I'm sitting at my keyboard jotting down notes for the plot of my latest WIP and am suddenly wondering how other writers tackle the whole plotting process. I'm an analytical person and want to try to approach the task systematically. I've created a Word document with a number list of plot points, i.e. a chronological list of events that take place in the story. Each numbered item is about a paragraph long with a summary of the interaction between the characters. No dialogue, no scene description. Just the action. Hopefully I'll be able to use each item or combine items to develop a scene or scenes for a chapter. Once that's done, I'll read the items as a reader, not a writer, looking for holes, inconsistencies and illogics. This will allow me to ask questions which will aid in developing character motives and reactions.Next I'll use my trusty-dusty Scene Worksheets. The scene worksheets are terrific. One each sheet I record:- Chapter and scene number, i.e Chapter 1, Scene 2
- Location/Setting
- Character Point of View
- Characters present
- Scene goal(s)
- Starting point
- End point
- Events in the scene
- What the scene accomplishes?
- Where does this scene lead?
Sounds pretty intense, huh? I'm simply trying to make sense of the plot and not wing it as I go. Have I run int roadblocks? Yep, my first WIP is mired right in the middle chapters, mainly because my hero and heroine don't seem to want to act according to the plan. I know in time those two and I will have a detente, but it's been hard.
I have read that other writers use devices like:
- Outlines
- Index cards
- Writing in notebooks
- Storyboards and pictures
So how do you plot? I'm dying to know.
