Creating a plot for a novel is where it all begins. Whether you’re a pantser or a planner, plotting has got to take place at some point, one way or another. It can happen in your head sort of on the fly as you write, with lots of rewriting, or it can begin weeks and months before you start the first chapter.
This is one of the most creative, challenging, and exciting tasks involved in writing a novel because it calls for deep, imaginative thinking as you uncover, reflect upon, and release your story. For me, it feels almost like a push-pull, inward-outward action that is repeated as often as needed. I usually struggle mightily at first (the kind of struggling where I want to grind teeth and pull hair!) until I eventually get into a rhythm and the framework for the story slowly unfolds, one chapter summary after another.
It's daunting, challenging, mind-bending. Yet oh-so rewarding when I look back over my work weeks later to see the story coming together and I begin to feel excited to move forward, to start writing the first chapter.
There’s a famous quote, often attributed to the writer Dorothy Parker, that goes something like this.
“I hate writing but love having written.”
It’s also kind of like that when you plot a novel. Tough work, but so worth it in the end.
Below are several items that should help make the plotting phase go more smoothly. I’ve included tools, furniture, foods, and more to help you dig deeply, spark your imagination, keep your thoughts organized, and maintain a positive spirit through it all.
For writing, planning and note-taking–
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Scrivener. This software helps writers organize their research, notes, and drafts. It’s especially good for plotting and outlining as you can easily add, delete and rearrange elements for an entire novel. Or two.
Novel Writing Workbooks. If you prefer using pen and paper, try a workbook made especially for writers. You can find them online by Googling “novel writing workbook.” They provide structured pages and prompts to help guide writers through plotting and planning a novel before writing.
Mind Mapping Apps. Still searching for an idea for your novel? Tools like MindNode or XMind can help with brainstorming at the very beginning of plotting by helping you visually capture and organize your thoughts and ideas.
Grammar Apps. Even the most accomplished writers can use a little help here. These tools help with grammar, punctuation, spelling, and clarity. Popular examples are Grammarly, Hemingway App, and ProWritingAid.
Books on plotting. General books on writing a novel will usually include one or more sections on preparing a plot or outlining. You can also find books specific to plotting and outlining and even books on plotting a specific genre such as fantasy. Amazon is a good place to start looking here.
For serenity and inspiration–
A Yoga Mat. Yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and stretching breaks can help clear the mind and relieve physical strain from sitting in one spot or position for long periods of time.
White Noise Machine. These tools help reduce distractions by blocking unpleasant, irritable sounds in your environment such as traffic noise and replacing them with relaxing, soothing sounds such as falling water.
Noise-Canceling Headphones. Use these to completely block out surrounding sounds and create a silent, focused environment if that’s what you prefer.
Music Streaming Services. The right music can help get you in the right mood for writing. Consider your genre when making your selections.
Mood Boards. These are physical or digital boards that you can put together to help depict the mood of your novel. You can create collages filled with images, text, and samples of objects and anything else you desire. I’ve used them to help define and capture the setting for a novel using pictures, textures, and quotes. This can be fun and inspiring.
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. Scents can have a powerful effect on mood, inspiration, and creativity. A diffuser with essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or lemon might help stimulate creativity or maintain a relaxed, focused mindset during writing sessions.
Food and beverages–
Chocolate. This sweet treat can boost mood and energy. Dark chocolate in particular is known to improve focus. Or use it to motivate yourself. I sometimes reward myself with a few pieces of chocolate after completing a difficult chapter or two. But beware: chocolate can also contain high amounts of sugar and calories, so go lightly here.
Berries. Healthy snacks like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries may provide a quick, nutritious energy boost during long writing stretches and are also known for their antioxidant properties.
Coffee. Many writers need a few sips to get going first thing in the morning. I’m definitely one of them. The beverage seems to vanquish early morning brain fog so you feel alert, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle the long writing session ahead.
Green Tea. This popular beverage is known for its calming effects. It’s a good alternative to coffee if you prefer a milder caffeine boost.
Furniture and gadgets–
Standing Desk. Many believe that standing while working instead of sitting can help improve concentration and mood, both essential for fiction writers. Other health benefits may include lowering the risk of weight gain and reducing back pain, also important for writers since we spend long periods sitting.
Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse. If you’re struggling with back, wrist, or shoulder pain when you write you might want to try one of these to help reduce strain and improve comfort during long writing sessions.
Pomodoro Timer. The Pomodoro Technique uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short five-minute breaks. This is new to me. I discovered it while doing research for this post. Yet I can see possible benefits. I do notice that sometimes when I’m struggling to figure something out in my mind and I get up briefly for another cup of coffee, the problem is resolved when I return to my desk. I would not recommend too many short periods of starting and stopping while actually writing the novel but this technique may help when working on the outline or plot.
So there you have it. I hope you find something in this list that will help you stimulate creativity, organize your thoughts, and maintain a healthy and productive environment as you prepare the plot for your novel.