How do you like to plan when writing a story?

Question

do you have a particular way you plan your stories...do you go through a variety of methods before you begin, like writing character descriptions or creating chapter layouts? ....or do you just go straight into it and wing it?

Answer 1

I've tried a variety of methods for planning, such as character profiles, chapter summaries, even flow charts found their way into my attempted methods at applying structure to my thought process. But to be honest, I don't like using those typical methods, because after thorough planning I then know what to expect from my story and therefore lose a great deal of interest in writing it. Honestly I think the most entertaining, and arguably the most stressful, form of writing is simply to make it up as you go along. That way you're not restricted to a plan, so if you think of a better development than what you originally intended you are free to explore that alternative. Honestly if you're good enough at "winging it" then there's no reason to plan at all, is there?

Answer 2

Elle,



I have a plot in my mind at first. I then create characters for the story. The important thing is that I am ALL the characters. I do and say what I would do and say in real life. I take each chapter from my mind as I go along. By the time I'm done with one chapter, being all the characters, I know exactly where the next one is going. In this manner you will never end up with writers block.



PJ M

Answer 3

First I come up with a theme. Then I come up with a list of main characters. This includes their names and a brief description of their personality and appearance. :) I don't usually plan out stories all the way through, but I start out with a basis and ideas for key parts in the story. I can always go back and change things around if I want to. I'm the kind of person who goes with the flow and let most of the ideas come to me when I write. Also most times I write little snippets of parts to the story instead of writing everything out at once. I don't like starting from the very beginning and working all the way to the end. I feel more motivated when I create those snippets, that way I can spark new ideas to form around it! At least that's how it works for me! =P

Answer 4

I'm sort of a messy planner. I'm not organized at all. Normally my planning just comes out as really random sounding bullet notes.

I like to start with my characters. I give them appearances, backstories, motives, etc.

Then I work with the setting and overall story arch. Normally I try to outline the beginning in detail. But normally I change my mind halfway through and end up with many different outlines. Then I get lists of subplots that I can use for when I get stuck. Sometimes I end up using them and sometimes I don't.

And also, I like to have a few scenes planned out. If I'm really procrastinating, I'll even think up conversations and pieces of dialogue.



But normally, once I have a general direction of the story, scenes, and subplots, I'm normally good to go. I like to outline as I write because so much usually changes.

Answer 5

99% of the time i write out an outline of the whole story...



however 100% of the time i never stick to it.



It depends if you like sticking to plans or if you're one of these people that get's crazy ideas which spurr off into weird and wonderful things.



I do create character sheets, but after a while I just learn and know the characters so well I don't need it.



Again, it's all a matter of opinion and what style you prefer.

Answer 6

Lol, I love how you say "wing it" and your profile is of a bird. There's no certain way you think when you get an idea for a story. I think of a conflict first, then the details and plan out the end. When I don't know what to put for my story I think of things that have happened to me and incorporate it in my stories. The only problem is I think of the best ideas when I am not pressuring myself to. If you need help with any ideas listen to songs or watch movies, mix ideas with experience and things you've seen on TV to create an idea for a story.

Answer 7

I do chapter-by-chapter outlines and within some of these I also outline scene-by-scene (depends on how important it is that certain information is showing in specific order). I don't wing stories very often (occasionally fan-fiction and short stories, though) or I end up not getting much further than the first couple of chapters.

Answer 8

i dont..if i plan i get stuck and cant think so i have to change the whole plot. so i always write and let all of it fall to pieces when im writing. i find that great and new ideas come most often when your writing than when you plan it. though i plan the backgorund, looks, and everything that has to do wiht the characters before i start. most often the character appears while im wiritng and not when planned