Writing a novel is EXHAUSTING. Sometimes I ask myself why must I be ambitious and why couldn't I simply just strive to read as many books as possible instead of writing one of my own. Well unfortunately I have the burning desire to tell stories, so I must write. It isn’t a question regarding whether I should, it has become a necessity because I need an outlet for the stories in my head.
I thought I could free write my novel because after all I have had this story brewing in my head for almost a year. However, with life and my busy schedule, writing without a plan has been hard. I did it before but at that point in time I had way more time on my hands. Now I need to take a breather and revamp my whole process by planning my novel.
I have used the Syd Field Paradigm to plot short stories, and it made writing them effortless as I just had to connect the dots and fill in the blanks. Although this is a dramatic structure for screenwriting I think it works well for plotting a solid novel. (After all isn’t every writer’s dream to make a movie adaptation from their book even though a movie well never do a novel justice).
If my epiphany isn’t enough of a reason to convince you to plot your novel, here is a list of reasons why you should:
Plotting Enhances Structure
By having an organized structure you have a clear map of how the events will unfold, so you can ensure that you have clear inciting incidents, a well-developed conflict and a believable resolution. This structure does not only make the writer's life easier but by having a good structure you can ensure that the story is easy for readers to follow.
Plotting Prevents Inconsistencies
By having a guide to follow you can ensure that your story is logical and that your narrative flows before you even start writing. This can save you from having to spend time editing huge inconsistencies after you write it all.
Plotting Keeps You on Track
By having a plan it is easier for you to stay on track because you have an outline that prevents you from straying from the key elements of your story.
Plotting Increases Efficiency
By having chapter outlines it is easier to focus on your writing goals because everything is already laid out you just need to write it. This saves you time and effort in the long run as by following the plan you can spend less time on extensive editing.
The diagram below shows the Syd Field Paradigm:
The Plottery also has a great FREE novel planner than can be very helpful with world building, character mapping, story plotting, and it has a weekly guide that gives you an idea of where you should be. Click the link to download it: https://www.the-plottery.com/novel-plan
Hopefully by plotting my novel using the Syd Field Paradigm and by keeping up with my novel planner from The Plottery I can make some real progress and so will you!