Writing Writing Tip: How To Plan A Story

[ChocolateLover030]

I just let my thoughts wander for a while after outlining the main points of the story. Most of the main characters came to be that way. I don't write any notes or plans and simply think a few chapters ahead in my mind before simply writing. Not sure if this is normal though.

I do the same as well. Just pulling whatever comes out from my butt as I write.

 

[averagewriter]

It's pretty normal. When I was starting to write back in my college days, it's my way of doing a manuscript. A lot of my students do the same.

The problem with such approach is that there's bound to have inconsistencies once the story is written, or worse, some authors tend to forget that good idea they have in mind after doing some other activities.

The purpose of planning not only speeds up the timetable, it also serves as a reference for ideas in your work.

Also, do take note that this is just another way of doing things, and not exactly THE way. I think if such way worked for you, then it's your method of doing things.

Well.. about inconsistencies and forgetting. I don't worry about those. I am one those people who only needs to read a story once to remember all of the main details maybe even those charcters only mentioned once. Though I only have this ability when it comes to novels.?

 

[Deleted member 29316]

Well.. about inconsistencies and forgetting. I don't worry about those. I am one those people who only needs to read a story once to remember all of the main details maybe even those charcters only mentioned once. Though I only have this ability when it comes to novels.?

It only means you're focused when it comes to novels. A pretty handy skill in writing, if you ask me.

 

[BenJepheneT]

I do the same as well. Just pulling whatever comes out from my butt as I write.

I kinda do that, but I always have a faint outline of what I want my story to be at the end.

It's less of a plan and more of a contingency situation to set the scenarios back on track. Instead of having a track that'll reliably lead me to my destination, I toss a grappling hook to the other side and swing like all hell as I pull myself to my destination.

It's more dangerous and can sometimes lead to stagnation, yes. But I find this to be entertaining to the reader AND the writer. I don't know about you but I find the act of tightroping your way through your story with nothing but your characters' motivations, goals, personality and a general theme to be infinitely more fun and unpredictable, as sometimes you might write your way into an epiphany that might dawn an entirely new idea or inspire a different execution for the plot you're writing.

I'm not saying that pantsting is good. I'm just saying that sometimes, with an iron-clad blueprint, it can sometimes feel unadventurous and stagnant at times. Of course, you could construct God's Armpit during your planning and make it plugged tight and free of plot holes and errors, but for me, I find the mistakes I make along the way to be forgivable in the face of complete freedom save for a general idea of an ending for each arc.

It's like an option between a linear game and an open sandbox. Sure, a linear game might bring you across tightly made set-pieces, handcrafted for your pleasure, but an open sandbox gives the leeway of threading the unbeaten path and just might open up an entirely new route to you.

That said, stop making open sandbox games. Unisoft™ the Undead Lich, Hallowed be Thy Name done it well with FarCry 3 ONCE and the dead horse was dragged across a whole decade ever since.

 

[Deleted member 29316]

I kinda do that, but I always have a faint outline of what I want my story to be at the end.

It's less of a plan and more of a contingency situation to set the scenarios back on track. Instead of having a track that'll reliably lead me to my destination, I toss a grappling hook to the other side and swing like all hell as I pull myself to my destination.

It's more dangerous and can sometimes lead to stagnation, yes. But I find this to be entertaining to the reader AND the writer. I don't know about you but I find the act of tightroping your way through your story with nothing but your characters' motivations, goals, personality and a general theme to be infinitely more fun and unpredictable, as sometimes you might write your way into an epiphany that might dawn an entirely new idea or inspire a different execution for the plot you're writing.

I'm not saying that pantsting is good. I'm just saying that sometimes, with an iron-clad blueprint, it can sometimes feel unadventurous and stagnant at times. Of course, you could construct God's Armpit during your planning and make it plugged tight and free of plot holes and errors, but for me, I find the mistakes I make along the way to be forgivable in the face of complete freedom save for a general idea of an ending for each arc.

It's like an option between a linear game and an open sandbox. Sure, a linear game might bring you across tightly made set-pieces, handcrafted for your pleasure, but an open sandbox gives the leeway of threading the unbeaten path and just might open up an entirely new route to you.

That said, stop making open sandbox games. Unisoft™ the Undead Lich, Hallowed be Thy Name done it well with FarCry 3 ONCE and the dead horse was dragged across a whole decade ever since.

Nah, that plan approach is flexible. As I said in my previous thread replies, it's only a reference.

I could tell because I do not follow my plans exactly to the dot as well. Like you said, there are times you might arrive at some epiphany and apply it to the story. It's fun, and at the same time, it gets the job done in the time span you alloted...especially if you have other real life concerns (like attending to clients, in my example).

 

[Deleted member 1244]

So how do I plan my stories?

Interesting.
Other then a few differences, I worked largely in the same way.

And just a side note on Pantser and Planner.

Some of the pansters that I have met... and I am not talking about professional established "Panter", I mean the new writer / inexperienced pantsers. Of them that I know, they tell me how they hate planning can't write with any forethought further that one sitting, which is fine. But some would carry the misconception that by not planning, they don't need to understand story structure, or literary theory. And over the years, by watching how a good writer that works in the pantser style, I learned that they are quite the opposite. They have a need to know how stories work... to a degree that it exists both consciously and subconsciously. And their use of narrative mechanics and techniques is almost their second nature.

I can tell from the conversations I have with them, that they know instantly, what "works" and what makes something "work". They know how if one thing change, what other thing have to as well. So when the second draft came around there is actually something good in the first draft to work with. And having that knowledge to back up the pantser style is how they prevent themselves from spewing out derivative narratives or try to regurgitation a tired trope.

And that comes with their...what? 10 to 20 years of endlessly reading, writing and breathing stories... Then again, the talented might be able to get to that state in 2 to 5 years with a lot of hard work I imagine...

I am of the regular ilk, so the only good stories and films that I made, rare as they may be, I planned extensively with countless readjustments and then rewrote them obsessively with draft after draft.

Everything that I pantsed had been trash. But that's just me. But I think trying out both is a good thing.

 

[Deleted member 29316]

Interesting.
Other then a few differences, I worked largely in the same way.

And just a side note on Pantser and Planner.

Some of the pansters that I have met... and I am not talking about professional established "Panter", I mean the new writer / inexperienced pantsers. Of them that I know, they tell me how they hate planning can't write with any forethought further that one sitting, which is fine. But some would carry the misconception that by not planning, they don't need to understand story structure, or literary theory. And over the years, by watching how a good writer that works in the pantser style, I learned that they are quite the opposite. They have a need to know how stories work... to a degree that it exists both consciously and subconsciously. And their use of narrative mechanics and techniques is almost their second nature.

I can tell from the conversations I have with them, that they know instantly, what "works" and what makes something "work". They know how if one thing change, what other thing have to as well. So when the second draft came around there is actually something good in the first draft to work with. And having that knowledge to back up the pantser style is how they prevent themselves from spewing out derivative narratives or try to regurgitation a tired trope.

And that comes with their...what? 10 to 20 years of endlessly reading, writing and breathing stories... Then again, the talented might be able to get to that state in 2 to 5 years with a lot of hard work I imagine...

I am of the regular ilk, so the only good stories and films that I made, rare as they may be, I planned extensively with countless readjustments and then rewrote them obsessively with draft after draft.

Everything that I pantsed had been trash. But that's just me. But I think trying out both is a good thing.

Hmm...I think I'm more on the planning side than a pantser. Though midway through the story, I might insert some better ideas than what is written in the plan.

 

[Agusstand]

Well, as most other denizens of SH know, I always recommend planning stories before writing the manuscript in 'one sitting'. And by one sitting, I meant a certain amount of time, like three weeks (my usual time allotment), or one month, or whatever fits your bill (just don't let it go over six months). The purpose of it is because the longer a story takes in writing, the greater the risk that an author might lose interest in finishing it, as well as adding more 'seemingly good' details that the original idea gets lost in the process.

Oh, take note that this is just one way to do it. It's not the only process, but as the title says, it's a 'tip'.

So how do I plan my stories?

First, I must answer these items...

• Genre (This is so that the story wouldn't get lost if it takes time to finish)
• Theme (What's the general feel of your story? Is it about survival? Character development? Revenge? etc.)
• What was the story all about? (Here, the answer should be the overall goal of your main character. From start to finish.)

After answering these, I go over the 'Problems' section. I answer this in order.

1. Main Problem (This will be the main problem of your story, which would affect the entire narrative)
2. Solution to the Main Problem (This will be the overall direction of your story, from start to finish)
3. Arising Problems (This part would give rise to your possible arcs, if any. Take note that this is optional.)
4. Solutions to the Problems

Then once I got these problems answered, I'd plot my story from start to finish. My reference would be the answers in the 'Problems' section. You know how the plotting is done, but just in case, I'd put it here.

• Introduction (You know the drill. Introduce the characters and the plot)
• Rising Tension (The problem shows its ugly head)
• Climax (The most exciting part of your story)
• Falling Tension (Everything gets solved, including that math problem you couldn't do in your elementary days)
• End (Happy ever after! Or do they?)

This is also applicable when you're planning your arcs.

Once I'm done with the story settings, I always create the characters...at least the main ones. Usually, my side characters are just products of the story as I write it. But in case a side character has a major role later in the narrative, I would also plan the character's description.

The result is, I could write an entire manuscript in a small span of time (usually three weeks). The edits are a separate matter, but you get the idea of how planning affects the speed of writing. Take note, this wouldn't--and you shouldn't--sacrifice the quality of your work, as you would be able to rectify your plot holes as you go along the plans, and while writing the manuscript as well.

Hope this helps!

P.S.: If you guys got questions, you may PM me. I'd try my best to answer your concerns ?

This is so helpful, but the case is... I'm a true procrastinator. when i just got an idea to write, ill just keep that in mind. my hand just didnt want to move.
guess I'm just gonna be a reader. but i'll keep this tips for the future... who knows if i will be the next jk rowling

 

[Deleted member 29316]

This is so helpful, but the case is... I'm a true procrastinator. when i just got an idea to write, ill just keep that in mind. my hand just didnt want to move.
guess I'm just gonna be a reader. but i'll keep this tips for the future... who knows if i will be the next jk rowling

Procrastination is really an author's 'frienenemy'.

 

[RepresentingCaution]

Lovely tips! Thanky <3

 

[Maple-Leaf]

Also, do take note that this is just another way of doing things, and not exactly THE way. I think if such way worked for you, then it's your method of doing things.

Ah yes, I believe this is a very important point. I get discouraged when reading writing tips often because the way I do things is way different, and, in any way one can look at it, lazier. I feel like I’m going down the wrong path or something. I think writing tips, or any guides for that matter, can be very subjective and it’s important to learn the difference between useful advice and subjective methods.

Which means, not writing a single word for more than 4 weeks does not make me a bad author, I’m simply different, and there is nothing you can say to convince me otherwise.
Now, if you’d excuse me, I need to get back to procrastinating productively being different.

 

[Deleted member 29316]

Ah yes, I believe this is a very important point. I get discouraged when reading writing tips often because the way I do things is way different, and, in any way one can look at it, lazier. I feel like I’m going down the wrong path or something. I think writing tips, or any guides for that matter, can be very subjective and It’s important to learn the difference between useful advice and subjective methods.

Which means, not writing a single word for more than 4 weeks does not make me a bad author, I’m simply different, and there is nothing you can say to convince me otherwise.
Now, if you’d excuse me, I need to get back to procrastinating productively being different.

Yes, that's one of the most forgotten part of many tips and tutorials: the fact that it is just one of the ways to improve. Different people have different ways, and different sets of attitudes and behavior towards something (like writing). As such, instead of helping to improve, it causes self-doubt and depression.