Should You Outline Before Writing

Every author tends to have a personal process when writing. However, struggles like writer’s block are universal. That’s why there are techniques to streamline this process like the Feynman Technique that we discussed in our previous write-up. This is a method designed for learning new and complex concepts wherein authors have to familiarize themselves with …

Start a writing group at WriterLink and claim a free subscription to StoryPlanner.com

Writers are typically shy, I know this because I’m a writer and a quiet person. Yet setting up a writing group with a bunch of strangers seven years ago, was the best decision for this particular lonely writer! I love the way my little group has helped my writing improve and I’ve found some wonderful …

How to plan a new work of fiction – Could one well-crafted line be the only plan you need?

November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) when writers around the world set themselves the challenge of writing 50,000 words in one month. It’s a tricky thing to do, but I’ve succeeded three times now. I’ve learned that the more a story is planned the easier this challenge becomes. I also believe using a plan …

How to plan a new work of fiction – Techniques for generating novel ideas

November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and thousands of writers around the globe will try to write 50,000 words in a month. In the coming weeks, I’m going to outline some tips and tricks for planning new works of fiction. This is my favourite exercise for hatching ideas. I’ve used it to come up …

WriterLink helps writers create and find writing groups

The creator of Story Planner has launched a new site called WriterLink, aimed at helping writers create groups based around shared aims and interests. Writing can be a lonely business, and there are huge benefits to forming writing groups with other writers. There are many styles of writing groups, but these three are the most …

How to keep busy writing in difficult times

Story planning while in lock down If there are any saving graces to being stuck at home right now, it is time to write. Even better if doing so provides a small distraction from the problems of the world… It’s our hope that you’re finding Story Planner to be a useful helper in these difficult …

How can we help you plan your novel?

We’re about to add some new writing plans to Story Planner, because 76 plans just aren’t enough!  If there’s anything you’d like to see on Story Planner we’d love to hear from you. We already offer dozens of story structure plans, from traditional three act structure, to Index Cards and the popular “Hero’s Journey” plan. We …