This blog post is based on Writer's Connect newsletter Issue 52. It expands on the theme of planning your writing presented as this week's tip in the newsletter.
Planning your writing is one of the best things you can do as a writer. By planning what you are going to write, you can set up that next action scene in your novel, know what your characters are going to do, and work out how you will be progressing the story.
By planning your nonfiction book, you will ensure you won't be leaving out anything important.
It's a very obvious statement that not all writers work in the same way! So there will be writers who disagree with planning and who prefer to free-write. If it works for them, there's no problem with doing that.
However, when you plan, you will more likely avoid plot holes in your writing--such as forgetting where all your characters are supposed to be at any given time, forgetting what characters know and thereby having them make certain statements that they cannot possibly know, and any number of omissions or inaccuracies that would leave you with a furiously blushing face!
Planning Your Writing by Structuring Your Book
The very first planning session for your book should be setting up your book structure. The free resource Scaffolding for Scribes helps you set this up, and the resource Writer's Starter Kit takes you a few steps further.
Word of the Day
surreptitious (adj.) /ˌsʌrəpˈtɪʃəs/
Lying, cheating, and stealing its way from the Latin sub (from under) and rapere (to snatch), this word defines deeds that are done in secret, particularly because they would be frowned upon if they were ever brought to light. It can also be used to describe the shady-looking behaviour or appearance of people engaging in such activities.
The politician received a surreptitious donation. He handed over the cheque, glancing around surreptitiously to make sure they weren't being observed.
Quotidian Quote
Writing is the best way to talk without being interrupted ~ Jules Renard
Get Competitive!
A selection of current writing competitions YOU can enter!
Writers' & Artists' Short Story Competition 2022
Format: Short story Theme: Any Word Count: Max. 2,000 Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $1,000, residential writing course, and publication Closes: 7/03/2022
Meet Me @ 19th Street 1st Quarter Writing Competition
Format: Short story / creative non-fiction Theme: Food Word Count: First chapter Entry Fee: $15 Prize: $100 & consideration for Arch Street Prize Closes: 31/03/2022
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