Anonymous asked: Sorry if someone already asked something like this but, how do you plan out a story? I started writing and had a couple pages written when I realized I had no idea what was going to happen next. I created the main characters and setting but really didn't think of a plot. Is there any way to try and get my story organized?

Tazzy: Mind-maps/spider diagrams can help, if you like them. Have different sections for different characters, and work out how they interact with each other/develop in the story, and how that fits into the plot! You’ll find a story idea slowly growing around what you’ve put onto the spider diagram, if you’re like me. Despite this, however, I’m mostly a list person. If you are too, then maybe this can help:

Create your own story framework. It might help to break in down into three main areas: beginning, middle and end. Answering a few simple questions within each area will help you think about your story and how to write it later. (You’ve already done a few of the following things, but it never hurts to go over it again for more of a concrete idea :D )

Beginning: 

• Who is your main character? 

• What does your main character look like? 

• What is the setting for your story? 

• Why is your character in the setting? 

• What happens first? 

Middle: 

• Describe the problem or obstacle the main character faces. 

• Is anyone else involved – who are they? (Has your character already encountered them?) Why are they involved?

• How does the main character react?

• How does the main character develop to overcome this obstacle?

End: 

• How is the problem or obstacle resolved? 

• How has the outcome changed the main character’s life? 

• What does the main character do at the end of the story? 

• What happens to the other characters involved in the story?

• Are you planning a sequel/further stories? What’s happening in those? Are you going to finish your story on a cliffhanger?

Once you’ve worked out the three main sections- beginning, middle, end- work out how you’re going to get there. There’s no point deciding that in the beginning your main character is going to meet their side kick, and that in the middle section they’re going to meet their enemy, when you have no idea how to get them there!

It all seems rather simple, but it does help. Once you have an idea down, keep referring back to it so that you stick to it. I find that sometimes I come up with really good ideas, but then completely forget to mention them in the story. Don’t do that! :) Hope I helped, and best of luck!