From an idea to a complex plot

Hello, friends!

Today, we'll have a look at how a simple idea that just appeared in your head can turn into a whole story if you only give it some time.

Let's get into it! You got your ideas ready?!

I've been using this method that's called THE SNOWFLAKE METHOD for years and it’s proven to be useful. It's goes like this:

1. Write down the idea in one sentence. 

For example: The cat ran away from the house.

2. Expand it, adding the most crucial details. 

Example: The cat that has magic powers ran away from the house where he was hiding for the most of his life, but the owners found out about his magic.

3. Expand the description into a paragraph.

4. Expand the paragraph into a one-page story synopsis. Ask yourself: what would be the MC’s journey in the story? Write down a simple timeline of the events.

5. Divide the paragraph into scenes. Expand each scene.

Outside of that:

→ think of what the main problem in the story will be and how it will affect every character.

→ add side characters and think of their purpose

→ think of all the possible ways to make your story special, to make it interesting and intriguing.

→ add the subplots

→ do proper character building & world building!!!

That's all from my personal writing experience.

Let's now have a look at a STORY STRUCTURE, as it's crucial to know and extremely helpful in the writing process.

There are multiple story structures you can use, but I'm going to talk about my favorite one which is also one of the most popular ones!

Inspired by: https://www.blurb.com/blog/what-is-story-structure/

THE CLASSIC STORY STRUCTURE 

...has been a standard format used for many centuries in stories and novels. This structure's seven main parts are:

1. EXPOSITION - show the reader where is the plot taking place, who is the main character and why are they interesting, point at possible ways the story could go

2. RISING ACTION - something pushes the MC into the spiral of events

3. CLIMAX - most tension is gathered here, something significant happens, perfect place for a battle or discovering a secret

4. FALLING ACTION - can be used to clarify the events of the climax and ease any built-up tension

5. RESOLUTION - shows the outcome of the story, provides a conclusion, closes the subplots

6. DÉNOUEMENT - unveils the main character’s long-term consequences

7. THEMES - the story's underlying message

You can either start the plot building by dividing the idea into these seven parts, or do it at the end, to check if you haven't forgotten anything important and everything is in its place.

More tools that you can find helpful for expanding an idea into a story:

→ an old, good mind map! Write the idea in the middle and start adding to it.

→ write down everything that comes to your mind regarding the story and don't cross it out right away! Who knows, maybe something will turn out more useful than it seemed at first when the right moment comes.

→ use character builder from dndbeyond.com - it's a website made for D&D players, but you can use the tools for your stories as well!

→ use phone apps designed for planning / writing stories

And if you're feeling a little playful…

There's a method I used a few times and it (surprisingly) worked wonders, so if you're up to some writing challenge, here it is!

Write a random scene. Try not to overthink what you're writing, just go along with what feels right in the moment. 

When the scene is done, try to build a story around it! How did the character you were writing about end up there? What was pushing them forward? What does the end of the scene mean for them?

Good luck with your writing!

~ Shell