So you've got an idea for your book. What now?
How about an outline? Something to get you started so you don't lose your way! Sound good? Good.
If you've read the NaNoWriMo workbooks, you will be familiar with this plot Rollercoaster.
It goes something like this.
Introduction. A lot of people say, start with an introduction of sorts. Meet the characters, get to know them (if only for one chapter) before throwing a curveball at them to get the story moving.
Others say to start right in the middle of conflict. Or at the inciting incident. But that doesn't need to be a battle. The conflict could be an argument with their little sister, an internal battle going on in their soul, it could be the MC (main character) racing through town to fetch the doctor to heal her ailing sister.
This is to add that element that makes readers want to stay with your story, that will glue the book to their hands.
But personally, I think either way works. As long as the introduction stage doesn't last longer than 2 or 3 short chapters. It could put people to sleep. Just sayin.
Next is the point of no return. The inciting incident. The point where the character is thrown into the dangerous mass that is your story, never to return the same. If they even come back alive.
"Can you promise that I will come back?" "No. And if you do, you will not be the same."
This part should be gripping. Don't skimp on those epic writing skills I know you have!
"This is the time, to show them everything."
Rising action. Ah rising action.
This is the middle of your story. The longest part. Sometimes, you get lost in it, you don't know if you're going to make it to the end alive.
But you are coming up with something for that right now. Because you are smart and are writing an outline. You know what's going to happen in the next chapter. You brought a flashlight for the long, dark tunnel. And most likely, you will finish this part of the story quicker than those with no outline.
That isn't to say it's going to be smooth sailing. Writing a book is hard. There's no way around it. It will test you, humble you, and altogether give you a different view on life.
This stage particularly. You might face monsters such as, self-doubt, self-pity, laziness, lack of motivation, "lack of time" (please. How much time in a day do we spend doing nothing? Go write! This is no excuse!), and perhaps the biggest of all, the inner editor. (I'll save his explanation for his own post later.)
Next; Climax. This part should be the most gripping. The part where no one wants to put the book down for fear of going mad without knowing the end. This is where you give it your all.
Next in line, falling action. This part should be short. Imagine this is a real rollercoaster. The climax is the part where you're right on the top of the hill. Falling action is just after that, when the coaster goes into a dive. That's how quick it should be.
Then, resolve. Don't just stop after the falling action. Your readers won't be able to function after finishing. As readers, we want solutions and the tying up of loose ends. We want the story to feel finished. When you end abruptly, or even semi-abruptly (*cough*suzannecollins*cough*), it leaves your readers dazed and without a clear understanding of what just happened. Give us closure! Epilogues only sort of count.
Of course, like any good Rollercoaster, that's not all there is. There may be loops, curves, turns, TWO hills, whatever. As a writer, you can play with it as much as you want.
But whatever you do, Have. Fun! :)
What would you add?
