Hey-o, Word-wielders,

Part 2b of my series on outlining has arrived: plotting.

Now, there is a wide range of the ways writers plot their novels, from those who simply have a spark and put pen to paper, to people with 50 page outlines detailing their entire work. I don't know where you fall in this part of the world, but I'm somewhere in between.

Now, once I've come up with an idea, I like to write it out in a loose style, where I am free to goof off, ask myself questions, and the like. I'll stick some examples here:

From planning My Only Name is Honor:

Thatcher and Maya come one night to the castle, hoping to break Honor out. However, for whatever reason, Honor cannot escape. It should be a matter of honor (ha-ha)

What could the reason be?

-Someone will die

-Someone will be imprisoned

-Honor gave her word she wouldn't escape.

*    *    *

What should I name the ship?

The  . . .

-Nessie

-Lady Sophia

-Bronwen

-Lady Bronwen

-Pickle Express (just kidding 😊)

You should go and read your name book when you get home.

From planning Daughters of Palland (Yes, there may be a sequel to Daughters of Irin.)

So, I was thinking of using the characters Morena and Lelya as these MC's. I think they could be good because of the tension between them. Other options include Allery, Artay, or someone completely new, but I like the idea of Morena and Lelya.

*   *   *

At this time, tensions are rampant in Irin. King Maddox has guards watching for Byron's men. He doesn't want to go to war, but he may "have" to.

I can't say too much about the plots of my books because otherwise I'm going to spoil things, but you've got a taste of what my run-through looks like. It's me thinking on paper while running through the plot of my book. It's not the nitty gritty scene-by-scene, but it's getting closer.

And remember, just because you planned it doesn't mean it's set in stone. You can change aspects of your plot, even if you're in the middle of writing your novel. But planning your book beforehand can help you see plot holes and issues on a much more manageable scale. It's far easier to tweak a 20-page run-through than a 300-page novel. 

For more resources on outlining check out K. M. Weiland's book Outlining Your Novel. It's a helpful book, and also has a companion workbook you can get.

What are your steps when plotting? Let me know in the comments below.

May you live for Christ and give Him praise!

~Claira