Plotting a novel can feel like an overwhelming task, especially for new writers. When I first decided to write a book, I had no idea where to begin with structuring a full-length narrative. Like most authors, I had plenty of ideas swimming around in my head, but no clue how to organiz...
When I hit the wall at the halfway to three-quarter mark of just about every novel, a story outline sounds like a great security blanket. Deep down, I know better. Outlines just don’t work for me. Somehow, when I try to plot a story in advance — telling myself I’ll write more...
Because a novel's plot is longer and more complex than a short story, it is populated with multiple characters who serve different roles, from the main character to the villain to minor characters who are integral to specific scenes. Since a novel features subplots along with its main narrativ...
Definitions of literary terms such as plot are useful because they remind us to focus on what matters. Plot consists of 'main events', whether character-based (trysts, confrontations), society-based (uprisings, coups) or world-based (drought, flood). Plot develops out of the relationship betw...
The secret of how to outline a plot is to incorporate the 8 Basic Plot Elements. Starting with your story idea, you only need to make eight choices to ensure the plot of your future novel hangs together in a meaningful way. Sound intriguing? Then let's get started. ...
Consider the ways in which the events of each novel will alter your characters. There are two more potential errors that can sink your series: 7. Abandoning important plot arcs One of the key points of learning how to write a series is that subplots must be seen through to the end. Fore...
Automatic Text Generation (ATG) is a Natural Language Processing (NLP) task that aims at writing acceptable and grammatical written text exploiting machine-representation systems, such as for instance knowledge bases, taxonomies and ontologies. In this sense, it is possible to state that an ATG ...
How to prepare to write a novel A novel has sevenliterary elements: Idea Characters Setting Plot Narrative Themes Conflict Every novel starts with an idea. Ideas can come from anywhere: conversations with friends, real-life experiences, writing prompts, difficult questions, thought experiments, litera...
Learning how to outline your novel will help you brainstorm better ideas, write better plot structures, and create flawless first drafts. Find out how!
Writing coaches have various labels for this crucial plot point. Novelist Angela Hunt refers to this as The Bleakest Moment. It’s where even you wonder how you’re going to write your way out of this. The once-reprobate lover who has become a changed man and a loving fiance suddenly fal...