TO PLOT OR NOT TO PLOT

Notes on writing based on J.S.Bell 'Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure' - by Lisa Agosti

Each one of us has its own preference when it comes to outline the plot of our novels. There is no single, inviolable way to lay a fictional foundation. 

Even among the fiction masters, there are two distinct categories: the "plotters" and the "no plotters".

"Plotters" like to outline their novel in a specific, detailed grid before setting off actually writing the story. The risk involved in choosing these methods is losing spontaneity and the freshness of the unplanned stream of consciousness.

"No plotters" on the other hand follow their characters lead, letting them wonder wherever they have to. The result is unknown to the author until the Muse allows the story to appear on paper. The risk involved in letting our minds wander is finding a few exhilarating gems lost in a sea of uncertainty and dullness.

Would you define yourself a "plotter" or a "no plotter"? Would you rather follow a map or a feeling?

Either way, try not to be extreme in your choice. 

Use your first spontaneous draft as an outline for a more controlled plot, or let your imagination fly even if it deviates from the predefined chapter scheme.

Any method will work so long as it is your method.

Ideas for "no plotters":

1. Set as your goal a specific number of words you have to write every day (many writers choose 1000 words). Try to write first thing every morning, when dreams are still lingering, see if it suits you.
2. Begin a new day by rereading what you wrote the day before (better in hard copy) and jot down your notes. Correcting yesterday's writing can be your starting point.
3. Once a week, record your progress on a plot grid. This way you'll have a clear idea of your journey path.

Ideas for "plotters":

1. If you like the index cards system, keep some blank post-it with you at all times, or download a software that simulates this widely used technique. This is a great way to harness occurring bursts of genius whenever they occur. Play around with your notes creating a visual index for your scenes.
2. The headlights system compares writing to driving at night. You have an idea of the direction you are going but you can only see as far as your car's highlights. Keep in mind: you should have an idea of where you want to end up (final chapter), so you can better enjoy the ride!
3. The narrative outline (or treatment) can run between 20 and 40+ pages. It is written in the present tense, includes some crucial bits of dialogue. You are trying to create a large canvas overview of the story.
4. The David Morrell Method (author of "Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing"): keep a daily journal writing a letter to yourself, asking questions about your idea. WHY am I writing this? What is the book about? Why is the character behaving so and so?
5. The Borg outline is a all-encompassing system defining the general first, then tweaking more and more the specifics. Start with an overall structure, then focus on each act, then on each chapter of each act. Write down biographies for each character to get to know them better.

To help you understand which category you fall into, choose your 10 favorite novels of all times. Are they plot driven or character driven?

It could very well be that if you read plot driven novels you are a "plotter" and if you prefer character driven stories you are a "no plotter".

Have a good novel!

KEEP IT COMPLEX

Notes on writing based on J.S. Bell 'Write Great Fiction: Plot and Structure' - by Lisa Agosti


How can we add complexity to our plot, so as to make it more captivating for our readers? How can we link and develop all items of the story, in a way that is both easy to understand yet not already heard of?

• Developing our theme will add depth to our story: 
• what is the lesson, the value, the meta-message we want to share?
• weave various subplots, like a tapestry, creating an amazing overall effect
• introduce symbols and motifs in a natural way. Readers will love a layered story that unfolds at plural levels of depth
• Write a longer novel:
• To keep your readers hooked, consider each section of the long novel as an independent novelette with its beginning and its end. For example, Forrest Gump has different adventures that see him turning from ping pong champion to war hero. Still, consistent throughout is his love for Jenny
• Practice writing parallel plots (two or more plot lines that run along the same forward path):
• each plot has to work on its own
• simultaneously, each plot has to interconnect and reach the climax at the same time
• Playing with structure and style is a good way to reach complex plots:
• try a nonlinear fashion, jumping back and forward in time. Facts are offered as jigsaw pieces that the reader collects one at the time until eventually the whole story reveals itself
• Build a Lead character that changes and develops through the story:
• Ensure a story line that makes your character grow (through suffering)
• a powerful technique in complex plots  makes the character somehow come face to face with his 'earlier self' to highlight the mutation in progress. Dickens became a master of this technique when he created Mr Scrooge. Time to try your own Christmas Carol.

Have a good novel!

HOW TO OVERCOME A LAZY DAY

BY LISA AGOSTI

1. have a lazy day. you deserve it.
2. feel guilty and go back to writing

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1. have a lazy day. you still deserve it.
2. make a list of all the things that you have been putting off for a while with the excuse of writing. For example here is my TO DO list:

• call mom
• iron party dress from music festival three months ago
• clean bedroom tiles from last year's coffee spills
• learn knitting before next Christmas so everyone will get cheap cute presents
• read book on new magic diet that has been on your bedside table for the past 8 months ready to turn you into amazingly beautiful top model in time for next summer. well it's fall now so why should I bother. delete from list. eat a no calories gluten free lactose free rice crispy bar. sneak into the peanut butter jar
• feel guilty and go back to writing being grateful for the excuse not to do anything on the bloody list

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1. have a lazy day. you still sure deserve it.
2. feel guilty about people having a 9am-5pm job in a windowless office while you can have a lazy (well deserved) day in the sun
3. write post for your blog and guest post for other blogs and imagine yourself copy writing stupid ads for useless websites for 2$ every 2000000 words
4. go back to writing your novel feeling grateful and excited that you can write what you want when you want until money runs out (what money? add to TO DO list: call dad)

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1. have a lazy day. by now you don't even feel guilty anymore.
2. check pinterest pretending to be looking for inspiration.
3. check facebook pretending to be looking for inspiration.
4. check twitter pretending to be looking for inspiration.
5. check peanut butter jar pretending... nah... who am I kidding?
6. read a book you love
7. feel inspired and revived
8. go back to writing

have a good novel!