The Importance of Plot Outlining in Creative Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a book, whether it's a factual or fictional piece, is all about 'communicating' with the reader. Just jotting down random thoughts without any sequence is a futile exercise, as it offers nothing for comprehension. Even books that are lauded merely because they are incomprehensible often lack substance and depth. Critics who praise such books often exhibit a desire to appear intellectually profound, which isn't necessarily beneficial for either the reader or the work.

Understanding Plotters and Pantsers

There are two main approaches to creating a story: plotters and pantsers. Plotters prefer a structured plan, whereas pantsers write by the seat of their pants, making things up as they go along. Those who write by the seat of their pants often find that their stories don't see the light of day because they lack a clear structure or a compelling plan. A well-thought-out outline is essential for maintaining interest and ensuring the narrative flows smoothly. This article will guide you through the process of plotting out your story using a simplified 3-act film structure.

Plotting Out Your Book: A 3-Act Structure

Once you have a good idea for a novel, characters ready to bounce around in your mind, and a setting chosen, the first step is to create an outline. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a plot outline using the 3-act structure:

Stage 1: The Opening Act - Setting Up the Premise

The initial act introduces the characters and sets up the inciting incident, the reason why the story needs to be told. For example, you might choose a car crash, a woman left at the altar, or a terrorist taping a bomb to his chest and studying the layout of a local elementary school. The goal in this stage is to introduce your characters and their situation. This should take about 25 pages, though it can be broken down into as many chapters as needed.

Stage 2: The New Situation - Sucking and Suckier

In this stage, introduce complications and make things difficult for your characters. For instance, in the car crash example, the nurse could end up being pregnant, or the jilted bride's car could break down in a remote area where she gets robbed. Keep giving your characters terrible choices that worsen their situations. This stage can extend up to page 65.

Stage 3: Progress - Moving Forward

At this stage, the characters start to adapt and make progress, even if it's small. The jilted bride might start to enjoy her remote town, or the terrorist might try to recruit one of his relatives. This stage should take about 65-130 pages, depending on the complexity of your story.

Stage 4: Complications and Higher Stakes

Here, introduce complications that escalate the story's stakes. Such turnarounds can involve a nurse's husband showing up, or a jilted bride discovering her new love has a criminal record. This stage should take you up to page 195.

Stage 5: Major Setbacks and Climax

This stage involves major setbacks for your characters. The jilted bride might be caught with a wanted man, or the car crash victim might be beaten nearly to death. This stage is crucial for building tension and ensuring the story reaches a high point. This stage should take you up to page 235.

Stage 6: The Aftermath and Climactic Ending

In the final stage, determine the outcome of the story and the aftermath. This is your chance to provide a satisfying conclusion, such as the lovers running away together or the bomber successfully killing himself. This stage should conclude by page 260. By structuring your story in this way, you ensure a cohesive and engaging narrative.

Conclusion

While plotting may seem complicated at first, with a well-structured 3-act system, it can be doable. By breaking down your story into simple stages, you can ensure that your narrative flows smoothly and keeps your readers engaged. Take the time to plan out your book, and you'll find that the writing process becomes much easier and more enjoyable.

Ready to start plotting out your novel? Check out this book for more writing tips:

Write Better Right Now: Creative Writing Tips

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