NANOWRIMO has a great workbook for novel writing 101. Here are a few useful ways to get started:
FOUR WAYS TO DEVELOP AN IDEA
1. Borrow a plot - write 3 summaries of stories (books or movies) that you love
-change around the elements
2. Borrow a character - invent a history or future for someone you know
3. Use the news - Pick and event, and imagine the perspective of different people involved. Change the details and see where the story goes.
4. Invent a whole new world
LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT
Pick a model novel or more. Break it down and figure out what works and why it works. It works best if you have the book, or can access online.
Similarly, think about books you disliked or couldn't finish. Analyze why you didn't like a book and why.
SPARK AN IDEA
Brainstorm thinks that excite, inspire or make you curious. Try to get at least 20. Circle 9 and and write novel ideas for each.
One author would often write short stories that would later become chapters in her book (Erin Morgenstern).
CREATE COMPLEX CHARACTERS
Protagonist
Supporting characters - how do they know the protagonist, love/hate, similarities/differences
Antagonist - how are they in the protagonist's way, are they likeable, weaknesses
CHARACTER QUESTIONNAIRES
Name, age, height, eye, hair, and skin colour, other physical traits
Skills, abilities, passions
Family, where do they live, pets
Favourite music, movies, TV shows, books, food
Annoyances, secrets
Style, gestures, movements, things about themselves they would like to change, speaking style, happiest memory, insecurities, quirks, temperament, negative traits, embarrassments, fears, other's opinions, dreams
CONFLICTS
External - between protagonist and antagonist
Internal - fears and insecurities that a protagonist has to overcome to get what they want
PLOT
ROLLARCOASTER
1 set-up
2 inciting event
3 rising action
4 climax
5 falling action
6 resolution
Jot every single scene that you can brainstorm (50-100). Index card could be used.
Sort them in to beginning, middle, and end. Don't through anything out yet, but you can make a "maybe not" pile.
Put the piles in a grand list order of the story
1. ordinary world
2. inciting incident (call to adventure)
3. first plot point (point of no return)
4. first pinch point (first battle)
5. midpoint (victim to warrior)
6. second pinch point (second battle)
7. second plot point (dark night of the soul)
8. final battle (triumph!)
9. return to the ordinary world
SAVE THE CAT! (3 ACT SCREENPLAY)
I. 1. Opening image 0-1%
2. Set-up 1-10%
3. Theme stated
4. Catalyst 10%
5. Debate 11-20%
II. 1. Break into 2 (adventure/transformation/journey/new thing) 20%
2. Promise of the Premise/Fun and Games 21-50%
3. B story
4. Midpoint 50%
5. Bad guys close in 51-75%
6. All is lost 75%
7. Dark Night of the Soul 76-80%
III. 1. Break into 3 (aha! try againa) 80%
2. Finale 81-99%
3. Final image 99-100%
OUTLINE YOUR STORY LIKE A SUBWAY MAP - character -centred lines can be helpful
No comments:
Post a Comment