Preparing Plot Archs and Character Archs

One of the most satisfying plot twists in The Empire Strikes Back is the moment when Luke and Darth Vader are finishing and intense light saber battle and Vader reveals a life altering piece of information, "I am your father."

For those of us that saw this in the theater before the information was leaked, it was a powerful moment that was emotionally jarring and instantly opened up new avenues for the plot and character development. You were left wondering what would this mean? How will Luke react? Is it true?

To me this is still one of the best examples of how a writer that plans into the future is capable of bringing more to the table than one who just writes in the moment. When you go back to the first movie, you see clues like when Uncle Owen responds to a statement that Luke has too much of his father in him by saying, "That's what I'm afraid of." I remember in the theater thinking this was an obscure thing to say but after Darth Vader's revelation, it all made sense.

I wish I could say I know how to pull this off in a magical and compelling way, but as you know, I am only learning. Here are the things that do seem important to me when approaching a story which you are sure will span over several books.

1) Write Detailed Character Sheets. This helps when you only plan to write one book with the characters, but when the story will stretch on, it is critical. The more time you spend developing these characters on paper, giving them an interesting background, the more material you have to sprinkle through the books ahead.

2) Write History Overlap Sheets. Consider this an addendum to the Character Sheets. Here you will document the ways in which the various characters have crossed paths in the past, before the beginning of your first story. These interactions will provide insight to you as the writer to explain why Judy hates Steve, or Phil is tortured when he is around Judy.

3) Write a Goals Sheet for each Character. This is from the character's perspective, and can include an old set of goals and then a newer set that changed due to some events that occurred. This gives you a clear starting point for motivations of your characters. Whenever you get stuck writing a scene with that character, go back to their goals and see if it helps you find the character's next move.

4) Write an Author's Goal Sheet for each Character. This is a guideline that you may have to scrap as your plots unfold, but it can be a useful guideline. Within each story, you want a character to make some movement as a person. It may be the realization that they will never reach their goal, or it could be the fulfillment of something unexpected. Whatever it is, if you write it down and modify it as you work on your plot, it will be a helpful reference.

5) Map the Big Pieces out for the Series of Novels. I don't know how many writers actually do this, or have the time for that matter, but I can see how good initial planning will result in a richer more fulfilling plot. If you know which pieces of character background will be revealed in which book, and which major plot points will occur and when, it can allow you the freedom to fill in the blanks knowing that you have a strong overall story map for both plot and character development.

I can only hope these steps will prove true as I work on my story and characters. If you read this blog regularly, I am sure will find out if I was right or wrong about my instincts.

Until next time, let's keep on writing.

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How Story Time Can Develop Your Novel Writing Skills

Another day is coming to a close. The kids hug mom and jump in the bed ready for a night of happy dreams. After I tuck them in and kiss their heads, the familiar request spouts in unison from their mouths, "Story!" In my benevolent mood, I acquiesce to their request.

I have repeated this routine countless times. However, I have never repeated a story. Every night I make up a new story, from scratch, on the spot, as I go. Some have been engrossing and surprising, and others have fallen flat. The content is not what I want to focus on, but rather the process.

By committing to tell a story without a guideline or a starting point, I am using the "jump in and see where it leads" form of writing rather than the "outline, summarize, and then write" approach. It requires thinking quickly on your feet and using intuition and free-form creativity to get you from a beginning to an end in your story. It may seem like an innocent parental duty that people execute all around the globe, but it can be much more.

It can be a teaching ground for learning craft.

Perhaps you are strong in the outlining method of novel writing, but you struggle with bringing spontaneity to your story as you write. Telling improvised stories will stretch you to be creative, think outside the box, and not have time to worry that it does not make sense. Once you say it, you then have the obligation to make it work in the story and you will be surprised at the creative ways you make your twists and turns work.

Another good side-effect is the collection of story ideas that you produce. I have several ideas for books and short stories that have been birthed from story time with my two girls. One of them I think has real promise for a series. And there is no guarantee that I ever would have found the idea without the constraints of story time.

If you do not have kids, borrow some. I know most parents will be glad to loan them out for a while. Seriously, nieces and nephews or kids in your neighbors work just as well. Story time can happen any time of the day, not just at bed time. And if your subject matter is adult material, tell stories to your friends.

There are many ways to hone your craft that require reading, study, and intense focus. I think you deserve a break from all the hard work. Remember how to have fun with your stories, and continue learning about craft in the process.

J Hugh Thomas is a database developer and a programmer who is writing his first novel. Read his blog http://onwritingmyfirstnovel.blogspot.com to see all of his writer's resources and free advice. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Hugh_Thomas www.jhughthomas.com www.facebook.com/jhughthomas

Write Even When You Are Not Writing

The other day I was driving home from work, day-dreaming about the story for the novel I am currently writing. As I thought about it, new ideas began to bubble up from somewhere inside me. I knew it was good, and I knew it would enhance the book so when I got home, I quickly found some paper and wrote it all out so I would not loose the essence of what I pictured.

I know this happens to all writers, especially while they are in the middle of a project. What I'm not sure of is how much priority is placed on this time, thinking about your work while you are not at the keyboard.

We all have read that some of your best work can come from your mind solving problems and generating ideas while you sleep. But do we feed our mind before bed? Perhaps reviewing a trouble area or just re-reading your last few pages of writing before bed might prove a helpful ally in your writing the next morning.

And of all that dead time in the car, at the doctors office, at the Jiffy Lube, how much time is spent listening to the radio or flipping through magazines adorned with Angelina Jolie's lips that could be spent expanding or deepening your story. These times are opportunities to wear your creative hat while not generating words and paragraphs, but rather finding or expanding the big picture.

You may find a love story that deepens or a plot line that has additional back story bringing new richness to the texture of the work. We have only a limited amount of time each day, each year, and in a lifetime. In our busy society, it is more important than ever to make time for reflection and to let you mind wander.

The thing is we know how to do this because it is usually how we develop a good idea for a novel in the first place. Just choose to not stop while you are in the crunch of writing the novel.

J Hugh Thomas is a database developer and a programmer who is writing his first novel. Read his blog http://onwritingmyfirstnovel.blogspot.com to see all of his writer's resources and free advice.

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Finally writing the novel again.

I started to doubt if I would ever get back into my novel, but I did it. I know I talked before about how to get started after a break. Now I'll tell you what worked for me.

The re-read of the novel was the first step and there was no avoiding it. After getting back into the flow of the story, I reviewed my notes and the outline. I ran into a problem.

The story and characters had been through some revision and expansion in the back of my mind over the months that I took off from writing the novel. Therefore the outline was not completely relevant anymore.

There were two main approaches that I could think of: 1) revise the outline, or 2) start writing based on what I saw coming next.

I chose to start writing.

Five chapters later, I am back in the flow of writing and moving toward the end of my novel. The basic story has not changed much, but the path to the ending has morphed some. I'm finding a more character centered element to the story that I knew was there, but had gotten lost as I worked on the complex plot elements.

I feel that by stopping and starting again, I was able to rediscover some of the original themes introduced in the early part of the story. Regarding my choice of starting to write over re-working the outline, it boiled down to one thing. I felt that my creative juices were flowing again. I sensed that if I started writing, even if I had to throw some of it out that ultimately I would find some new and interesting parts of my story. I think I was right in my case.

One thing I said before I still believe. You need to believe in yourself and not get discouraged before you get started. Have faith that once you get to writing again, it will be good. Even if it starts slow, you will get there. Believe in yourself, and your hard work will do the rest.

I hope that my success will help someone out there who is in the same position to have my level of success. Get back in that writing chair and show the word processor who's boss.

Until next time, lets keep on writing.

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My novel title is taken!

It's OK, just breathe. Breathe... there you go. Don't freak out. Let's just calmly talk about what it means.

If you find that the "perfect title" for your novel is already taken, first consider the legal side of things. According to the copyright.gov website, some items not eligible for copyright protection include "Titles, names, short phrases, and slogans" which means you are in the clear on legal grounds.

Next ask "Is the other book similar at all?" If you have a fiction story called "The Snake" and a plumber has published a how-to book on cleaning your pipes called "The Snake," you aren't likely to have much inadvertent bleed over. But if the other book is in a similar genre and or is simply another work of fiction, you have to decide if it works for you or against you.

I'm just guessing here, but if you have a book called "The Firm" it is possible that you might get some sales, particularly online sales, from readers who think they are getting the John Grisham novel. I would not recommend this as a strategy for book sales because rather than developing a following of readers, you will most likely develop a following of haters, annoyed that they got the wrong book.

As long as it is branded properly and the cover art is distinct enough, you are probably OK with a title that is already used. If it is a very popular title, I would recommend looking long and hard to make sure you can't find another choice for your book.

Until next time, let's keep on writing.

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It's hard picking up where you left off.

A few weeks ago, I laid out my plan for getting back into my novel. Read what I have written so far, read my character notes, and press forward. Well I have read my notes, and finished reading the incomplete novel, but I have not written anything new.

The problem I ran into, other than not having much time, is something I warned against... wearing the editor's hat while reading what is written. I saw plot problems and issues that need to be resolved, and it is difficult for me to ignore those problems and press forward as if they were already resolved. At the same time, I am not editing the first part of the novel. I am making no progress at all. The least favorite place for a writer to find himself.

Rather than falling into frustration, I put it aside for a few days and plan to return with a fresh approach. Since I know some of the things that need to change, I will pretend that I have already changed the path of my story. The new pages I write will reflect the new course and ignore the problems that exist in earlier pages. I still don't know exactly how I will start up the story again, but I'm getting closer now.

I will keep you informed on how things are going. If you hit a rough patch, I recommend trying to write anything related to your story. That is what I plan to do now, and weave my way back toward the story.

So until next time, I will start writing and you can keep writing.

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MindMapping a Novel and Industry Insiders

I found a great blog entry on MindMapping to prepare for a novel written by Michelle. It is written in the context of preparing for the latest write a novel in one month contest, which runs for the month of November (http://www.nanowrimo.org/). The principles are sound and helpful, plus it is worth your time to look around at the rest of the Juiced On Writing blog site.

http://juicedonwriting.com/517/mindmapping-to-prepare-for-a-novel/

Also check out this blog by an assistant at a literary agency. It is a great source for inside information that might just help you get past the gatekeeper.

http://rejecter.blogspot.com/2008/10/back-and-on-how-to-write-real-good.html

Here's my weekly writing update. I've written another three scenes for the movie and refined some of the story overview. Most importantly, I'm working on it and moving forward. So until next time, let's all keep writing.

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Editing in the plot threads

I am constantly impressed by skillful writers who weave hints, clues, and foreshadowing through a story only to reach fruition in the final act. It seems effortless, and unavoidable, when you read the ending. But as you and I know, writing to achieve this effect is anything but effortless.


It seems to me that this is a job better left to the editing process rather than first draft. That is not to say it is ignored during the first draft. If the general threads are not in place as you write, it will be much more difficult to pull them together in the second pass, maybe even causing a major rewrite.


But I guess that once I've finished my first draft, the scrutiny I pay to the threads of plot and theme in the second, third, and fourth pass will be what determines if my book is trash, just okay, pretty good, or extraordinary. Once the overall work is done, I believe it will be easier to see the overview and find the best ways to use breadcrumbs in the story to tie things together.

For example, a hidden letter is discovered early in the book with the intention of using it to propel the protagonist forward into the story. After finishing the book, you need an extra touch to tie the end together with the beginning. In the editing process, you can modify the letter to give it an extra level of meaning that helps bring the story to a close.

As always, I'm just spouting off my best guess as an amateur. Feel free to comment on the blog with your opinions.

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Book Title Reminder

I know I already covered this, but time for a reminder.

The closer I get to the end of my book, the more I realize that the title reveals itself... sorta kinda maybe. I guess a more accurate statement would be that the wrong titles become more obvious and the right ones emerge from your text.

For example, early on in my writing process, I was convinced that I had the perfect title for my book. It was just so cool, it had to be right. I ignored the fact that my wife did not care for it (first mistake), and I generally fell in love with the title (my fatal mistake).

Remember this. Highlight it. Put it on the refrigerator.

Never fall in love with an idea to the exclusion of objective logic. In other words, be willing to take the axe to anything and everything about your story, including the "perfect title," to make the book better.

When you start editing the book, you will be a surgeon, cutting out the cancer and tumors that burden the good body. How much more important is the title?

The title is the first, and maybe only, marketing that most people will see since your book's spine will most likely be all that book browsers will see on the shelf. The cover art is important, but I believe the title is even more crucial. Here comes the tough part. I have said it before and I will say it again.

You must turn off the artist and turn on the marketing guru within, assuming you want to sell books to more than friends and family. And unlike editing, which I think should not start until the end of the first draft, I think you should revisit the idea of your book's title throughout the writing process.

Why? You will have different ideas as you write different parts of the book. What I do is list them all in a Word document and bold all the ones that seem like the best possibilities. I prioritize the list in order based on my current preferences.

When I finish the book, I will have a great head start on choosing a title. Right now, I have about fifty possibilities, ten I consider good possibilities. Why hold the other forty? They may help me come up with another great title idea, a different take on a title that did not quite work. Start now on your list, if you have not already, and you will have a head start when you finish your book. At the very least, you will have a good list of words that summarize your story. That is a good beginning.

Then, after taking a break on the list, get back to writing!

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More on writers block

If looking at character did not resolve your writing woes, what then? Unfortunately, I have this problem from time to time, and I may not have the answer. Here is my best attempt.

Plot is usually what I get hung up on. I know where I want to end up, but the steps to get there are evasive. Why not focus on the why? You may be thinking, isn't that the same as focusing on character, and motivation? No, because I am talking about you, the writer.

If you are writing an introspective drama or an action thriller, you are writing from a world view. Hopefully you are aware of this, and you know what perspective you are writing from. Either way, it is easy to forget or ignore during the writing process. Stop and think about why you chose your characters, the setting, the conflict, the moral. Be introspective to discover what it is you are trying to say.

I should add that you can go too far. You do not want to turn some moral stance into the "in your face" message. Readers will see right through it and be insulted. Your job is to entertain. But readers do expect a world view to be in play--it is inevitable. If you recognize this balance, the world view and "the point" can be a beacon to get your story on track.

What serves the point of the story? Does it fit the world view bring presented? Brainstorm using these questions as metrics and you may find yourself writing again, back on track, and staying true to the heart of your story.

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How to deal with writer's block

The sixty-four thousand dollar question. The muse is silent. The next step is out of reach. What do you do, other than pace, get more coffee, and stare at the screen?
I have read many perspectives on this over time, but I will just give you my opinion, for what its worth.

When you lose the story, return to character. Spend time imagining your characters in the room with you, hanging out with you. What do they do? What do they say? Essentially get into the mind of your characters. I believe the most common reason for the writer's block is bring out of touch with who your characters are.

If you have trouble doing this exercise, you may need to write some back story for the character to help you know who they are. Bottom line, if you don't know your character, you will not bring them to life in your story.

Stop worrying about the plot and search for motivation, see how characters react. The story will begin to naturally unfold.

Hope that helps. If not, just start "free writing" to get your juices flowing. Do not think about a topic or plot. Just write. It may be incomprehensible, but after a while, you may just find you are back on track creatively.

Most importantly, keep writing, even if it sucks.

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Choosing a title

You may be wondering why I would bring this up before the first draft is through. Well I may be wrong, but I believe that picking the right title is one of the hardest tasks we face, that is assuming we can write our way out of a paper bag.

Now is the time to start a list of possible titles, so that by the time you finish your book, you will have many options. Keep in mind that if a publisher accepts your work for publication, there is no guarantee that the title you choose will be the one on the cover. But if you choose the right title, it may help you sell your book, both to the publisher and potentially to the public.

I see three potential parts to the title, and they may not all apply to your book. That is something you must decide.

Main Title - this is the one part that is core, and must be on your cover. It should communicate something about the content, mood, or genre of your novel. To me, this is the most advanced form of poetry. Distill a novel into a few words. Not easy. I added a resource link below that is helpful.

Sub-title - maybe you have a main title that is iconic or short and memorable. If you need more room to communicate to your audience why they should pick-up your book, use a sub-title. It should serve to further explain the content. Remember, the goal is to take someone from browsing to picking up your book and then on to buying. This is marketing.

Series title - often you know the story you are telling is part of a larger story, and that you will probably tell more of the story in other books. The best way to do this is branding the first book in a way that can be used in the future books. It can be as simple as 'Book 1 in the [series name] series' or you can repeat a word as with the Bourne series. The Lord of the Rings is a good example of a full phrase to tie your books together. Most advice I have found tells me not to think about a series before selling your first novel. I like to be optimistic and think ahead.

Read this site for a great breakdown of types of titles. It will get your juices flowing. Remember, this is marketing. If you don't care about sales, use an artistic but obscure title. If you want to move units, put on your marketing hat.

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Finding the story idea

One day I had some time to kill so I sat down to write. About what? I didn't have a clue. I think sometimes I become paralyzed by the thought of writing junk, or simply nonsense. The fear of choosing the wrong words, tense, theme, plot, and characters kept me planning, jotting only notes about the story I wanted to write.

But on this day many years ago, I was not that organized. I just wanted to create. So I typed the first sentence. Then a paragraph. Before I knew it I had a whole chapter. I still didn't know where it was going, but that added to the excitement. As I plowed forward through the eyes of the main character, every turn surprised me, every twist delighted me.

After finishing the fourth chapter of this short story, I still did not know the future of the story, but I was enjoying the ride. The result, as it became clear to me after some time passed, was a highly flawed partial short story. It could have ended there. For many, that is exactly the point where it does end. But I recognized a fairly obvious truth. Writing well is a goal that is not achieved in one pass of creative fervor. It is much more.

The other lesson I learned was that sometimes the best way to find a story idea is to write. I believe that if I had not been willing to throw out as much or more of my writing than I kept, I may not have explored with reckless abandon.

I know we see places, people, and things that give inspiration every day, but for me, it was the willingness to fail, and fail big, that was my breakthrough. It allowed me to start my journey. Next week, I will talk about how I got started turning this partial story into a novel.

Until then, lets all keep writing.
Hugh

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