How to use this Page

If you are just joining us here at PlotNaNoPlotPerfection to perfect your plot, welcome! Begin at Day One (you have to scroll down) and work your way here.

Draft #1 represents a leap of faith; you write without worrying about the outcome. Well, perhaps you worry, but if you are following us here, you persevered. Congratulations!

In the Native American tradition, mouse medicine focuses on the attention to detail and runs in about 5- to 6-week cycles. NaNoWriMo writers devote fastidious attention to writing at highly concentrated levels. Like the mouse, when we are in the flow of getting the words on paper, we often neglect other areas.

As you begin winding down, let the words subside and your body return to rest.

Two years ago at this time, on my approach to the Santa Cruz mountains, I spotted a red-tailed hawk at the tip of a redwood tree, like an angel atop a giant Christmas tree. Halfway over the mountain, I cringed as something flew into my peripheral vision. Rather than crash, in a swirl of feathers, the hawk steered clear.

Hawks embody visionary powers and guardianship. I invite you to enter into the realm of expressing a higher vision of your story beyond the word level itself. Stand back. See the bigger picture and allow for new ideas.

Today:

• Continue listing the major events and scenes of your story -- it is not necessary to remember every single scene, just the big plot points for now. Remember, no reading the manuscript itself. The big, important scenes should pop out at you. Later when we work with these events in comparison to what you actually wrote, you will have a better sense of what to cut. Cutting, trimming, paring down the insignificant makes room for the scenes and events that truly drive the story.

• Start a second list. Write down any and all themes that pop up in each event. Do not strain for these theme ideas. If something comes to you, write it down.

Welcome to the 3rd Annual International Plot Writing Month aka PostNaNoPlotPerfection.

Today begins a month-long opportunity to refine the plot arch of your novel, memoir, and screenplay.

If you participated in NaNoWriMo 2010, first take time to congratulate yourself! You've done what many talk and dream of doing -- you've written an entire story from beginning to end. Celebrate!

Next, craft the project into a coherent piece worthy of publication.

During December, take the steps needed to analyze what you've written and brainstorm for an effortless draft two in January '11.

Revision your project before actually rewriting the manuscript. (This also works for writers without a first draft. Whether you merely have an idea for a story, a few chapters or scenes, just tweak the assignments to make them work for wherever you are in the process.)

Everyday this month, I'll provide plot tips and tricks and inspiration.

No writing required.

Following are a couple of caveats for our month together:

1) Do NOT show anyone what you've written so far. The first draft of any writing project is considered the generative phase. At the end of the generative phase, a writer is often faced with a manuscript full of holes and missteps, confusion and chaos. This is part of the process in that editing and/or an unbridled internal critic in the generative phase risks stifling the muse, which often results in stagnation.

Your first draft is a fragile thread of a dream. You know what you want to convey, well, maybe and sort of. Few writers can adequately communicate a complete vision in the first draft of a story, especially when writing by the seat of your pants. Allow others to read your writing now and you risk losing energy for your story and becoming overwhelmed by the task ahead of you.

2) Do NOT read what you've written. I know, I know. You're anxious to read your hard work. However, the longer you give yourself before actually reading your first draft, the better. If you read your manuscript now, you're still close enough to the work that you'll automatically fill in the gaps. Give yourself distance first. This allows you to read your work more objectively later.

Let's get started!

By now, you know who the protagonist of your story is. Stories are about character transformation. The character who is transformed by the dramatic action in your story is your protagonist. Fill out the following for your protagonist. If the major antagonist in your story is a person, fill out the following for that character as well. If you have more than one point of view character, fill out the form for that/those characters, too.

CHARACTER EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROFILE

Character’s name:

Dramatic Action Plotline
Overall story goal:
What stands in her way:

Tomorrow ends NaNoWriMo for another year. That means you have today and tomorrow to finish. No matter what, keep writing. 

Wednesday begins the 3rd Annual International Plot Writing Month, also known as PlotWriMo or as my friend and short story writer Mary Eastham dubs the month of December, PostNaNoPlot Perfection.

Write now. Shape your words into a compelling story throughout December.

Perhaps you didn't do nano? Don't even know what it is but you have a draft of your book and are wondering, now what? 

No draft of a story written? Follow the steps outlined this month to generate ideas for one. (You'll have to use your imagination and fill in the missing blanks, but you're good at that, right? You're a writer.)

Follow me here everyday for plot tips and tricks and inspiration beginning Dec. 1st.

No writing required.

Use the month to push aside the words and analyze the characters and dramatic action and thematic significance you have written. Brainstorm for an effortless draft two in January '09.