I’m in the early stages of planning my first attempt at a novel and was intending to map it out in a fashion similar to this before I start actually writing (because I’m lazy and terrified of extensive re-writes!). I love your advice to consider what the other characters want as it’s a great way to add further dimension to what could otherwise be a too-simplistic plot.
I'm about to start structural edits with a new chapter plan - this is just the right advice at just the right time, thank you for generously sharing this!
I've created other documents for doing high level revision, though this is much clearer, asks the pertinent questions, and will drive a much better outcome then what I was doing with my notes. I copied this into a Word document and saved it into a file for the next time I have to go through this exercise. Wonderful templates like this are so valuable to writers, not matter our experience level. I really appreciate you sharing this!
So interesting Michelle. I've recently written about this process - I liken it to taking a beautiful lace dress, unpicking all the seams, adding various splinters of fabric and then trying to sew it all together. I make what I call a chronology - very like yours - of what I've actually written, so I don't get in too much of a mess before I start my re-write. Here's my take on editing a novel: https://sanjidakay.substack.com/p/the-secret-to-success?r=2wm05e
I do this in Scrivener using Custom Metadata. I break the scene's characters into two fields: onstage characters and offstage characters (who's in the room and who's mentioned). I also break the new information into two fields: new to the reader and new to the characters. (This helps me track where all my revelations are and when who learns what.)
I've been capturing weaknesses via comments, but that can get in the way of coaching and editing reviews, so I'm considering adding a metadata field for capturing those thoughts. Thanks for the breakdown and additional ideas!
I’m in the early stages of planning my first attempt at a novel and was intending to map it out in a fashion similar to this before I start actually writing (because I’m lazy and terrified of extensive re-writes!). I love your advice to consider what the other characters want as it’s a great way to add further dimension to what could otherwise be a too-simplistic plot.
Oh cool! Happy this was helpful, David :)
I am nearing the end of my first draft. This is very helpful and I will refer to it during my first edit process. Thanks.
Awesome! So happy this helped, Alison!
I'm about to start structural edits with a new chapter plan - this is just the right advice at just the right time, thank you for generously sharing this!
I’m so glad this helped, Felicity!
This is a great approach - Thank you!
I've created other documents for doing high level revision, though this is much clearer, asks the pertinent questions, and will drive a much better outcome then what I was doing with my notes. I copied this into a Word document and saved it into a file for the next time I have to go through this exercise. Wonderful templates like this are so valuable to writers, not matter our experience level. I really appreciate you sharing this!
That’s awesome, Bruce! Happy this helped :)
So interesting Michelle. I've recently written about this process - I liken it to taking a beautiful lace dress, unpicking all the seams, adding various splinters of fabric and then trying to sew it all together. I make what I call a chronology - very like yours - of what I've actually written, so I don't get in too much of a mess before I start my re-write. Here's my take on editing a novel: https://sanjidakay.substack.com/p/the-secret-to-success?r=2wm05e
That’s such a lovely way to describe it, Sanjida!
Thanks, Michelle,
This is very helpful.
I’m so glad, Echo! :)
I do this in Scrivener using Custom Metadata. I break the scene's characters into two fields: onstage characters and offstage characters (who's in the room and who's mentioned). I also break the new information into two fields: new to the reader and new to the characters. (This helps me track where all my revelations are and when who learns what.)
I've been capturing weaknesses via comments, but that can get in the way of coaching and editing reviews, so I'm considering adding a metadata field for capturing those thoughts. Thanks for the breakdown and additional ideas!