Plotting Your Novel: The Best Plotting Tools for the Job
Novel plotting can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider! Where do you start? What tools can you use to help you plan your novel out? In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best plotting tools available to writers. We will also look at Freytag's Pyramid, a plotting tool that is often used by writers to create an outline for their novel. Whether you are just starting out on your writing journey or you have been writing for years, these plotting tools will help make the process easier and more enjoyable!
Freytag's Pyramid
Freytag's Pyramid is a plotting tool that was created by German writer Gustav Freytag. It is a simple way to visualize the structure of a story. The pyramid has five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and dénouement. Each part of the pyramid represents a different stage of the story. The exposition is the introduction to the story, where the characters and setting are established. The rising action is the part of the story where the conflict begins to build and things start to go wrong for the characters. The climax is the turning point of the story, where everything comes to a head and things are at their worst. The falling action is when things start to wrap up and resolve themselves. Lastly, the dénouement is when everything is resolved and the story comes to an end.
Freytag's Pyramid is a great plotting tool because it provides a clear structure for your story. It can be used as a starting point to help you plan out your novel. If you are having trouble getting started, try using Freytag's Pyramid to map out your story. You may be surprised at how helpful it can be!
The Hero's Journey
The Hero's Journey is another plotting tool that can be used to plan your novel. It was created by Joseph Campbell and is based on the monomyth, or the hero's journey. The hero's journey is a common story arc that has been used in many stories throughout history. It follows the pattern of separation, initiation, and return. In the separation phase, the hero leaves their ordinary world and begins their adventure. In the initiation phase, they undergo a series of challenges that test them and help them grow as a person. In the return phase, they return to their ordinary world with new knowledge and wisdom.
The Hero's Journey is a great plotting tool because it provides a clear framework for your story. It can help you to plan out your characters' development and to create a satisfying story arc. If you are struggling with plotting your novel, try using the Hero's Journey as a guide.
Save the Cat!
Save the Cat is a method I love so much that I regularly use it in my story planning. It's a plotting method created by screenwriter Blake Snyder based on the idea that every story needs a "save the cat" moment, or a moment where the hero does something to endear themselves to the audience. This moment can be anything from rescuing a kitten from a tree to stopping a mugging. It is an important moment because it helps the audience to root for the hero and to care about their journey.
Save the Cat is a great plotting tool because it helps you to create moments that will resonate with your audience. If you are having trouble creating compelling scenes, try using Save the Cat to brainstorm ideas.
These are just three of the many plotting tools available to writers. There are also many software programs that can help with plotting, such as Scrivener and Plotbot. No matter what method you use, plotting is an important part of writing a novel. It helps to keep your story on track and prevents writer's block. So don't be afraid to experiment with different plotting tools until you find one that works for you! Who knows, you might even enjoy it!
Happy Writing!