Writing Focus: Planning for Those Who Cannot

Some people are born planners. From their daily routine to their writing habits, they have everything mapped out and ready to go. However, some of us are the exact opposite of this. For these people, planning a novel seems like an almost impossible task. If you’re a ‘write as you go’ kind of person, but are finding that this just isn’t working, then fear not! There are a few simple techniques you can use to start planning.

Techniques

The As-You-Go Method: This method is perfect for beginners, as it will not set you up with the mammoth task of planning the whole novel! It goes on a write-one-plan-one basis -- you write a chapter and then you plan the chapter after that one, so that when you come to write it you’ve already got a plan sitting ready to go! If you’re going to be writing your story over a long period of time then this method works well to keep the plotline down on paper.

The Chapter-by-Chapter Method: if you’re just starting out with planning, this can seem like a daunting task. This method involves mapping out every single chapter of your story, complete with a basic synopsis of what will happen in every chapter. Although this can be time-consuming and seem like a waste of time, this will give you a solid, structured outline of all of the action on your novel.

The Storyboard Method: If you’re more of a visual thinker, then storyboarding your plotline might help more than writing! Take whatever medium you want -- electronic drawing, physical pieces of paper or even a corkboard littered with things relevant to every chapter -- and just draw out, sketch, scribble or stick what’s going to happen. If you get stuck whilst writing, you can always come back to your board and you’ve got a visual representation of what you want to happen.

Quotes and Extracts Method: If planning a whole chapter isn’t your thing, then you can also plan by using an integral quote or extract that you want to include in the chapter. Simply include the quote under the chapter headline. If the quote is something strong enough, it should allow you to remember exactly what that chapter is about when you look at it!

The Easy Way Out: If you’re really not too bothered about planning out your novel using a long or drawn-out method, you can always ‘cheat’ and use an online planning site! Sites such as StoryPlanner Basic and LitLift ask you basic questions to allow you to plan your story. Cheating? Nah, more like using your time wisely!

Tips

Carry around something that you can constantly write in, whether that be a notebook or an electronic device with a notes section. If anything comes to mind about your plot, write it down and transfer it into one final document (or your online plan) so that everything is together and easy to find.

Remember -- you don’t always have to stick to the plan! If you feel like your story is going to be better by following a slightly different plotline, don’t stress yourself out over following the plan! Sit down, re-plan the remaining sections and just go for it.

Although planning can be time-consuming and very daunting to those of us who avoid planning stories, it can also be a very beneficial tool, especially when the throes of writer’s block start to creep in. So, even if you’re not a planner at heart, give it a go! You might find it easier than you thought.

Special thanks to losing control. and silent hearts. for editing!