Many writers plan the characters, goals, and conflicts before they write a story. There are many different ways to plot a novel, and this story map is one of the many methods. Based on the classic narrative structure, story mapping can be used for novels, short stories, and screen plays equally well.
Story mapping software is available, and many writers enjoy using these tools. They all follow basically the same format of the classic story structure. They can range in price from free to several hundred dollars. Two free downloads are the Open Source StorYbook software reviewed here, and Ywriter offered by Simon Haynes, author of the Hal SpaceJock book series
However, story mapping software is not necessary. The outline below can be used just as effectively in any word processing program and even on index cards.
How to Use a Story Map
This basic structure of the classic story map can be cut and pasted into a word processing document. Alternatively, each heading can be written on a separate story card with details. Make notes on all of the outline headings. These eight headings can be expanded as much as needed to plan how to write a book.
- Who is the protagonist or hero, and what are his or her main qualities?
- What is the main plot goal?
- What is the internal conflict and goal of the protagonist?
- What is the main conflict? How will the antagonist try to prevent the protagonist from reaching the goal?
- What is the theme of the story?
- What is the black moment? What will make everything seem hopeless?
- How is the black moment resolved?
- What is the ending? How is the main goal reached?
Using Mind Mapping for a Novel
Once the story mapping is finished, mind mapping can add more details to the story. Mind mapping around the story map outline gives a visual representation of the emerging book. Mind mapping involves free thinking and brainstorming about all possibilities.
As Donald Maass advises in his book, Writing the Breakout Novel, published by Writers Digest Books in 2001, the writer should always ask, “What could make this situation worse? What is the worst thing that could happen?” Using those questions will open up a world of plot possibilities, plot twists, and subplots while mind mapping a novel.
Vladimir Nabokov preferred to write using story details written on index cards. He worked off these cards, moving them around and editing them to fit his novels. His posthumously published work, The Original of Laura, published by Knopf in 2009, shows a facsimile of each story card and his notes. New story mapping software works in much the same way as the story cards, only in digital format.
This story map method using the classic narrative structure not only can help plan and plot a novel, it can also put an end to writer's block. Developing the story line before writing a story will help the writing go faster. For a writer, a story map can be like a road map. Mind mapping will allow the writer navigate off the main roads and into the side roads, discovering new possibilities along the way.
Suzanne Pitner - Suzanne Pitner is a teacher and published writer. A member of RWA and YARWA, she writes fiction as Suzanne Lilly.
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