Index cards and colored pens can help you keep plots and subplots straight, and give you a whole-story view of your novel.
You’re halfway through your novel. Your characters are established, your main plot is working, and several subplots add tension. You’re dreaming of publishing contracts and book signings. But a thought intrudes as you work on the next scene: when was the last time you heard from Minor Character B?
Tangled plots, forgotten characters
Most novels have enough characters and subplots that writers need notebooks to keep track of them. But even a notebook can’t always keep the plot lines clear and untangled. Characters that are introduced at the beginning, and who will have an impact on the conclusion, need to be mentioned throughout the story or your reader will forget them. And a sheet of paper with several notes on it is not easily changed.
Storyboard
To de-tangle your plots, create a storyboard. Some writers use index cards, some use sticky notes. Either way, write one key action on each card. “Jason argues with Melody,” or “Sarah hides the diamond.”
Colored pens come into play here, too. Use one color for your protagonist(s), another for your villain. Or different colors for each plot line. Then lay them out on the floor or stick them on the wall in the order you think the scenes will go.
Be objective
Now, with the entire story laid out in front of you and colors to help, you can see the story as a whole:
- Is a plot line left out for too long, or too much time spent with a minor character?
- Is the flow of action is logical? Where can you insert scenes to smooth it out?
- What intuitive chapter breaks leap out at you?
- Do you see a need for another character to fill a gap or provide extra tension?
Take it further
If you spread out on the floor, you’ll have to walk around your cards for a few days and then pick them up. If you use large sticky notes or tape index cards to the wall, your story will take over a room. Don’t worry—it’s worth it.
After passing it constantly through the day, you’ll internalize how the whole story flows, instead of thinking in short scenes and single plots. Your family and friends will have comments that will spur your thoughts. Take your new insights and add to your cards.
- Note the characters’ internal growth (in a new color, of course) on the appropriate cards. The surrounding cards will help you see if you’ve built up sufficiently to the change.
- How is the pacing? Are there places where fast action goes on too long? Where internal thoughts need to be broken up by action?
- Draw a colored line down the side of the card showing the main emotion of the scene. Do you have a variety throughout the story?
A storyboard can be created before you even begin to write, when you’re halfway through, or after you’ve finished your rough draft. Whenever you do it, it will help you revise and have a better story in the end.
