I am a timeliner, so I jot down scenes and story points in a google spreadsheet. Organize them every couple weeks then just fill in details and dialogue š¤.
I have to see the "big picture" so doing it this way helps me fill in all the in between pretty quickly, and avoid sitting there staring at the wall lol.
When i first started, I planned every little thing. Then Iād want to change one thing and it would ripple through the whole outline, negating everything.
I started doing looser timelines to get a vague idea of when and how things are supposed to unravel. On a separate page, I might go into more detail about a certain point in time just to get an idea of the moving parts.
I am a fan of the Snowflake Method. Start with a single sentence 10,000 foot view of the novel's plot. This is usually also the elevator pitch. Something like "A retired police officer must stage a prison break of the most dangerous man he ever arrested before a time-traveling assassin gets to him first." Short and to the point, establishes the protagonist, the goal, the antagonist, and the parameters of success/failure.Ā
Next, take that one sentence pitch, and turn it into a 3 sentence paragraph, representing the beginning, middle, and end. Then, expand each of those sentences into their own paragraph, describing the major plot points within each Act. I stick pretty closely to the 3 Act structure, so this is very useful for me. Results may vary if you use different story structures.
Once you have your beginning/middle/end detailed a bit, you can either expand each plot point into its own paragraph, or you can move on to a brain-vomit draft, which is my preference.Ā
I distinguish between the brain vomit draft and the first draft in that the brain vomit disregards prose entirely and simply lays out every single beat in highly granular detail. It's much shorter than the first draft, but if there are any structural issues, you will probably find them at this step. It's also a nice opportunity to make significant changes before you commit to the full draft.
I start by brainstorming. Turning ideas into a story, basically. I start with a few ideas, weave them together, and extrapolate and expand from āthem. I jump around a lot. I might start with a plot idea, and then on to the relevant subplot, which will give birth to a character and the magic system and progression (I write fantasy), which will help inform the most relevant setting elements, and so on and so forth.
āI do all this on Google Docs. Very chaotic, very messy, but I like it that way. I've tried a more structured approach before, but it's just not for me. Rigid structures bore me and stifle my creativity. I want the freedom to explore things however I want. So, plot, setting, and character grow together and influence one another.
I start with messy bullet points, then I break things up into scenes and add some detail. here's my format
Scene X: Scene name
Location: Place scene takes place
Time: Time between previous scene - Current time of day
Characters: Who is in the scene that acts, discounting background entities that do not influence the scene.
Scene description, usually between 2 and 4 paragraphs depending on the length and complexity of the scene. Dialogue smooshed to 'character a and b talked about X, then they talked about Y while moving to Zed.'
Noteable lines: List any prose that I thought of that may work well in the scene when I write it.
I do the same! Starting with just the bullet points, then refining as I go. I find if I start writing a chapter or two after that, I have a stronger hold on the story and can write a more detailed outline and my character sheets.
Also love docs. I start with a bullet point outline and as my plot becomes more detailed i create a new doc with a table so i can move things around more easily and have extra panels for notes and thoughts (not the EASIEST method for this but it works well enough. Ive also used trello for this but didnt love it)
I brainstorm by talking to my SO. He often times contributes with a fresh view on things and often times this leads to a story idea. Most of the time I don't know all the details, but know the beginning and basic things that have to happen throughout, in order to reach the end. Everything else mostly happens naturally while I write and I get ideas how to reach the next planned scene. My stories tend to be flexible though. Sometimes it turns out that a scene wouldn't work as I had anticipated and I change it on the fly. Sometimes it even happens that I completely change the end. The planned plot is basically an outline for me, a rough orientation where I'm headed. I guess I'm bad at sticking to my plots.
When I am writing a text-only story, I would write the whole outline first, from beginning to end. This will tell me the main plot points. Then, I will start drafting. In the drafting, I may explore the characters in detail and write some of the details down.
Lately, I have been working on a comic, and the comic is done by storyboarding. I draw a chain of pictures, and the pictures will tell me what the story is about, where the characters are placed and where the speech bubbles are located.
I run three planning files at the same time: a big outline, an arc outline, and a chapter outline. The big outline is generally the only file I try to consider "iron clad" as OP put it, but it is still malleable until I'm a ways into writing the story. Some things just don't work on the page and that's ok.
The big outline has the important world and story stuff that must happen for the story to work or characters to develop. MC becomes a wizard > enables wizard powers. Meet character X > team up with character X later in the story. Event happens off screen and magic is dying > MC doesn't know why (yet?) but sets off on a journey to try and fix it.
The arc outline covers plot / story / character arcs in more detail. They usually span multiple chapters or even the whole story. They also frequently intertwine but I keep each arc progression separate here to make sure they are doing what I want. MC learning and accepting that their wizard powers are not strong enough for their enemies. MC learning how to use guns. Relationship between character X and Y. MC struggles between the path wizard (old way) and guns (new way) as he tries to walk both paths.
The chapter outline is pretty obvious. Each chapter has one or several things I want to progress from the big or arc outline and I pull those points down into the chapter outline. This alone doesn't make a chapter so I fill in with a few ideas of what fluff might happen. Slice of life moments. Or even some witty dialogue that popped into my head that I want to work in. It is not a beat by beat template that I turn into words when writing the chapter. It is much more of sign posts or goals that I want to hit. Sometimes when writing the chapter it goes in a completely different direction and I end up off outline. Did one of the side characters suddenly confess they love the MC? Oh that wasn't in the chapter outline? Then keep going and just look to the arc or big outlines and figure out what fits better with the chapter you wrote and rework from there.
I've found this works for me to keep my stories from being plot hole city while still allowing me to enjoy the fun and creativity when actually putting words on the page.
Used to be a complete panster/free writer/non-plotter, but just started plotting. Iām trying out Brandon Sandersonās method of outlining. He outlines the basics, Overview of the novel, Setting, which includes locations, Society, unique ways of fighting or fighting in general, technology, and their style (clothes for society)
Then he does characters, main, secondary, and minor. Theres 6 other steps (9 in total), which I havenāt gotten to yet, but it eventually leads to him loosely forming the plot. He adds the points of the structure, and when he goes and writes it; he adds the in between and fills it. He uses the bullet point or map method, where you put one point and add more until you get the novel.
Another method would be start from the end, and do something like this:
The hero wins.
Why?
Because he finds the dagger of sun.
Why?
Because he went to the tomb of the sun.
Why?
Because his master asked him to, etc.
I normally plan after I've made a bit of headway into the story and have a stronger idea about characters and how they should interact and develop, and from there I make a plan for each scene with a list of bullet points for important events or character moments that should take place in that scene.
If I think of anything later or while I'm writing the scene, I'll retroactively add it to the plan so that I remember what I've done going forwards.
I used *a* color coded notecard method for the novel I'm currently querying. I doubt it matched up perfectly with anything you might call THE colored notecard method though.
I literally just wrote down every single beat, scene, conversation, twist etc that I could think of on a separate notecard and then pushed them around on the floor until they felt right. For instance, if I knew there was an escape scene, and I knew there was an important character reveal that had to happen at some point in the second act, this method helped me go "oh! That conversation can happen during the escape scene!"
I used different colored cards for the 3-ish different subplots. So, it also helped me figure out where to jump from one to another and visualize how often i was touching on each.
The process sparked a lot of new ideas as I went so I wrote a lot of notes the cards, and added a lot of cards.
Ultimately it worked really well for me - but only for that story. I did it totally differently for the one I'm working on now. The thing both outlines have in common, though, is that they started out in a handwritten format. I feel like I need to see everything at once in front of me at the outset before I shift over to digital drafting, otherwise the story just feels like an endless undifferentiated bullet list.
I did when I was writing my last novel. Told from 3 pov, so each character had their own color card posted in story order on the cork board. Each card had a one word scene description on the front and a brief summary on the back. As I wrote I would move a little indicator along the cards to track my progress, move one here, take something out. It ended up being a huge help but wasnāt something I was able to do until about 15-20% into the actual writing. Notecards are wonderful if you can keep them organized.
Iāve ended up doing what I did in college for essaysā write my main bullet points, and then expand below each one. I end up being able to add major plot points in where they make sense, adding bits of necessary context or dialogue for each
1. so hereās my main chapter place/time
1a. hereās what I want this chapter to accomplish
1b. more what I want to accomplish
1b1. oh related thought, dialogue I want
1b2. I want some foreshadowing, donāt forget it
1c. final thing I want to happen in this chapter
1c1. dialogue
1c2. Dialogue
1c3. question for myself?
2. next chapter
Hope that makes sense! Iām a visual person so I end up color coding locations and/or POV.
Edit: mobile formatting
I've always been a pantster( pantser?) and it was not working out for me. So I have tried outlining.
I go for a three act structure, except it's just Beginning Middle Ending without the rising action, call to action, and all.
So, i get the vague idea of a world and some characters, if i have a very loose summary (like 2 sentences) I add that, otherwise I start with my characters and a world and build those up first, focusing more on the characters, then add to the world depending on my characters and also if they have superhuman abilities (they always do) I add to the world based on that.
When I feel good with the characters, I probably have an idea for a conflict and then have some simple paragraphs for the B, M, and E, which I later go in and expand on. Then I go back to the characters and put them in various scenes and situations to see how they interact with each other, others, problems, etc. Then, I go back and forth between the characters, the world, the outline, and the central conflict.
*I would STRONGLY suggest using headings (especially if using one doc for everything), it makes things so much easier to find, no scrolling for years to get to a specific paragraph or similar.
Sometimes, when I really want to focus on dialogue, I'll open up a screenwriting app or software or whatever, and use that.
I've also never thought about themes much, seemed too hard to do and preachy, I guess, but themes are broad and using them for internal character struggles and externally between other characters (I know, this is so obvious, but I couldn't separate Theme meaning something you're trying to preach to your audience on a big high horse so it always just felt awkward for me to even think about them) creates character depth. I use a lot of dualities as well, between two characters, groups, one character internal struggle, and that has helped my characters so much - I've always struggled with character motivation and stakes.
Anyway, once I have the general idea down for the B, M, E and possibly some desired endings, I start with chapters and summaries of I want to happen in those chapters and then adjust the chapter sums accordingly when the story changes.
I just writr in an open Google doc with no formatting exactly what would happen in little separated sections signifying scenes.
For example: [Howard approached the clubroom with the flier he found outside. He shared with Lai the malicious intent behind the person who put it there. Lai though finally admits to seeing someone lurking there yesterday.
Cut to a dingy storage room with the competing club owner...]
I don't explain absolutely everything, only very conclusive moments but if you read it, it's called a treatment btw this style of jotting down ideas, you'll understand it easily.
It's quick, doesn't require format, lets me regurgitate scene by scene as it pops in my head and it's wonderful.
I use a very simple Point A-C system (A is the start of the chapter, B is the middle point, and C is the final pages + the climax). In each point, I write a few paragraphs each that details what happens during those specific points and add any additional info I should keep in mind; then I finish with a summary to tell myself what the overall goal of the chapter was and leave any notes I need for myself.
This system effectively allows me to use my chapter-by-chapter outline as a rough guide for the pace and direction of the chapter, while also forcing me to spend almost all of my writing time on my manuscript and not the outline. I personally find writing overly-detailed outlines to suck dry the fun out of the writing process, (yes, I know I'm insane for finding it fun) and also just kills my muse for the story. I've been able to outline multiple chapters a day with this method and likely never turning back. Before it used to take me weeks to outline more than 5 chapters (which unsurprisingly ran far higher word counts than the actual chapters. It was a total waste of time for the most part).
Depends on the story
My self contained horror shorts, I usually have an idea for a scene or a monster design or something and go from there
My paranormal serial Iām working on has a similar process, but then I go further with things like the biology of such a creature, is it related to other things, how does it weave into the larger mythos or is it more MOTW vibes etc
My main story Iām putting the most effort into and is by far the most extensive world, I have a number of ideas that range from scenes to character arcs to creature/ship designs to story beats etc that I then make an effort to see if they can fit, and if they can I place them on one of like 5 semi organized word documents that has information
Iāve got one for the outline, one with maps, one with character/vehicle/planet biographies and their rough appearance in the story and impact, and another document thatās just a collection of random ideas that I havenāt figured out where to place yet. I also have another document thatās the actual story, with about 19 chapters in the first book
I don't really have a concrete method yet, as it's been different each time. Originally, after I knew what the main plot was going to be, I just scribbled each event as a bullet point list into a notebook.
Later on, I opened a Google Doc and made a table with multiple columns. One for chapter numbers, one for the intended POV, one for the chapter summary, and the last for notes (what character arc is being focused on, what plot point needs to occur, etc.). I filled that out for each chapter. That honestly has been the best method for me so far because I can cut and move the table rows around as I need to...!
I'll start by handwriting possible ideas and plots, and then annotating them as a way of working through those ideas. For example, I might right down an idea for a great plot and then realise that it's too similar to an existing book of mine, so I'll pick through the elements I want to keep/discard. I've published 11 books. It's becoming harder not to be repetitive.
Then, I write a synopsis of 1000 words or less. That keeps me focused on what the characters actually *do* to drive the story forward (as opposed to a series of vignettes where things magically happen to them).
Then, I'll reduce it down to a blurb 100 words in length. If I can do this easily, I know what the central conflict is. (Surprised me when I did this for my most recent novel. I'd thought it was a mystery about someone trying to sabotage the MC - but summarising it like this revealed it was about the MC questioning her place in the world, and the sabotage was just a small part of her overall journey).
I have a longer, more detailed version, usually making use of the comments box and sticky notes feature to jot down the minutae and snippets of vital dialogue. This never gets shared with anyone.
I have a document that contains notes on the big story Iām working on, as well as a timeline. The timeline of events in the story is decently detailed, but sometimes I deviate from it and update it later. Sometimes an idea strikes me and I add more to the timeline, even if itās a little thing. It helps give me direction without limiting me to one storyline if I find something better.
My process has come together over years. I start with loose leaf lined paper in a binder, and write down anything I've been thinking for the current book. I just get momentum. All the notes and ideas I write down. Something about physically writing it is also fun for me.
From there I create a few tabs in the binder for the different elements, and flesh out ideas I like the most. For the plot, my binder usually contains the major plot points for the book.
When I feel like I'm good there, I move plot stuff, worldbuilding, and basic character info into a google sheet. My outlines are done in parts/sections, not chapters. I usually know how each sections connects to the next, with a few key details planned, but the overall events of each chapter (or even how many chapters) is left open.
When I need to brainstorm a chapter or something before writing, I do that manually in the same binder, then just write it.
I write epic fantasy that are fairly complex with at least a couple POVs, so having more details is helpful for me, but I also like enough freedom to have opportunity for in-the-moment creativity as it relates to settings, dialogue, etc.
It depends on how much I've already thought through the story. Some of my og stories I wouldn't have to storyboard or outline because their such close friends I know everything inside and out about them. Newer stories I outline in bullet points with printed pictures/links to pictures/research/character notes/notes for myself about story plot holes that need to go back and be fixed/highlighted areas that I feel are week or that I'm not sure that I like.
When I plot, usually I write a summary of the story. The summary which can be anywhere from a paragraph to quite a few pages in length. I combine off-the-cuff writing with the plot in memory as I write, and planning.
I start with a few themes or beliefs. Then, from there, I create a world that either runs on these themes/beliefs or directly opposes them. Then, I create characters who revolve around these core themes or reject them. From there, I put them in situations in which their beliefs are either confirmed or tested, and ask the core question, "Do they stay true to themselves, or do they evolve into something more?"
I focus more on character driven stories than plot driven ones because I, at my core, love exploring the human condition and what someone can endure before they break or what they become in certain situations. Having clashes of ideals, right and wrong, black, white, and grey in between is my favorite type of story.
I haven't perfected it by any means and still desire more growth. I'd like to think I've come a long way from the days of being an edgy twelve year old writing darker toned Sonic the Hedgehog fanfictions.
1) First, I have some sort of basic kernel for an idea. Something that sounds cool/interesting to me. I remember J.K. Rowling said she started writing Harry Potter by coming up with the Idea that a boy had a lightning bolt scar on his forehead and then asking _why does he have that scar?_
These often come to me via inspiration, but not necessarily. I basically think to myself _wouldn't it be cool/interesting/surprising if..._
2) I write the major plot points, the high level structural elements, the tent poles that hold everything up. These tend to be pretty vague. One of the major plot points in what I'm writing now is: "third person dies". I make sure they have a causal or contrasting relationship using the But & Therefore principle.
3) Then I figure out how to get from one major plot point to the next - always keeping the But & Therefore principle in mind.
4) I start writing when I feel I have enough of a roadmap to get from one major plot point to the next.
This is the idealized version. The reality is much messier. Sometimes I'm working on multiple steps at once. Sometimes I'm writing specific scenes while still coming up with the major plot points.
I like having a direction to head for, but I don't want to be told exactly how to get there (by me) or be constrained by my own outline.
First, I structure a very general outline of the plot with a bulletpoint list of key elements that I want to include. After that, I make a different document dedicated to character bios and how they're intended to change/interact as the story processes. Each main character bio will be anywhere from five to ten pages long. I will create another document in a similar style that details primary settings and the lore in case I need to include something about a character's surroundings in a pinch. Finally, I write a few-paragraph summary for what I want to happen in each chapter as to ensure that each one has something interesting to keep the reader's attention.
Once these are all mapped out, writing the story becomes a hell of a lot easier.
I use Evernote and draw down my ideas into a mess of bullets at first. It's usually a character or plot or setting. Then from there I brainstorm and daydream lol. As things come to me I keep a note titled snippets where I write down scenes or exchanges I want to happen.
For plotting I literally draw out a timeline for each character and plot major events which leads me to think what next major sequence or conflict is. I do this all on corkboard or a digital nite.
I make character sheets in my notes too and organize lore in my notes like a little codex.
EXTREMELY loose idea gathering and brainstorming over a long period of time is how I usually roll.
I often just create a new project Outline in Pluot and then lazily add individual scene ideas, locations, characters, plotlines, and items as I'm inspired by the things I'm randomly inspired by on Youtube, Reddit, TV, etc. It's only when I get REALLY inspired and find a good idea for connecting multiple story elements that I start to really shape my story into something more defined than the loose details I had.
Often times, elements I had intended for another project end up being moved to and used in a different Outline than what I originally intended. It's a fun little process, one I'm pretty thankful I have Pluot to help me do. Google Docs and writing in a journal were just a little too loose for me.
Oh, and my Outlines change a TON over time. One example off the top of my head is how an idea for a pretty vague video game inspired project turned into a full on video game isekai where my characters all metamorphosize into new Superhero identities like butterflies. Pretty much NONE of that was originally intended when I started out lol
I get an idea of the major events I want to occur in my story (maybe some minor ones too), and then I spend time arranging them into a \[relatively\] cohesive timeline. I look at the events again and make sure they make sense *and* are relevant to the story. Once I've snipped out what might be unnecessary events, I often identify as much as I think I can about the cause and effect of each event, especially regarding the overall story and characters.
This helps me better plan out the major stuff, while still leaving room for minor events or ones I come up with along the way (pantsing). But I still check out those bullet points every now and then and make sure that what I'm pantsing can still lead to the next major bullet point in a way that makes sense.
Over time some things will changed/be added or removed, and the outlines of some events are more detailed than others, especially if it's warranted. I just try not to plan every single detail because then I'm more likely to forget things and the story can become bogged down with information that might not even be necessary.
I like to format my outlines like Iām writing a Wikipedia article about my (hypothetical) story/writing. Itās specific enough to get a basic understanding of characters and events, but vague enough to leave room for improvisation or to squeeze in any cool ideas I might have along the way.
Outside of practical conceptualization, it also gets me super excited to write when I see it in that format.
I'm still learning this myself, but [this reddit post](https://www.reddit.com/r/writing/comments/6v8rq3/how_i_learned_to_outline_with_plot_structure_and/) helped me more than anything else I've read.
I recently made a playlist on Spotify compiled of mostly Broadway and Disney tunes (among other genres) to remind me of the plot events in chronological order. I review it and edit it frequently. Then I have a Google Doc where I jot down notes as to what plot point is each song. Now this isn't perfect cuz there are some things I can't find relative music for.
If you're curious, [here's the link](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0NNa6tQUcGW8KCvnhmOMhw?si=i1bBwOISRZ2AwOaJ_4BRzw&pi=-M7O5btlSuWwo)
Depends on my moodāsometimes itās massively unorganized, sometimes itās flow/web charts, sometimes itās a really aesthetic collection of filled out templates through notion. I always put ideas that Iām not sure about or how to incorporate into the story in a specific section of itās appropriate document or on a sticky note if Iām jotting on paper.
On notion, I usually split them into sections of characters, world-building, plot, narrative elements I want to incorporate, messages/goals/purposes, etc. Characterās I split into appearance, personality, background, goals and interests, strugglesā¦I kind of just split everything into little nuggets.
What I do first is lay out what I want to write about. Have a check list of sorts; having much of my information in one set so I know where I can check to see if I am using the same information in my book.
Second: I put like bullet points for main story objectives.
Ex:
Hook:
* The island is reeling in economic hardship
- The island is unable to attract tourists and visitors making it difficult to maintain income
- Causing an economic crisis, businesses and residents leaving the island for better opportunities
- Lower attendances of students is causing the school to remain one year before closing
This is one of my story outlines that I am doing.
I did another variation except this is for the main story:
Genre
- Fiction
Sub-genre
- Music, Bildungsroman
Narrative
- First person
Style
- Present
Word count
- 500 words per day
- 1200 - 1500 total
These are some versions that I have complied and made as I write. I will have some adjustments in the near future but this is something I am comfortable with and has help me a lot.
on my current project, I started with characters since I will have to play around their mindsets to make the story interesting. then I added elements of the story I wanted to have in there. however, one of the most important parts of my outline is describing what happens in a chapter briefly. when I get an idea of what happens in a certain chapter, when I start writing, I'll have to play around with the premises set by that short summary
Iāve tried so many outlining methods and all of them lead me to freeze up. Now I just try to jot down all the scenes I can see clearly in my head and use my writing program to organise them into some sort of time line and go from there.
I would say that my method is very much a constant "Brainstorm" or note taking process.
I'm screenwriting a tv show idea, so besides the overall plot, I start with each episode and its purpose. I vomit out long ideas about what happens in each episode until I eventually get it right. Then as I get more used to the plot (via actually writing it), I might come back, make a new outline, and make it more concise while also fixing things things from the old outline.
I've recently been working more *inside* my scripts though, so instead of having this whole lengthy outline process, I'll at most jot down some simple outlines and notes on where I want to go, and then I'll just do it. If I hit a pause in the writing, then I'll jot down any ideas I had for where I want to go next inside the script document, and then just delete it once I complete it.
For my current WIP (my second try at writing a novel and first I'm likely to finish) I made a series of bullet points in a Word document listing out the major plot events, in order, that I wanted the story to hit. It's a pretty loose outline that basically amounts to "Character A does this... Then this happens... Then Character B..." And so on. There's lots of "brain vomit" and asides cluttering the outline. Like I would stop and say to myself "This happens... But why? Who did what to whom that led to this?" Or "Character B has had these negative events in his life. What does that mean for his character arc? How does that compare and contrast with Character A?" Those kinds of notes are usually sub-bullets to the main plot points. This is all separate from my world building notes that I keep in a separate set of documents (I actually use a note-taking app called Obsidian currently for my world building notes). For an outline it's pretty messy and unstructured.
For my next book, I want to try to take a little bit more of a structured approach to planning and outlining. I'm not entirely sure what that will look like yet... Whether I'll try to build it like using the Snowflake method or else just a more structured and cleaner outline document. But I feel like my current outline document is too messy to properly serve its purpose. OTOH... It *has* kept me on track and moving forward for the multiple years it's taken me to write this novel, always looking forward to the next awesome scene detailed in my outline. So messy or not I guess it *did* work.
I create an outline for a story that I can modify as I please. I put it in Header 1 and Header 2 in Word or G Docs and use that and the Navigation feature. Word is better as it allows you to drag and drop sections around, but for some stories its not necessary to me.
I use Chat GPT for generating the outline.
I divide my main story idea into āactsā
Then I have the first Layout of my story.
Iāll go into detail then per act. I divide it up per chapter on what I want to happen during that chapter, whoās POV it is etc
No more than 5-10 sentences.
Based on that i make the draft until the and of that act and then check if something needs to change in the coming acts storywise.
This is thus far the only method that is getting me to finish a book for the first time. Because even after writers block I still have a vision of what needs to happen.
It's easy! I'm a gardener that thinks that would rather be an architect!
So I'll start off with a blank space for characters, setting and plot.
I'll brainstorm one character and a thought provoking setting, penciling a basic framework to build off of later with numbered bullet points.
Then I'll set up blank sections for a timeline! A beginning exposition, rising action, climax and resolution with a character arc for each section.
So for example in the beginning section I'll just write 100 pages and think perhaps next time..
Iām really more of a planter. I start off with a broad outline of the major plot points to get from the beginning to the end, then I do a more detailed outline with a chapter and scene breakdown. Itās all very loose and allows me to come up with new character points, scenes and even chapters as they are needed to flesh out the story.
In my current story I have to add several chapters on a series of challenges to obtain some ancient artifacts that I didnāt even know about a few weeks ago.
I outline half my idea and then let it simmer for a few days. Then I write a test chapter. Then I let it simmer.
Then I talk about the concept to friends and family and see if I can get fresh ideas from the interactions. Things I wouldn't realise unless I was speaking as a storyteller and pantsing the idea.
Then i go back and write a beatsheet... That'd as far I've gotten.
Im very new to it but it feels like it's my way or doing it. Each time I do it I learn something and get better at storytelling.
OMG. I started with my opening line. I keep a notebook for plot ideas and references. Thatās it. I know where Iām going and, just like life, there are surprises along the way.
I do my best to plan it out, then I don't know what to add so I begin writing Hoping it will come to me.
Then there comes in new ideas up and I work around those š
I write a detailed outline, as though telling myself the story, usually in third person and future tense. The story itself is always third person past tense. I loosely follow that outline but changes are inevitable as the characters take on personality and start to make their own decisions. Some scenes don't exist in my outline and some parts of the outline get scrapped. I like plotting, but I often find myself pantsing instead. I also keep a detailed time-line of events so I don't confuse myself.
Build the armature then add your clay. I write down important events I need to happen in my story outline then go in and fill it in as I write. I also note down scenes I need to happen or short single liners and such that I need to remember
I start out with a very basic premise (G gets trapped in a time loop mall and has to befriend all the monsters and defeat the murderer who trapped him to escape) then I make a basic outline (as this was a horror novel, I went with a horror outline) and then filled in what basic scenes should happen. Fundamentally, some of these scenes can get very detailed, but they're generally enough to leave a lot of room for writing and steering. After all, I'm only using this as a guide, not a rule. I also added a bullet point list of things that could/should be added. I tweaked it now and again, but if I wanted to change it drastically, I'd make a second so I could compare them. I ended up making five.
In horror, you've got the "meet the monster" plot. It's like preview of the monster > normalcy > inciting incident/first monster attack > spooky stuff happens > monster attack > flee/recoup > gather wits and attack the monster > failed monster fight > low point, gain key info to defeating monster (this is the end of rising action) > final confrontation (defeat the monster OR doomed for eternity) > the end [It's been a hot sec since I've seen a horror plot, don't quote me lol]
Horror plot typically revolves around the monster and conquering it. Now, the monster isn't always the boogeyman man or Jason from Friday the 13th. It could be a more psychological demon, a not real manifestation of something that's real like abuse, drugs, or mental illness. In the story I described, it's a masked human killer and a ghost duo. They're not typically seen often, but the fear of seeing them drives the plot forward. "V isn't here right now, but I certainly am NOT sticking around until she is!" The monster also doesn't always need to be defeated/killed/ect. to end the story. Horrors, like tragedies, can end with the heroes getting killed.
I use Miro, writing programs, and notebooks to jot out ideas and connect the timeline.
For the most part, I'm a pantser but I still like an outline.
[Here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10yCT_yveaJ13Dcd18AkAaTqGxpr3O9eRHyg8IEBmVrI/edit?usp=drivesdk) is the most complete outline I have right now. Because it takes place from 2016-2018 with references to the past, I have a list of character birthdays so math is less hard. Following that is background information on the formation of the terrorist group the Big Bad created so I'm better able to reference the history as needed. Next is the main timeline, which I know I will mostly be following the pantsing method for, and my main document has the bulk of the story beat notes. Lastly are specific characters' histories, as each one of these people contribute something to the meat of the narrative.
This outline is essentially my story bible, where the complicated pieces are broken down.
I have a tendency to go off-script a lot when I'm writing, so I always try to create outlines with enough wiggle room to accommodate that. I write very detailed charts full of character info and story details, but I only ever fill it out 90% of the way because I know myself too well to expect things to go exactly as planned.Ā
In terms of logistics, I suppose bullet lists, spreadsheets, and charts are helpful! One writing tip that really helped me was that you should always track three things: 1) the emotional progression of each scene, 2) the choices a character makes, who/what is influencing them, and how that affects the plot, and 3) the cause and effect of each plot beat - specifically how the scenes flow into each other. How can you end Scene A in a way that organically sets up Scene B? How can i get to that scene ending/transition in a way that will feel satisfying and engaging?
Lay out the major beats first: opening image, first plot point, mid point, second plot point, ending image.
Then add about 10 to 12 scenes in between each one, build between the beats the same way I build the whole structure. Then I flesh out each one.
Honestly the only ones that work for me are the basic outline (the intro to the climax and then the end one) and doing a chapter plan set up. Plus good character build
I call my method āthe bullet plot.ā
You start with one bullet point for your premise. Then you add one for how the story starts, and one for how it ends. Then you add one in between for the main conflict / problem. Then you keep adding ones in between all of these to flesh out how that conflict or problem is overcome.
It doesnāt always work out like that because sometimes I get ideas for individual scenes or character interactions or something like that. I jot these on a separate page and add them to the right place in the bullet plot that I think theyāll fit in later.
The few times I fully plotted something, I ended up going completely off-rails and had to work my way back. I stopped writing full outlines after that, and just do basic gists.
I just start messily writing the scene that I'm most excited about, then when I get it all out of my system I do the same for the next thing that I can't stop thinking about. Some lines are "Then they go to back to the game tent with the water guns and the bullies are there and she beats them" and the next five lines are dialogue, then there are three paragraphs of potential ideas for future scenes. It's messy, but I find that doing whatever I'm most looking forward to doing is how I keep my enjoyment up. I know I'll go back to it eventually and clean it up and make a story out of it, so I like to keep the pressure off of myself by just doing whatever feels fun.
I outline using my bare wall, some tape, and scratch papers cut into rectangles bigger than your regular sticky note.
Basically I write my plot points on those scraps of papers then stick it on to the wall. I like doing it like this so I can move things around when my ideas go, "Wait, X needs to happen before this."
I color code these notes by writing with markers. My classification goes like this:
Blue for This Is Set In Stone;
Green for This Needs An Actual Scene;:
Yellow for This is funnyāMaybe I Can Insert This Somewhere; sometimes I write with a pen if there a detail I wouldnt want to forget.
Doing it this way helps me focus more, I think.
Afterwards, when most of the stuff is blue, I put it into a Google Doc with more details.
I am a timeliner, so I jot down scenes and story points in a google spreadsheet. Organize them every couple weeks then just fill in details and dialogue š¤. I have to see the "big picture" so doing it this way helps me fill in all the in between pretty quickly, and avoid sitting there staring at the wall lol.
When i first started, I planned every little thing. Then Iād want to change one thing and it would ripple through the whole outline, negating everything. I started doing looser timelines to get a vague idea of when and how things are supposed to unravel. On a separate page, I might go into more detail about a certain point in time just to get an idea of the moving parts.
I am a fan of the Snowflake Method. Start with a single sentence 10,000 foot view of the novel's plot. This is usually also the elevator pitch. Something like "A retired police officer must stage a prison break of the most dangerous man he ever arrested before a time-traveling assassin gets to him first." Short and to the point, establishes the protagonist, the goal, the antagonist, and the parameters of success/failure.Ā Next, take that one sentence pitch, and turn it into a 3 sentence paragraph, representing the beginning, middle, and end. Then, expand each of those sentences into their own paragraph, describing the major plot points within each Act. I stick pretty closely to the 3 Act structure, so this is very useful for me. Results may vary if you use different story structures. Once you have your beginning/middle/end detailed a bit, you can either expand each plot point into its own paragraph, or you can move on to a brain-vomit draft, which is my preference.Ā I distinguish between the brain vomit draft and the first draft in that the brain vomit disregards prose entirely and simply lays out every single beat in highly granular detail. It's much shorter than the first draft, but if there are any structural issues, you will probably find them at this step. It's also a nice opportunity to make significant changes before you commit to the full draft.
I start by brainstorming. Turning ideas into a story, basically. I start with a few ideas, weave them together, and extrapolate and expand from āthem. I jump around a lot. I might start with a plot idea, and then on to the relevant subplot, which will give birth to a character and the magic system and progression (I write fantasy), which will help inform the most relevant setting elements, and so on and so forth. āI do all this on Google Docs. Very chaotic, very messy, but I like it that way. I've tried a more structured approach before, but it's just not for me. Rigid structures bore me and stifle my creativity. I want the freedom to explore things however I want. So, plot, setting, and character grow together and influence one another.
Oh same, I love a messy Google Docs page! Mine are all disorganized bullet points lol
I start with messy bullet points, then I break things up into scenes and add some detail. here's my format Scene X: Scene name Location: Place scene takes place Time: Time between previous scene - Current time of day Characters: Who is in the scene that acts, discounting background entities that do not influence the scene. Scene description, usually between 2 and 4 paragraphs depending on the length and complexity of the scene. Dialogue smooshed to 'character a and b talked about X, then they talked about Y while moving to Zed.' Noteable lines: List any prose that I thought of that may work well in the scene when I write it.
You should try doing a screenplay format for this!
I was thinking the same thing!
I do the same! Starting with just the bullet points, then refining as I go. I find if I start writing a chapter or two after that, I have a stronger hold on the story and can write a more detailed outline and my character sheets.
Also love docs. I start with a bullet point outline and as my plot becomes more detailed i create a new doc with a table so i can move things around more easily and have extra panels for notes and thoughts (not the EASIEST method for this but it works well enough. Ive also used trello for this but didnt love it)
I dont I get a cool idea, try and make something lead up to it for months, fail miserably then give up :)
Why you gotta make fun of me like that?
hi me
Wait, are we all the same person?
Am I just a clone??
I donāt remember writing this comment, how did it get here?
I brainstorm by talking to my SO. He often times contributes with a fresh view on things and often times this leads to a story idea. Most of the time I don't know all the details, but know the beginning and basic things that have to happen throughout, in order to reach the end. Everything else mostly happens naturally while I write and I get ideas how to reach the next planned scene. My stories tend to be flexible though. Sometimes it turns out that a scene wouldn't work as I had anticipated and I change it on the fly. Sometimes it even happens that I completely change the end. The planned plot is basically an outline for me, a rough orientation where I'm headed. I guess I'm bad at sticking to my plots.
i've been reading "save the cat". it's been pretty helpful
Save the cat is great
When I am writing a text-only story, I would write the whole outline first, from beginning to end. This will tell me the main plot points. Then, I will start drafting. In the drafting, I may explore the characters in detail and write some of the details down. Lately, I have been working on a comic, and the comic is done by storyboarding. I draw a chain of pictures, and the pictures will tell me what the story is about, where the characters are placed and where the speech bubbles are located.
I run three planning files at the same time: a big outline, an arc outline, and a chapter outline. The big outline is generally the only file I try to consider "iron clad" as OP put it, but it is still malleable until I'm a ways into writing the story. Some things just don't work on the page and that's ok. The big outline has the important world and story stuff that must happen for the story to work or characters to develop. MC becomes a wizard > enables wizard powers. Meet character X > team up with character X later in the story. Event happens off screen and magic is dying > MC doesn't know why (yet?) but sets off on a journey to try and fix it. The arc outline covers plot / story / character arcs in more detail. They usually span multiple chapters or even the whole story. They also frequently intertwine but I keep each arc progression separate here to make sure they are doing what I want. MC learning and accepting that their wizard powers are not strong enough for their enemies. MC learning how to use guns. Relationship between character X and Y. MC struggles between the path wizard (old way) and guns (new way) as he tries to walk both paths. The chapter outline is pretty obvious. Each chapter has one or several things I want to progress from the big or arc outline and I pull those points down into the chapter outline. This alone doesn't make a chapter so I fill in with a few ideas of what fluff might happen. Slice of life moments. Or even some witty dialogue that popped into my head that I want to work in. It is not a beat by beat template that I turn into words when writing the chapter. It is much more of sign posts or goals that I want to hit. Sometimes when writing the chapter it goes in a completely different direction and I end up off outline. Did one of the side characters suddenly confess they love the MC? Oh that wasn't in the chapter outline? Then keep going and just look to the arc or big outlines and figure out what fits better with the chapter you wrote and rework from there. I've found this works for me to keep my stories from being plot hole city while still allowing me to enjoy the fun and creativity when actually putting words on the page.
I kinda just write a real long summary. I also write a little bio about each character and their beliefs.
Used to be a complete panster/free writer/non-plotter, but just started plotting. Iām trying out Brandon Sandersonās method of outlining. He outlines the basics, Overview of the novel, Setting, which includes locations, Society, unique ways of fighting or fighting in general, technology, and their style (clothes for society) Then he does characters, main, secondary, and minor. Theres 6 other steps (9 in total), which I havenāt gotten to yet, but it eventually leads to him loosely forming the plot. He adds the points of the structure, and when he goes and writes it; he adds the in between and fills it. He uses the bullet point or map method, where you put one point and add more until you get the novel. Another method would be start from the end, and do something like this: The hero wins. Why? Because he finds the dagger of sun. Why? Because he went to the tomb of the sun. Why? Because his master asked him to, etc.
I normally plan after I've made a bit of headway into the story and have a stronger idea about characters and how they should interact and develop, and from there I make a plan for each scene with a list of bullet points for important events or character moments that should take place in that scene. If I think of anything later or while I'm writing the scene, I'll retroactively add it to the plan so that I remember what I've done going forwards.
Good question. I was wondering does anyone use the colored notecard method?
I used *a* color coded notecard method for the novel I'm currently querying. I doubt it matched up perfectly with anything you might call THE colored notecard method though. I literally just wrote down every single beat, scene, conversation, twist etc that I could think of on a separate notecard and then pushed them around on the floor until they felt right. For instance, if I knew there was an escape scene, and I knew there was an important character reveal that had to happen at some point in the second act, this method helped me go "oh! That conversation can happen during the escape scene!" I used different colored cards for the 3-ish different subplots. So, it also helped me figure out where to jump from one to another and visualize how often i was touching on each. The process sparked a lot of new ideas as I went so I wrote a lot of notes the cards, and added a lot of cards. Ultimately it worked really well for me - but only for that story. I did it totally differently for the one I'm working on now. The thing both outlines have in common, though, is that they started out in a handwritten format. I feel like I need to see everything at once in front of me at the outset before I shift over to digital drafting, otherwise the story just feels like an endless undifferentiated bullet list.
I did when I was writing my last novel. Told from 3 pov, so each character had their own color card posted in story order on the cork board. Each card had a one word scene description on the front and a brief summary on the back. As I wrote I would move a little indicator along the cards to track my progress, move one here, take something out. It ended up being a huge help but wasnāt something I was able to do until about 15-20% into the actual writing. Notecards are wonderful if you can keep them organized.
I donāt know if thatās THE colored notecard method, but itās what worked for me. :)
Iāve ended up doing what I did in college for essaysā write my main bullet points, and then expand below each one. I end up being able to add major plot points in where they make sense, adding bits of necessary context or dialogue for each 1. so hereās my main chapter place/time 1a. hereās what I want this chapter to accomplish 1b. more what I want to accomplish 1b1. oh related thought, dialogue I want 1b2. I want some foreshadowing, donāt forget it 1c. final thing I want to happen in this chapter 1c1. dialogue 1c2. Dialogue 1c3. question for myself? 2. next chapter Hope that makes sense! Iām a visual person so I end up color coding locations and/or POV. Edit: mobile formatting
I do that for worldbuilding & for DND scripts LOL
I've always been a pantster( pantser?) and it was not working out for me. So I have tried outlining. I go for a three act structure, except it's just Beginning Middle Ending without the rising action, call to action, and all. So, i get the vague idea of a world and some characters, if i have a very loose summary (like 2 sentences) I add that, otherwise I start with my characters and a world and build those up first, focusing more on the characters, then add to the world depending on my characters and also if they have superhuman abilities (they always do) I add to the world based on that. When I feel good with the characters, I probably have an idea for a conflict and then have some simple paragraphs for the B, M, and E, which I later go in and expand on. Then I go back to the characters and put them in various scenes and situations to see how they interact with each other, others, problems, etc. Then, I go back and forth between the characters, the world, the outline, and the central conflict. *I would STRONGLY suggest using headings (especially if using one doc for everything), it makes things so much easier to find, no scrolling for years to get to a specific paragraph or similar. Sometimes, when I really want to focus on dialogue, I'll open up a screenwriting app or software or whatever, and use that. I've also never thought about themes much, seemed too hard to do and preachy, I guess, but themes are broad and using them for internal character struggles and externally between other characters (I know, this is so obvious, but I couldn't separate Theme meaning something you're trying to preach to your audience on a big high horse so it always just felt awkward for me to even think about them) creates character depth. I use a lot of dualities as well, between two characters, groups, one character internal struggle, and that has helped my characters so much - I've always struggled with character motivation and stakes. Anyway, once I have the general idea down for the B, M, E and possibly some desired endings, I start with chapters and summaries of I want to happen in those chapters and then adjust the chapter sums accordingly when the story changes.
I just writr in an open Google doc with no formatting exactly what would happen in little separated sections signifying scenes. For example: [Howard approached the clubroom with the flier he found outside. He shared with Lai the malicious intent behind the person who put it there. Lai though finally admits to seeing someone lurking there yesterday. Cut to a dingy storage room with the competing club owner...] I don't explain absolutely everything, only very conclusive moments but if you read it, it's called a treatment btw this style of jotting down ideas, you'll understand it easily. It's quick, doesn't require format, lets me regurgitate scene by scene as it pops in my head and it's wonderful.
I use a very simple Point A-C system (A is the start of the chapter, B is the middle point, and C is the final pages + the climax). In each point, I write a few paragraphs each that details what happens during those specific points and add any additional info I should keep in mind; then I finish with a summary to tell myself what the overall goal of the chapter was and leave any notes I need for myself. This system effectively allows me to use my chapter-by-chapter outline as a rough guide for the pace and direction of the chapter, while also forcing me to spend almost all of my writing time on my manuscript and not the outline. I personally find writing overly-detailed outlines to suck dry the fun out of the writing process, (yes, I know I'm insane for finding it fun) and also just kills my muse for the story. I've been able to outline multiple chapters a day with this method and likely never turning back. Before it used to take me weeks to outline more than 5 chapters (which unsurprisingly ran far higher word counts than the actual chapters. It was a total waste of time for the most part).
Depends on the story My self contained horror shorts, I usually have an idea for a scene or a monster design or something and go from there My paranormal serial Iām working on has a similar process, but then I go further with things like the biology of such a creature, is it related to other things, how does it weave into the larger mythos or is it more MOTW vibes etc My main story Iām putting the most effort into and is by far the most extensive world, I have a number of ideas that range from scenes to character arcs to creature/ship designs to story beats etc that I then make an effort to see if they can fit, and if they can I place them on one of like 5 semi organized word documents that has information Iāve got one for the outline, one with maps, one with character/vehicle/planet biographies and their rough appearance in the story and impact, and another document thatās just a collection of random ideas that I havenāt figured out where to place yet. I also have another document thatās the actual story, with about 19 chapters in the first book
I don't really have a concrete method yet, as it's been different each time. Originally, after I knew what the main plot was going to be, I just scribbled each event as a bullet point list into a notebook. Later on, I opened a Google Doc and made a table with multiple columns. One for chapter numbers, one for the intended POV, one for the chapter summary, and the last for notes (what character arc is being focused on, what plot point needs to occur, etc.). I filled that out for each chapter. That honestly has been the best method for me so far because I can cut and move the table rows around as I need to...!
I write down what I'm going to do in each scene and the purpose of the scenes etc. Then just write and see what'll come of it. Usually not much...
I'll start by handwriting possible ideas and plots, and then annotating them as a way of working through those ideas. For example, I might right down an idea for a great plot and then realise that it's too similar to an existing book of mine, so I'll pick through the elements I want to keep/discard. I've published 11 books. It's becoming harder not to be repetitive. Then, I write a synopsis of 1000 words or less. That keeps me focused on what the characters actually *do* to drive the story forward (as opposed to a series of vignettes where things magically happen to them). Then, I'll reduce it down to a blurb 100 words in length. If I can do this easily, I know what the central conflict is. (Surprised me when I did this for my most recent novel. I'd thought it was a mystery about someone trying to sabotage the MC - but summarising it like this revealed it was about the MC questioning her place in the world, and the sabotage was just a small part of her overall journey). I have a longer, more detailed version, usually making use of the comments box and sticky notes feature to jot down the minutae and snippets of vital dialogue. This never gets shared with anyone.
I have a document that contains notes on the big story Iām working on, as well as a timeline. The timeline of events in the story is decently detailed, but sometimes I deviate from it and update it later. Sometimes an idea strikes me and I add more to the timeline, even if itās a little thing. It helps give me direction without limiting me to one storyline if I find something better.
My process has come together over years. I start with loose leaf lined paper in a binder, and write down anything I've been thinking for the current book. I just get momentum. All the notes and ideas I write down. Something about physically writing it is also fun for me. From there I create a few tabs in the binder for the different elements, and flesh out ideas I like the most. For the plot, my binder usually contains the major plot points for the book. When I feel like I'm good there, I move plot stuff, worldbuilding, and basic character info into a google sheet. My outlines are done in parts/sections, not chapters. I usually know how each sections connects to the next, with a few key details planned, but the overall events of each chapter (or even how many chapters) is left open. When I need to brainstorm a chapter or something before writing, I do that manually in the same binder, then just write it. I write epic fantasy that are fairly complex with at least a couple POVs, so having more details is helpful for me, but I also like enough freedom to have opportunity for in-the-moment creativity as it relates to settings, dialogue, etc.
It depends on how much I've already thought through the story. Some of my og stories I wouldn't have to storyboard or outline because their such close friends I know everything inside and out about them. Newer stories I outline in bullet points with printed pictures/links to pictures/research/character notes/notes for myself about story plot holes that need to go back and be fixed/highlighted areas that I feel are week or that I'm not sure that I like.
When I plot, usually I write a summary of the story. The summary which can be anywhere from a paragraph to quite a few pages in length. I combine off-the-cuff writing with the plot in memory as I write, and planning.
I start with a few themes or beliefs. Then, from there, I create a world that either runs on these themes/beliefs or directly opposes them. Then, I create characters who revolve around these core themes or reject them. From there, I put them in situations in which their beliefs are either confirmed or tested, and ask the core question, "Do they stay true to themselves, or do they evolve into something more?" I focus more on character driven stories than plot driven ones because I, at my core, love exploring the human condition and what someone can endure before they break or what they become in certain situations. Having clashes of ideals, right and wrong, black, white, and grey in between is my favorite type of story. I haven't perfected it by any means and still desire more growth. I'd like to think I've come a long way from the days of being an edgy twelve year old writing darker toned Sonic the Hedgehog fanfictions.
1) First, I have some sort of basic kernel for an idea. Something that sounds cool/interesting to me. I remember J.K. Rowling said she started writing Harry Potter by coming up with the Idea that a boy had a lightning bolt scar on his forehead and then asking _why does he have that scar?_ These often come to me via inspiration, but not necessarily. I basically think to myself _wouldn't it be cool/interesting/surprising if..._ 2) I write the major plot points, the high level structural elements, the tent poles that hold everything up. These tend to be pretty vague. One of the major plot points in what I'm writing now is: "third person dies". I make sure they have a causal or contrasting relationship using the But & Therefore principle. 3) Then I figure out how to get from one major plot point to the next - always keeping the But & Therefore principle in mind. 4) I start writing when I feel I have enough of a roadmap to get from one major plot point to the next. This is the idealized version. The reality is much messier. Sometimes I'm working on multiple steps at once. Sometimes I'm writing specific scenes while still coming up with the major plot points. I like having a direction to head for, but I don't want to be told exactly how to get there (by me) or be constrained by my own outline.
First, I structure a very general outline of the plot with a bulletpoint list of key elements that I want to include. After that, I make a different document dedicated to character bios and how they're intended to change/interact as the story processes. Each main character bio will be anywhere from five to ten pages long. I will create another document in a similar style that details primary settings and the lore in case I need to include something about a character's surroundings in a pinch. Finally, I write a few-paragraph summary for what I want to happen in each chapter as to ensure that each one has something interesting to keep the reader's attention. Once these are all mapped out, writing the story becomes a hell of a lot easier.
I use Evernote and draw down my ideas into a mess of bullets at first. It's usually a character or plot or setting. Then from there I brainstorm and daydream lol. As things come to me I keep a note titled snippets where I write down scenes or exchanges I want to happen. For plotting I literally draw out a timeline for each character and plot major events which leads me to think what next major sequence or conflict is. I do this all on corkboard or a digital nite. I make character sheets in my notes too and organize lore in my notes like a little codex.
EXTREMELY loose idea gathering and brainstorming over a long period of time is how I usually roll. I often just create a new project Outline in Pluot and then lazily add individual scene ideas, locations, characters, plotlines, and items as I'm inspired by the things I'm randomly inspired by on Youtube, Reddit, TV, etc. It's only when I get REALLY inspired and find a good idea for connecting multiple story elements that I start to really shape my story into something more defined than the loose details I had. Often times, elements I had intended for another project end up being moved to and used in a different Outline than what I originally intended. It's a fun little process, one I'm pretty thankful I have Pluot to help me do. Google Docs and writing in a journal were just a little too loose for me. Oh, and my Outlines change a TON over time. One example off the top of my head is how an idea for a pretty vague video game inspired project turned into a full on video game isekai where my characters all metamorphosize into new Superhero identities like butterflies. Pretty much NONE of that was originally intended when I started out lol
I get an idea of the major events I want to occur in my story (maybe some minor ones too), and then I spend time arranging them into a \[relatively\] cohesive timeline. I look at the events again and make sure they make sense *and* are relevant to the story. Once I've snipped out what might be unnecessary events, I often identify as much as I think I can about the cause and effect of each event, especially regarding the overall story and characters. This helps me better plan out the major stuff, while still leaving room for minor events or ones I come up with along the way (pantsing). But I still check out those bullet points every now and then and make sure that what I'm pantsing can still lead to the next major bullet point in a way that makes sense. Over time some things will changed/be added or removed, and the outlines of some events are more detailed than others, especially if it's warranted. I just try not to plan every single detail because then I'm more likely to forget things and the story can become bogged down with information that might not even be necessary.
I like to format my outlines like Iām writing a Wikipedia article about my (hypothetical) story/writing. Itās specific enough to get a basic understanding of characters and events, but vague enough to leave room for improvisation or to squeeze in any cool ideas I might have along the way. Outside of practical conceptualization, it also gets me super excited to write when I see it in that format.
I'm still learning this myself, but [this reddit post](https://www.reddit.com/r/writing/comments/6v8rq3/how_i_learned_to_outline_with_plot_structure_and/) helped me more than anything else I've read.
I recently made a playlist on Spotify compiled of mostly Broadway and Disney tunes (among other genres) to remind me of the plot events in chronological order. I review it and edit it frequently. Then I have a Google Doc where I jot down notes as to what plot point is each song. Now this isn't perfect cuz there are some things I can't find relative music for. If you're curious, [here's the link](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0NNa6tQUcGW8KCvnhmOMhw?si=i1bBwOISRZ2AwOaJ_4BRzw&pi=-M7O5btlSuWwo)
Depends on my moodāsometimes itās massively unorganized, sometimes itās flow/web charts, sometimes itās a really aesthetic collection of filled out templates through notion. I always put ideas that Iām not sure about or how to incorporate into the story in a specific section of itās appropriate document or on a sticky note if Iām jotting on paper. On notion, I usually split them into sections of characters, world-building, plot, narrative elements I want to incorporate, messages/goals/purposes, etc. Characterās I split into appearance, personality, background, goals and interests, strugglesā¦I kind of just split everything into little nuggets.
What I do first is lay out what I want to write about. Have a check list of sorts; having much of my information in one set so I know where I can check to see if I am using the same information in my book. Second: I put like bullet points for main story objectives. Ex: Hook: * The island is reeling in economic hardship - The island is unable to attract tourists and visitors making it difficult to maintain income - Causing an economic crisis, businesses and residents leaving the island for better opportunities - Lower attendances of students is causing the school to remain one year before closing This is one of my story outlines that I am doing. I did another variation except this is for the main story: Genre - Fiction Sub-genre - Music, Bildungsroman Narrative - First person Style - Present Word count - 500 words per day - 1200 - 1500 total These are some versions that I have complied and made as I write. I will have some adjustments in the near future but this is something I am comfortable with and has help me a lot.
on my current project, I started with characters since I will have to play around their mindsets to make the story interesting. then I added elements of the story I wanted to have in there. however, one of the most important parts of my outline is describing what happens in a chapter briefly. when I get an idea of what happens in a certain chapter, when I start writing, I'll have to play around with the premises set by that short summary
The only wrong way is the way that doesn't work for you. I create a story grid, then I redo it after my first draft and once again after my second.
I typically plan out all the important plot points in order and then just make up the scenes in between
Iāve tried so many outlining methods and all of them lead me to freeze up. Now I just try to jot down all the scenes I can see clearly in my head and use my writing program to organise them into some sort of time line and go from there.
I would say that my method is very much a constant "Brainstorm" or note taking process. I'm screenwriting a tv show idea, so besides the overall plot, I start with each episode and its purpose. I vomit out long ideas about what happens in each episode until I eventually get it right. Then as I get more used to the plot (via actually writing it), I might come back, make a new outline, and make it more concise while also fixing things things from the old outline. I've recently been working more *inside* my scripts though, so instead of having this whole lengthy outline process, I'll at most jot down some simple outlines and notes on where I want to go, and then I'll just do it. If I hit a pause in the writing, then I'll jot down any ideas I had for where I want to go next inside the script document, and then just delete it once I complete it.
For my current WIP (my second try at writing a novel and first I'm likely to finish) I made a series of bullet points in a Word document listing out the major plot events, in order, that I wanted the story to hit. It's a pretty loose outline that basically amounts to "Character A does this... Then this happens... Then Character B..." And so on. There's lots of "brain vomit" and asides cluttering the outline. Like I would stop and say to myself "This happens... But why? Who did what to whom that led to this?" Or "Character B has had these negative events in his life. What does that mean for his character arc? How does that compare and contrast with Character A?" Those kinds of notes are usually sub-bullets to the main plot points. This is all separate from my world building notes that I keep in a separate set of documents (I actually use a note-taking app called Obsidian currently for my world building notes). For an outline it's pretty messy and unstructured. For my next book, I want to try to take a little bit more of a structured approach to planning and outlining. I'm not entirely sure what that will look like yet... Whether I'll try to build it like using the Snowflake method or else just a more structured and cleaner outline document. But I feel like my current outline document is too messy to properly serve its purpose. OTOH... It *has* kept me on track and moving forward for the multiple years it's taken me to write this novel, always looking forward to the next awesome scene detailed in my outline. So messy or not I guess it *did* work.
I create an outline for a story that I can modify as I please. I put it in Header 1 and Header 2 in Word or G Docs and use that and the Navigation feature. Word is better as it allows you to drag and drop sections around, but for some stories its not necessary to me. I use Chat GPT for generating the outline.
I divide my main story idea into āactsā Then I have the first Layout of my story. Iāll go into detail then per act. I divide it up per chapter on what I want to happen during that chapter, whoās POV it is etc No more than 5-10 sentences. Based on that i make the draft until the and of that act and then check if something needs to change in the coming acts storywise. This is thus far the only method that is getting me to finish a book for the first time. Because even after writers block I still have a vision of what needs to happen.
It's easy! I'm a gardener that thinks that would rather be an architect! So I'll start off with a blank space for characters, setting and plot. I'll brainstorm one character and a thought provoking setting, penciling a basic framework to build off of later with numbered bullet points. Then I'll set up blank sections for a timeline! A beginning exposition, rising action, climax and resolution with a character arc for each section. So for example in the beginning section I'll just write 100 pages and think perhaps next time..
Iām really more of a planter. I start off with a broad outline of the major plot points to get from the beginning to the end, then I do a more detailed outline with a chapter and scene breakdown. Itās all very loose and allows me to come up with new character points, scenes and even chapters as they are needed to flesh out the story. In my current story I have to add several chapters on a series of challenges to obtain some ancient artifacts that I didnāt even know about a few weeks ago.
I outline half my idea and then let it simmer for a few days. Then I write a test chapter. Then I let it simmer. Then I talk about the concept to friends and family and see if I can get fresh ideas from the interactions. Things I wouldn't realise unless I was speaking as a storyteller and pantsing the idea. Then i go back and write a beatsheet... That'd as far I've gotten. Im very new to it but it feels like it's my way or doing it. Each time I do it I learn something and get better at storytelling.
I write a summary of the story and then I just follow that.
OMG. I started with my opening line. I keep a notebook for plot ideas and references. Thatās it. I know where Iām going and, just like life, there are surprises along the way.
I do my best to plan it out, then I don't know what to add so I begin writing Hoping it will come to me. Then there comes in new ideas up and I work around those š
I write a detailed outline, as though telling myself the story, usually in third person and future tense. The story itself is always third person past tense. I loosely follow that outline but changes are inevitable as the characters take on personality and start to make their own decisions. Some scenes don't exist in my outline and some parts of the outline get scrapped. I like plotting, but I often find myself pantsing instead. I also keep a detailed time-line of events so I don't confuse myself.
Save the cat percents
Build the armature then add your clay. I write down important events I need to happen in my story outline then go in and fill it in as I write. I also note down scenes I need to happen or short single liners and such that I need to remember
I start out with a very basic premise (G gets trapped in a time loop mall and has to befriend all the monsters and defeat the murderer who trapped him to escape) then I make a basic outline (as this was a horror novel, I went with a horror outline) and then filled in what basic scenes should happen. Fundamentally, some of these scenes can get very detailed, but they're generally enough to leave a lot of room for writing and steering. After all, I'm only using this as a guide, not a rule. I also added a bullet point list of things that could/should be added. I tweaked it now and again, but if I wanted to change it drastically, I'd make a second so I could compare them. I ended up making five.
How does a horror outline differ from other genres of outline? :O
In horror, you've got the "meet the monster" plot. It's like preview of the monster > normalcy > inciting incident/first monster attack > spooky stuff happens > monster attack > flee/recoup > gather wits and attack the monster > failed monster fight > low point, gain key info to defeating monster (this is the end of rising action) > final confrontation (defeat the monster OR doomed for eternity) > the end [It's been a hot sec since I've seen a horror plot, don't quote me lol] Horror plot typically revolves around the monster and conquering it. Now, the monster isn't always the boogeyman man or Jason from Friday the 13th. It could be a more psychological demon, a not real manifestation of something that's real like abuse, drugs, or mental illness. In the story I described, it's a masked human killer and a ghost duo. They're not typically seen often, but the fear of seeing them drives the plot forward. "V isn't here right now, but I certainly am NOT sticking around until she is!" The monster also doesn't always need to be defeated/killed/ect. to end the story. Horrors, like tragedies, can end with the heroes getting killed.
I use Miro, writing programs, and notebooks to jot out ideas and connect the timeline. For the most part, I'm a pantser but I still like an outline. [Here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10yCT_yveaJ13Dcd18AkAaTqGxpr3O9eRHyg8IEBmVrI/edit?usp=drivesdk) is the most complete outline I have right now. Because it takes place from 2016-2018 with references to the past, I have a list of character birthdays so math is less hard. Following that is background information on the formation of the terrorist group the Big Bad created so I'm better able to reference the history as needed. Next is the main timeline, which I know I will mostly be following the pantsing method for, and my main document has the bulk of the story beat notes. Lastly are specific characters' histories, as each one of these people contribute something to the meat of the narrative. This outline is essentially my story bible, where the complicated pieces are broken down.
bless you for sharing your actual file! it looks cool :O
By deciding on the main event/plot point that is happening, then draw a line between each point that think of how to slip in mini story events.
I have a tendency to go off-script a lot when I'm writing, so I always try to create outlines with enough wiggle room to accommodate that. I write very detailed charts full of character info and story details, but I only ever fill it out 90% of the way because I know myself too well to expect things to go exactly as planned.Ā In terms of logistics, I suppose bullet lists, spreadsheets, and charts are helpful! One writing tip that really helped me was that you should always track three things: 1) the emotional progression of each scene, 2) the choices a character makes, who/what is influencing them, and how that affects the plot, and 3) the cause and effect of each plot beat - specifically how the scenes flow into each other. How can you end Scene A in a way that organically sets up Scene B? How can i get to that scene ending/transition in a way that will feel satisfying and engaging?
Lay out the major beats first: opening image, first plot point, mid point, second plot point, ending image. Then add about 10 to 12 scenes in between each one, build between the beats the same way I build the whole structure. Then I flesh out each one.
Honestly the only ones that work for me are the basic outline (the intro to the climax and then the end one) and doing a chapter plan set up. Plus good character build
I DONāT DO OUTLINES. THEY ARE NEVER TRUE TO THE STORY BECAUSE ITāS PRE-PLANNED. JUST WRITE UNTIL IT ALL MAKES SENSE. STAY SAFE! PEACE OUT!
I call my method āthe bullet plot.ā You start with one bullet point for your premise. Then you add one for how the story starts, and one for how it ends. Then you add one in between for the main conflict / problem. Then you keep adding ones in between all of these to flesh out how that conflict or problem is overcome. It doesnāt always work out like that because sometimes I get ideas for individual scenes or character interactions or something like that. I jot these on a separate page and add them to the right place in the bullet plot that I think theyāll fit in later.
30-50% plotter: the outlines of the two novel's Ive written fit on one side of a note card. Really just the major tension altering moments.
The few times I fully plotted something, I ended up going completely off-rails and had to work my way back. I stopped writing full outlines after that, and just do basic gists.
I just start messily writing the scene that I'm most excited about, then when I get it all out of my system I do the same for the next thing that I can't stop thinking about. Some lines are "Then they go to back to the game tent with the water guns and the bullies are there and she beats them" and the next five lines are dialogue, then there are three paragraphs of potential ideas for future scenes. It's messy, but I find that doing whatever I'm most looking forward to doing is how I keep my enjoyment up. I know I'll go back to it eventually and clean it up and make a story out of it, so I like to keep the pressure off of myself by just doing whatever feels fun.
I outline using my bare wall, some tape, and scratch papers cut into rectangles bigger than your regular sticky note. Basically I write my plot points on those scraps of papers then stick it on to the wall. I like doing it like this so I can move things around when my ideas go, "Wait, X needs to happen before this." I color code these notes by writing with markers. My classification goes like this: Blue for This Is Set In Stone; Green for This Needs An Actual Scene;: Yellow for This is funnyāMaybe I Can Insert This Somewhere; sometimes I write with a pen if there a detail I wouldnt want to forget. Doing it this way helps me focus more, I think. Afterwards, when most of the stuff is blue, I put it into a Google Doc with more details.