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You get an idea for a great story. But then the questions arises, "How and where do I begin?" Sure, you may have a great idea; but an idea is not a plot - and you must have a plot to create your story. Once you have your general idea, you need to focus it. And though your idea may sound great in its initial rough stage, you, as a writer, must decide what is necessary to keep and what should be left out. This is plotting. Without "plotting" in advance you will find yourself writing useless pages, thereby creating unnecessary work and, in the long run, unnecessary confusion, rewrites and delays. You will then undoubtedly begin questioning your ability to complete the project. So to ensure success, take time beforehand to plot and map out your story instead of jumping headlong into your first draft.

The steps for plotting your novel remain the same regardless of genre. The easiest way to begin is to:

1. Allow a period of free flow during which you allow yourself to consider various outcomes to your initial idea. For example, if you are writing a romance novel, consider the lovers coming together, never meeting face-to-face, or dying after meeting each other, etc. This allows you more alternatives should your initial idea and conclusion lose momentum.
   
2. After you have jotted down your raw ideas, create an outline to chart the flow of action. You can either write a timeline to follow the action as it takes place or create mini chapters in advance revealing a series of situations that will be played out. You can later develop the chapters or omit them as necessary. The situations can occur chronologically or randomly based on the behavior of the characters. Remember that it is your story, so whatever method works best for you is the one you should follow. Also keep in mind that works for one project may not work for the next.
   
3. Develop an album of your characters. It’s a good idea to fully describe your characters before you begin writing. For example, Carla the office manager has an affair with her subordinate. What are Carla’s characteristics? How does she manage the office? What is her relationship like with her husband, co-workers, subordinates and others? What is her demeanor; is she victim or predator? Once you have Carla clearly defined, you can weave her into believable action because all of her traits are well-defined and realistic. Creating a notebook of all your characters is a great way to build a neverending supply. Start by noticing real people in your environment with traits and behaviors you find interesting.
   
4. Identify the key people, the complication of their relationship, other people’s responses and the conclusion or culmination of their actions/behaviors. For example; Carla (forces or seduces?) William, the new accountant in the office, into having an affair. William gets promoted as a result . The rest of the office personnel (who are they?) respond by blowing the whistle. Carla’s marriage is affected (how?). William responds (how? positive or negative), and they (what? end the affair? conspire to embezzle from the company and run away?).
   
5. Determine how the action plays out. Break it out over a particular number of chapters. Allot 1-2 chapters for the introduction and the buildup of your main characters. Allot 3-6 chapters to reveal the complication and responses. Perhaps the last two chapters for the conclusion. Any way you choose to break it out will work. The important thing is to determine the structure ahead of time.

The most important step in developing a successful novel is preparation. Plotting your novel will keep you focused as you research your setting, develop your characters, and begin writing your novel. So, take those ideas floating around your head and jot them down as they present themselves. Then begin plotting!

Copyright 2000, Constance Bonds