Plotting Methods

by David Castanho
13th May 2015

Hi everyone I started a short story but came up with little nuggets of ideas that would be more ideal in a novel. I wanted to ask someone who has written or is writing a novel how they manage to plot the whole thing through. (If you haven't worked it out by now, this question is for Plotters) I read from the internet that some authors like to find out their inciting incident, mid-point, climax, and their major plot turns before they write. What about you? What is your method?

Replies

I use a similar method as Jonathan to sketch out my storyline and plot..

I have tried to use Aristotelian principles as a guide to plotting my novel, and Freytag triangles for my chapters.

They are useful guides, but whether I'm successful at doing both remains to be seen.

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Adrian
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Adrian Sroka
14/05/2015

I like that DL's ending arrived unexpectedly - I never have a notebook handy if anything like that happens. I bought a voice recorder years ago for the purpose but it's always in the drawer/car/I can't find it at the opportune moment :(

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Jonathan
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14/05/2015

Hi Jonathan & D.L Kirkwood, I appricate your advice but I love Jonathan's method and can actually see myself plotting that way. Thanks again to the three of you, you made this question worth the asking. :)

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David
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David Castanho
14/05/2015