Scribbles: How to Write

JUST ONE DAMN THING AFTER ANOTHER (PLOT)

There are two main methods of approaching plot: planning, and pantsing. Each has its benefits and it's drawbacks.

Planning, as the name suggests, means that before you start writing you map out the direction the story is going to go. This is usually done by crafting an outline, a list of events, chapters, or scenes, each accompanied by a brief summary of what happens in that scene. Many authors use a plan, as it helps with knowing where to place foreshadowing. It also acts as a helpful checklist showing how much of the story is complete. However, some authors find that planning out all the twists and turns of a story means they enjoy the act of writing them out less, and so lose motivation. They turn to the second method, pantsing.

Pantsing is writing without a plan. This means that you are flying by the seat of your pants (hence the name), but also means you have more freedom to see where the story flows. Writers often have some sense of how they think the story will end, but they let their characters lead the way in deciding how to get there. This can lead to a character-driven, more engaging plotline, if the writer knows their characters well. However, without a plan leading the way some authors can hit a block, or lose motivation to continue the story.

Neither of these method is superior, and I'd recommend giving both of them a try. Find out which fits best with your writing style, and don't be afraid to switch it up. However, even if you intend to be a pantser, it'll probably be helpful to have a rough outline, an idea of where you would like your story to go. This outline is not set in stone, no outline is! You may find that along the way your characters want to do something entirely different than what you had planned, or you think of an amazing twist.

However, that twist can't just pop out of nowhere.