Writing 108

Plotting. You need it. I need it and every writer needs it at some point. Not because you can't figure out the story in your head but to get over the boring bits. I love writing all the exciting bits but often the action is choppy because I literally skip the boring bits. I blame my dyslexia for this but I need the plotting to make sure everything is there that is needed.

I could tell you how to plot but I've found there is no wrong or right way to plot. I often change the way I plot from book to book. Depending on the problem I'm facing in my book. If I'm plotting out a fight scene I like to use toy soldiers and large pieces of paper to draw out the battle field. There is one clear thing. You need to record your thoughts in some manner. Whether that is notes, pictures or bullet points it is up to you.

Task 8

Write down what you know of your plot. Link in the bits that you do know about. Then put in what comes before what you know and what comes after. Make sure you have in the ending.

Now before you go on to write anything think of what your message is. These are called subplots. Put hints in everywhere.

Ask yourself this question: What purpose does this scene have?

You should have at least two. If it has no point but only one then combine two scenes.

Here are some purposes to a scene: pushing plot forward, learning about a character, introducing new people, introducing new ideas, setting and anything else you can think of but these are my big ones.