A plotting question

[jesuslover]

I've read several "how-to"s on plotting and general novel writing that say that a writer should never begin to write if he/ she doesn't know how the book is going to end. Do you guys plot the whole book at once or as you go along, with an idea for the beginning, and an idea for the end, and then fill in the middle as you go? Let me know which way works best.

[james_pence]

W. Somerset Maugham once said that there are three rules for writing the novel, unfortunately no one knows what they are. He was right!

I quote that statement at the beginning of my answer so that you will understand that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to plot a novel. Essentially you have to do what works best for you.

I like to have a very sketchy idea of where the novel is going. That usually includes my opening scene (hook), what will be happening at the mid-point of the novel, and a general idea of the big climactic scene at the end. That's about as thoroughly as I plot.

As I write the novel, I prefer to let the story direct its own flow with the ideas coming to me as I write. Interestingly, in the two novels I have written, the climax at the end was nothing like what I had originally envisioned--it was better. So why bother plotting at all? It helps to have a general idea of where you're going to give you some direction and momentum.

Keep in mind that this is what works for me. It might not work for you. As other writers post, you may end up finding someone else's approach better. Or you may take bits and pieces of everyone's answers and come up with your own.

Whatever gets your story out of your head and onto paper is the best way for you.

Hope this helps.

Jim

[cawheat]

Yes, there are about as many theories as writers. One theory that I've seen (and may try on my next project) is to write the beginning, write the end, and then connect the dots.

You have to have strong characters already well thought-out, but it seems to me that if you put a lot of work up front (research, characters, structure, etc.) then that might be a nice way to go that MIGHT even eliminate some block....

[ladypreacher]

When writing my novel, An Angel of Mercy, I started the story from the ending and then headed back from the beginning to the end. "Somewhere between the dark and the dawn Ana Marianna quietly left this world." Then I knew where I wanted to end up.

Thing is, when I got near the end I tried to do what CAWHEAT suggested. (That was I tried to go to the end and then head back to where I left off to see if I could meet myself){Maybe you ought not quote me on that...sometimes I don't always get things too straight...} Anyway, as I neared the end I started to panic that I couldn't tie it all together. I began Chapter the Last and got a few pages into it and realized that wouldn't work for me. So, back to writing to the end. Well, I got through a really difficult scene and then I realized I had done it, my novel was finished! Except for that left me with Chapter the Last... Thus Angel of Insight was born.

Being so new at this novel writing stuff I don't think I could have handled knowing I had to do it again. I love God's sense of humor! Destiny's Child, the third book, will have some of the same characters running around in it here and there but will be set somewhere world's apart from the other two books, and another generation. The thought of writing the same story three times is too redundant for this ole girl.

Anyway, back on task... When I wrote the first one I had absolutely no clue what was going to happen, that is except for the end of course... Now, for the second two I have been plotting, in my mind that is. I guess I did that with Angel a little but mostly I just surprised myself. The one piece of advice that I've always tried to adhear to is to not let my characters run away with the story. Tried I said. Sometimes when you get a strong personality going on it's a good thing to let them "express themselves.":) Not that you have a choice!

ANGYL spoke of plotting, and of outlining. There are obviously some real advantages to it. I've been considering it myself as he's had some really good success in the business. There is true wisdom in following a leader... Of that I am quite certain.

I've come up with the last line of Destiny's Child so that my readers will know that there won't be another book. At least not in that series..."Sometimes fairytales do come true; and Ana and Michael lived happily everafter, for theirs was a forever kind of love."

You would have to read the books to know that wasn't just a cliche at all...The first book addresses God's Mercy, the second His Wisdom, the third, His Grace.

I know I use myself and my work as a point of reference a lot, but I's just don't got all that there education like the rest of you'alls...

There goes one of my characters, I best get back to work, Arthur's obviously restless... I guess when I get to amusing myself right out loud it's time to shut up. I hope something I said was at least a little helpful! Best of God's grace to you!