So, while The Year of Lightning is being prepped for publication this fall, I’m also hard at work on book 2. In examining my creative process, there’s one stage that I realized I’m most fond of. Partly, I enjoy it because it helps me examine the story progression visually and identify areas that need further development or rearrangement. Partly, I also enjoy that it makes my office look like the lair of a semi-sane supervillain as he plots the downfall of his enemies.
Behold, my supervillain-style sticky note timeline!
I used the same process for The Year of Lightning, and it was actually a great way to manage the flow of the story without having to keep all the plot elements in my head.
What about you? If you’re a plotter, what type of outline do you prefer? If you’re a pantser, how much of the story do you have in mind when you sit down to write?
Whatever your process, suit up and get writing!
I like to use a word doc with setting and character lists for each scene along with a few sentences about what happens. I like yours though. I may set up a secret cupboard at work and give the post it method a try!
I’ve done something similar to your method in the past and it also works. Hope you like the supervillain method!
I use a combination of the hero’s journey and the three act structure. In the past, I used note cards, stuck to a corkboard, much like your sticky note method, but for my newest novel, I’ve begun using scrivener. I’m really digging it as it’s very similar to the corkboard, only I can save it, so I can work three or four stories at once. Given that I use this same method for my short stories, I’m often working on four things at once, so it comes in handy. 🙂
I have Scrivener, but I’m a bit afraid to start using it. I hear that it’s great but can be overwhelming, and right now I just don’t have the time to stop and learn it. Eventually, though, I’ll sit down and start playing around with it.