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at the end and tell it as flashback or if you begin at the middle and flashback and move forward – or if you simply drive forward. However there is a classic set of ingredients that the story arc should probably contain and that is: 1. Stasis – once upon a time 2. Trigger – the unpredictable event 3. Quest – the protagonist(s) begins to seek
6. Climax – the consequence of 5
N.B. There is an excellent post and
7. Reversal – change of status
youtube video on cluster plotting at
8. Resolution – acceptance of new state.
http://johannaharness.com/2010/10/21/
But the most important thing of all about the plotting stage is to just go for it. Don’t pause or censor or edit – that will come when you have all your scenes before you. Enjoy this very creative phase of prewriting – rule nothing in or out.
4. Surprise – discovers the unexpected 5. Critical choice – difficult decision
Have Fun!
clusterplotting. If you’re a writer who uses twitter, you will almost certainly have heard of Johanna. She is the person behind the #amwriting hashtag and won this year’s inaugural Chris Al-Aswad prize awarded by Eight Cuts.
Typically Topical Topics by Lorraine Mace
Searching for article ideas can seem impossible, but in truth all that’s needed is a pad, a pen and some lateral thinking. There are always new topics to write about, or new ways of dealing with old ideas – but where to find the inspiration? This
article aims to provide you with enough ideas to lead to a torrent of topics. Listen to the news Sound too easy to be worthwhile? The simple ideas are usually the best. The news is a constant stream of information on a variety of subjects ranging from world affairs to new technology, from celebrity gossip to climatic disasters, from fashion to religion. Next time you listen to the news, jot down any item that catches your fancy. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t knowledgeable on the subject – that’s what research is for.
Discuss this and that! Join in forum debates on subjects which interest you. There is nothing like a healthy debate to get your brain cells working. Once again, while on the forums (and there are now forums on every conceivable theme under the sun) keep paper and pen to hand. It might not be the actual subject which sparks an idea, but a word or phrase used by one of the other members.
It’s that time of year Anniversary articles are always in demand – but where to find something to write about? Good starting places to search: http://ideas4writers.wordpress.com