How to plot a novel

1. 60

   Ironman1992posted 11 years ago

   How to plot a novel
   
   I've always enjoyed writing, and I've always had a lot of ideas for a novel, but now that I'm trying to write, they've all left me, and I'm having trouble with a basic plot. I have the world, two main characters and possibly the conflict, but I'm struggling to turn them into a plot. What are some good formulas for making these into a solid plot?

   replyreport
2. 59

   Stephen Ulibarriposted 11 years ago

   You need the twelve classic stages of a story (or at least som of them). I wrote about them in my hub http://stephenulibarri.hubpages.com/hub … -In-Common
   It will take you 10 minutes to read, but you will use the info for years and years. I use most of these in my stories, and a story isn't complete without them.
   
   The fall is especially effective. In every story, in the later stages, toward the end, the main character dies or appears to die so that he/she may be resurrected. The audience needs to feel that all hope is lost, so that when they regain it, they appreciate it more.
   
   All stories are based on a likeable character placed in a troubled situation, where something is wrong and he/she doesn't know what to do. Just when all hope is lost, something happens very unexpectedly that gives the character a chance (but not a big one, it has to be difficult). Good stories involve problems you're not sure you can fix. When they are fixed, there is a sense of relief and the audience is hooked until the solution happens.
   
   But remember the fall and that obstacles must come up. No story where everything goes right is ever considered a "great" story. There has to be difficulty, pain, hardship, loss of hope, and then a miraculous ending where the goal is met, and is something the character can be proud of and overwhelmingly amazed at him/herself.
   
   Good luck, I'm willing to read your story!

   replyreport
3. 66

   ThompsonPenposted 11 years ago

   When I'm really in a pickle I use my tarot cards. I pick some cards that represent a character and I just draw cards. Sometimes I give the cards a lay out, such as the Celtic cross layout or a past present future sort of deal, but it depends on my mood.
   There's a really good book called "tarot for writers" that give excellent exercises along these lines. It's available on Amazon.
   http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/073871457 … amp;sr=8-1
   I hope that was helpful

   replyreport
4. 73

   fitmomposted 11 years ago

   I wouldn't sit down and "work" to try and make the story come. Instead, I would wait for the moment when you feel compelled to write- almost as if you will implode if you don't get your thoughts written down.
   
   I do think it is important to write generally every day. But, when it comes to a piece, I think the quality of the writing is much better if you are passionate about it when writing.
   
   Best wishes ~ fitmom

   replyreport
   1. 61

      Ushnavposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I totally agree with your thought about writing when one feels compelled to do so, else one implodes. You write when you like to express yourself and your story in a manner pleasing to you and fitting you.

      replyreport
5. 0

   Old Empresarioposted 11 years ago

   I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the plot. Just write. Some of the best novels I have ever read did not necessarily have a lock-step plot that blew me away with twists and turns. It was the dialogue, themes, and story-telling that happened around the plot that I most enjoyed.

   replyreport