If you missed Janice Hardy’s workshop on plotting here are a few highlights that kept us all writing furiously even though she shared handouts.
Steps to Remember when developing a new story
Step 1: Write down your idea in one or two sentences
Step 2: Find the problem — the reason the novel exists
Step 3: Find the Stakes — why the reader should care
Step 4: Find the Protagonist — who the story is about
Step 5: Find the Antagonist — who or what gets in the way, the obstacles to overcome
Step 6: Write your Summary Line — the core concept of the novel
Step 7: Find the Motivating Factors — what motivates the protagonist to act
Step 8: Find the Big Moments, from the opening scene to the major turning points
Step 9: Brainstorm twists and turns and possible exciting, tension filled moments
Step 10: Summarize & flesh out the novel as much as necessary to begin writing
For more on Janice’s techniques, check out her book: Planning Your Novel, there’s one at the Northeast Spruill Oaks Library.
Your can also visit her website Fiction University where she posts writing tips and articles from other authors.
Other recommend books include the standby for all writers -- Elements of Style, plus Jack Bickhan’s Scene and Structure, and Fiction First Aid.