best process for planning a story

The best process for planning a story involves multiple steps. Initially, do some research if needed, especially if your story is set in a specific time or place. Then, determine the point of view, whether it's first - person, third - person, etc. Create a rough timeline for the story events. Consider the emotions you want to evoke in the readers. For instance, if you want them to feel excited, plan action - packed scenes. Also, leave room for unexpected twists and turns in the plot. This makes the story more engaging and unpredictable.

Sure. Start by choosing a concept that interests you. Then, figure out your main characters' goals and motivations. This will drive the story forward. Outline the major plot points, like the inciting incident, the climax, and the resolution.

Quotes can offer motivation. For instance, 'The best - laid plans of mice and men often go awry.' This reminds you that while planning is important, flexibility is also key in novel writing. Your initial plan may change, and that's okay. So don't be too rigid with your plan.

Scrivener is excellent for story planning. It has features that help you break down your story into manageable parts. For example, you can set word count goals for each section. Plottr is also a good one. It focuses on plotting and allows you to create timelines, plot arcs, and connect different plot points easily. It gives you a clear overview of your story's structure. Then there's Google Docs. It's simple but effective. You can use headings to separate different aspects of your story plan and collaborate with others if needed.

OneNote is also a good choice. It's very flexible. You can create different notebooks for different aspects of your novel planning, like plot ideas, character profiles, and setting details. You can add images, links, and text freely, which helps in gathering all your creative thoughts together in an organized way. It also syncs across devices so you can access your notes anywhere.

For me, Scrivener is one of the best. It offers a lot of features for organizing your thoughts and structuring your novel.

Campfire Pro can be very useful for complex story planning. It has features that allow you to create complex relationships between characters, factions, and locations in your world. You can also use it to track different variables and conditions in your story world. For instance, if your story has a magic system with rules that affect the plot, you can document and manage those rules within Campfire Pro. This level of detail - management is crucial for complex stories.

The show 'Don't Tell the Bride' completely flips the traditional process on its head. Instead of the bride and groom collaborating, the groom is left to his own devices. This can lead to some wild and unexpected results. For example, the groom might choose a venue that is too small or too large for the expected number of guests. Or he might pick a color scheme that the bride hates. But it also adds an element of surprise and adventure to the wedding planning, which is different from the traditional, more predictable process.

First, consider your writing style. If you like a highly structured approach, Scrivener might be the best. If you're more into visual planning, Milanote could be ideal. Second, think about your budget. Some programs are free, like Google Docs, while others like Scrivener cost money. Third, look at the features you need. If you need to manage multiple projects and characters, yWriter has good features for that. Also, check if the program allows for easy collaboration if you plan to work with others.

Google Docs can be an excellent free app for planning a novel. You can create a document and start by making an outline at the top. Then, as you develop your ideas, you can write character descriptions, plot summaries, and chapter ideas below. It's easy to share with others if you want feedback. You can also use the comment feature for your own notes or for others to leave suggestions. And it auto - saves your work regularly, so you don't have to worry about losing your planning.