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How to plan a story?

  • 18-10-2010 2:47am
    #1
    reddevil978
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 ✭


    Hi All,
    I really need help with this. I have written stories, even ones that are book length, but the problem I have is that when I read over my stories (or really think about new ones that i'm planning) they seem far too similar! I always have something that is a repeat of something I've already written.
    I know that there are certain ways to plan stories (especially if they will be part of a series which is what I want to do) I just cant seem to get it right. and if I get the first one right,. I'm always stuck in a rut for the second.
    Please, if anyone has any idea's I would love to hear them! thanks!

    P.S I also have a problem with repeating words, any idea's or thoughts? thanks!


Comments

  • #2
    pickarooney
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,920 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    I guess on a base level all stories are just retellings of other stories and there are very few original tales being written. The key is in the telling. You could tell the same story ten times and have ten completely individual pieces. After that if you find that you're really using the same words to retell the same tale over and over you might need to look for new inspiration, which can come from anywhere but most often, I would say, from some event in your own life.


  • #3
    cobsie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 223 ✭✭cobsie


    Sometimes taking a non-linear approach is better. Rather than planning every scene, maybe you could group your ideas in clusters, so that it helps give an overview of where the themes lie, what ideas/characters connect to each other. This is often called 'mind-mapping' and is a common brainstorming technique: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map

    It can be helpful as a way of just throwing everything against the wall, before you start to sift through and pick out narratives.

    As for repeating words - this is where the much-derided thesarus is handy. It will jog your memory and suggest alternatives and is a useful tool for any writer. Nothing but practice will help you there. Good luck!


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