Plotting Season

Plotting Season is Here: Easy Tools for Plotting Your Next Great Novel

Whether you're drafting a new novel this fall or gearing up to start a fresh story in the new year, now is the perfect time to dive into plotting. Think of it like planting seeds in the crisp soil of September—do the work now, and you’ll be ready for a creative bloom later.
But plotting doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Let’s break it down with easy-to-use tools, templates, and tips that will help you organize your thoughts and give your next novel a strong, clear foundation.

1. Start with Your Core IdeaBefore you dive into spreadsheets or sticky notes, take a moment to jot down:

• The premise: What's your story about?
  
• The main character: Who changes and why?
  
• The emotion: What do you want the reader to feel?
  

Even a few sentences can act as your North Star as you begin plotting.

2. Choose a Beat Sheet That Matches Your GenreBeat sheets are pre-structured outlines that show major plot points and help keep pacing tight. Some great options include:

• Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes (for romance)
  
• Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody (great for commercial fiction)
  
• The Hero’s Journey for fantasy or adventure
  
• Three-Act Structure for nearly everything
  

🧩 Tip: Print your chosen beat sheet or recreate it digitally in a spreadsheet for easy reference.

3. Try Plug-and-Play TemplatesPrefer to build your plot visually? Try tools like:

• Trello or Notion boards for scene organization
  
• Scrivener's corkboard view for movable beats
  
• Google Sheets with color-coded plot points
  
• Plottr (a paid tool that’s intuitive and visual)
  

You can also download free plotting worksheets online or check if your writing community offers customized templates.

4. Block Your Writing Time in AdvanceOne of the most overlooked steps in plotting is making room to actually write the thing. Now’s the time to:

• Review your calendar and block writing sessions (even 30 mins/day!)
  
• Build in buffer time for life
  
• Set mini-deadlines for each part of your outline
  

⏰ Want accountability? Share your timeline with a writing buddy or group and check in weekly!

5. Don’t Forget to Leave Space for DiscoveryEven if you're a hardcore plotter, remember this: stories evolve. Let your outline be a living document. Characters grow. Twists appear. New ideas sneak in.
Keep your plotting flexible enough that you can follow the excitement when inspiration hits.

Plotting season is the perfect time to play with your story before the pressure of drafting hits. Whether you’re prepping for a fall draft, a winter writing retreat, or a spring release, giving your story a strong foundation now will set you up for success later.
So light a candle, pour a cozy drink, and grab those sticky notes—your next great novel is waiting.