lacked in detail it made up for in forward motion. I've heard that if you don't cry when you're writing your book, don't expect the reader to cry. So if you're not excited to find out what will happen next, why should you expect the reader to be excited?

Still, sometimes you try that method and it doesn't seem to work. I've had stories like that too, where I try to write without an outline and it goes nowhere. In that case, a nice freewrite can help. Start with typing something like this: "I can't seem to figure out what (your character) is thinking in this scene..." then just let yourself ramble, and some ideas will come out. If none of this works, and you feel you need something more visual (this especially helps with plot problems) jot down scene ideas and stick them on the wall. It's easier to see what's missing that way, or what needs to be taken out.

About knowing what to write about next: while you're working on one story, sometimes ideas for other stories come into your head. You just have to keep a file of "Ideas." Put everything in there-- even an odd phrase that caught your attention, or the way someone walks.

Okay, time to stop rambling now. Good luck.

Answer 2

in order: 1) get a character and plan a beginning and end. ask yourself "what is going to be the the character's goal in the end" after that for the beginning, figure out if you want your character to accomplish this goal or not. then just have fun with the middle, but make sure it all fits together, know what you can and can't do based on the direction of your story. 2) imagination block. try RPing (role playing) it's fun and makes you think. it also helps with writing ability since grammar is important.

hope my incredibly long answer helps!

Answer 3

Well, what I did was I write everything I know about the story so far. Most of the time it's about a three minute scene. Basically, don't force yourself to write chapter by chapter, but rather, whatever pops into your head. What for sure do you want to happen to your character? Imagination? Well, I only do this a few times as it takes a bit, but I play what I have on The Sims2. I make the characters build the houses, and play it first how its supposed to go, then turn on the free will and see what happens!

Answer 4

I am not a writer, but when I need to write something I usually read a lot of stuff. Sometimes reading something will spark a thought for a good story. Also, always carry a note pad with you. You might be walking, in the mall, or in the line at a store and something will pop in your head that would sound good in your story. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Like you said: Just have *fun* with your story. The most exciting part to writing it out is that you may never KNOW what will come next.

For example, my main heroine for The Price of Freedom showcased a new healing ability which her lover had never seen before.

Instinctive or not, the woman admits to the fact that she's changing again. Into what, she doesn't know. (She's had five previous transformations--but this latest one is a bit of a puzzler for her.)

But I didn't forecast this to happen. It was the way the STORY played itself out.

So there's nothing upon which to determine what will happen. You just have to see where it will go next--using your imagination.

Answer 6

Try using a story curve. Draw a rainbow. Start with the beginning of the story on the bottom at the left side. Add the incidents in your story going up the left side until you reach the climax at the top. Then head down the other side. Pax - C

Answer 7

david morrell, the writer who created Rambo, has a written conversation with himself. that way he talks his way through the story. this also helps him alleviate writer's block. he just rereads his conversation, and that way he can renew his initial motivation to write the story in the 1st place.

Answer 8

Drop some acid and have a ball.....it'll kill the writer's block in no time