For authors: plotting tips

You might have a great idea and fantastic characters, but there has to be a plot in there or all you get is a series of events.

I’m a new author and, though I’d like to think that I can write semi-decently, I have trouble with my plots. I usually have an idea for a book, I know how to start and I know what the crisis will be. It’s the middle that tends to…well, sag. Between happy status quo and crisis, what happens?

Well, I found a great post to help me with my plotting issues. First, it explains what a plot should look like in very simple language (I like simple). It splits up the plot into 10 steps that every book should have and they’re very clear. I read it and a light just went off. If I had this as a skeleton for my ideas, I’d be so set! So, I thought I’d share it. Here’s the link:http://www.novel-writing-help.com/how-to-plot-a-novel.html

But my issue is the saggy middle…well, it so happens that’s what this new post on the same blog is about. And, apparently, it’s an issue for new writers (ahem). The author is Harvey Chapman and he explains (again really clearly) how to avoid that saggy, dull middle. Turns out, what you need are mini-plots that connect. He explains it much better, though. Here’s the link: http://www.novel-writing-help.com/plotting-the-novel.html.

But, if these didn’t do it for you, I found some others that might!

The one I liked the most is this one by Annie Neugebauer. She has a Novel Plotting Worksheet that has prompts and you just answer the questions and, voila!, you have a plot! http://annieneugebauer.com/the-organized-writer-2/novel-plotting-worksheets/

Simon Haynes has a great concept with his version (and he even has diagrams!). http://www.spacejock.com.au/PlottingANovel.html

Then I also found these two in less steps than my original 10.

* http://thisblogisaploy.blogspot.ca/2011/09/how-i-plot-novel-in-5-steps.html By Rachel Aaron, how to plot in 5 steps.

* http://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/plot-outline.html. By Glen C. Strathy. He uses 8 easy steps to get the job done.

I’ll add these to the Resources page!