A plot is a daydream that a writer uses to craft a novel. Many books have been written on how to write a first draft, how to create interesting characters, how to write natural dialogue and how to beat writer's block, but the one thing the 'HOW TO' books can't agree on is when to plot the novel.
Some books insist that a writer should spend weeks, maybe months, writing a detailed plot, including spreadsheets of characters' descriptions and their backgrounds. The other books suggest that plotting inhibits the creative flow of a novelist. The information is conflicting and confusing. So what should a novice writer do?
A NOVEL IS A JOURNEY
Why do so many many novice writers never finish their novel? Most writers start out with a two-page outline and run out of steam or ideas or encounter writer's block. Writers must know where their plots are going. If you were taking a long car trip, you wouldn't leave without a detailed map or GPS tracker. A novel is like a journey and if the writer plans in advance, the ride will be much smoother. The excitement of beginning a novel without an outline can be hazardous to the writing process, sort of like jumping into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim.
WHY PLOT FIRST?
If your memory is a sieve like mine, you may want to get all your ideas on paper before you begin to write your novel. Knowing what is going to happen allows the writing process to flow without stopping to work out any glitches. I don't believe a writer needs fifty to one-hundred outlined pages before they begin to write. I've done that in the past and realized when the novel was finished that I didn't use half of the notes or research I spent months working on.
There's something about jotting down initial plot ideas with a pen and paper that I find stimulating. I love to fill a notebook with ideas, character sketches and research that is relevant to the novel. This is what I use to craft a formal outline in the computer.
I like to create scenes separately, because it's hard to know how long each chapter will be when it's written. I don't number chapters until I'm finished editing the first draft. So, scene by scene, I draft what I hope will be an outline that takes my characters on a journey that a reader will enjoy. I write a paragraph or two about what happens in each scene. For point of view, I decide which character has the most to gain or lose and detail the conflict he/she encounters.
A writer needs to know the characters inside and out. A page describing each character in your notebook will come in handy when you forget what color eyes they have or how tall they are.
You need to know the main character's goal and what obstacles will get in his/her way. What motivates the main character to keep stumbling through hundreds of pages to achieve that goal?
EXPECT TO DEVIATE FROM THE PLOT
There's no such thing as a perfect first draft, but the more plotting and researching you do before writing, the less editing you'll need to do later. It will also allow you to write a manuscript that doesn't end up looking like the dog's dinner during the editing process.
Don't stop writing to make those brilliant changes you suddenly think of or you'll lose momentum. Jot ideas down in your notebook and keep writing until you finish the first draft. Taking the time to craft a scene-by-scene outline will save a writer from abandoning an unfinished novel.
What is your favorite way to plot a novel?
Oh, I love this rosy glow, Cynthia. I agree that you have to have an outline to guide you through process before you begin a novel. The ending might still be elusive, i.e. you might have more than one option, but whatever comes to mind, jot it down.
ReplyDeleteThe same with character development. A character's physical looks are less important than what the main character stands for. It's important to know what motivates him or you are lost going forward. His or her actions must reflect his basic principles. A character who is deeply religious is unlikely to start swearing unless there's something wrong. But don't be too rigid. Let your characters find their own path - you'd be surprised what they will reveal that you didn't know beforehand.
A timeline is another handy tool, especially if you contemplate flashbacks or flash forward scenes. You are going to hit snags in the road and have to made vital decisions along the way. The trick is not to panic, but give yourself space; back away for a breather and the answer will emerge. Just keep going. Editing is the last thing you should worry about.
Yes, I agree with you, Tina. Characters must ring true throughout the novel and that goes for the antagonist as well as the protagonist. People don't change overnight. Epiphanies can strike characters, but gradual transformations throughout the manuscript work best.
ReplyDeleteTimelines are a must, especially when working on a dual time frame novel. We've all hits snags along the way. I agree that distancing yourself from the project is the best method. An hour, day or sometimes longer until the solution becomes clear.
Sometimes a writer is too close to their work and the outline is telling them one thing, while the characters are saying another. Go with the flow and see where the new direction takes you. Don't even think about the editing process until the first draft is finished.
Great post, Cynthia. I use a written outline (scribbled in a goofy-looking, spiral-bound notebook dedicated specifically to a project) basically to get the broad outlines of the story established. I seldom revisit the outline once I'm underway in the story, except to remind myself of ideas I had at the beginning. Most of the time I veer off course from the original outline, because the book always takes on a life and course of its own. But usually the main beats stay in place--main characters, major turning points, and major cliff hangars. The plot outline is where I do most of my up-front brainstorming. It's never a thing of beauty, though! It often looks like the work of a disordered mind, which probably is close to the truth. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathryn, I love scribbling in notebooks, too. I must get the ideas out while their swimming around my head and I prefer a pen and paper to the computer for the original concept. Up until now the plots have stayed pretty much in tune with the outline, but the novel I'm working on now is trying to take several major detours and I'm rather excited about it!
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