Yoga Plotting

Yoga Plotting? Okay, it's not the greatest title. No, you're not going to break into the Lotus position while thinking up character names, nor will you do Downward Facing Dog to come up with the black moment (although these positions might help!). Yoga Plotting refers to maintaining a flexible attitude as you prepare to write the first draft of your next manuscript.



Stop pansters! Don't run away! The word "plot" doesn't have to terrify. I'm urging both plotters and pansters to consider trying on different pre-writing methods.

I'm a plotter. Can't help it--I was born that way. I'm analytical. I adore charts. Maps excite me. That's kind of creepy isn't it?

Do you know how many ways there are to plot a novel? Countless! Every writer I know has a slightly different method. Some don't plot; they sit down and start writing, and they have no desire to ruin the story by doing any preliminary work. Some do a small amount of plotting; they may know who the main characters are, the setting, and a brief idea of where the story is headed. Others do major plotting; they know every character, every plot twist, and every scene.
I plotted my first three books minimally and filled in the blanks as I wrote, but I struggled through the middles of each of these books. Last summer, I decided to play around with different plotting methods to find the one that would enable me to write the best book possible. After four more books, I found the hybrid plotting method that fits me perfectly.

My only complaint about trying on different plotting methods is that not every one works. Oh, the method works for someone--just not me. I tried the writing every scene on an index card method and let's just say I won't be using it again. Ever. However, I know other writers who adore writing every scene on an index card and poking each card on a giant corkboard.



A few things to ask yourself:

1. Are there sections of a novel that I slow down and struggle with?

2. Do I have a bad habit of not tying up loose ends because I've forgotten what they are?

3. Am I aware of my use of POV? (If it's written in more than one POV, what's the ratio of the scenes written in the various POV's? Is one hogging the spotlight?)

4. Do I forget names of secondary characters, physical attributes of main characters, or other minor details and waste time searching for the data midway through the project?

5. Do I know the main characters' goals, motivations, and conflicts? Are they the focus of the book?

If you have trouble with any of the above, consider trying on different plotting methods. It can be as minor as keeping a log of information as you write your first draft. This sheet could be your master reference so you can easily find the name of the schoolteacher you introduced in chapter two.

If you struggle through portions of your first draft, consider coming up with a more detailed outline. Better yet, determine the major scenes beforehand and spend a little time thinking up intermediate scenes. You can also assign whose point of view the scene should be written in.
Write down subplots as you introduce them. When you're ready to revise, check off the loose ends that have been tied up.

Whether you're a panster or a plotter, I highly recommend keeping a written record of your main characters' goals, motivations, and conflicts. This information will keep your book heading in the right direction.

My current method of plotting is highly detailed. I keep a spreadsheet as a one-stop information station. The spreadsheet contains several pages to keep me on track. I do detailed character charts, GMC's, a brief outline, a one-page synopsis, a four-page synopsis, and a scene chart. The scene chart has been the biggest time saver for me. I'm able to write faster because I've listed each scene, whose POV it will be in, what chapter it will take place in, along with the scene question, scene goal, the characters, time and setting. That's a ton of info to squeeze into one line but it works.

If you're interested in trying different plotting techniques, get a few books out of the library, read author blogs, and check out writing websites--they all give advice on different methods. Try the one that appeals to you most and, while you're doing it, ask yourself if it's working for you. What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Is there something you can keep from one method but merge with a different technique? Don't be afraid to come up with your own unique plotting method. The goal is to make your writing life easier!

How do you approach a new manuscript? Do you need oodles of details or do you prefer to wing it? Are you willing to tweak your current method? Or do you feel your method is perfect? I'd love to hear from you!

Join me on Friday when we'll discuss what we can do right now to avoid distractions. Let's close in on our goals!

And...

Write Already! It's Wednesday!

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