Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Organization
• Part 2 of 4: Creating a Master Data List
• Part 3 of 4: The ability to write everywhere
• Part 4 of 4: "Brainstorming"
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Whether you're planning to write a novel, an article, or an autobiography, rapidly piling up paper piles will surely get in the way of your creativity if you don't plan your work carefully. Fortunately, after reading this article, you can easily avoid difficulties.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Organization

1. 1 Attach shortcuts to file folders. This can be done both on the computer and on real folders. Choose one way of working, or use two at once, for insurance. Make shortcuts for each of the following categories:
   • Goals / Deadlines: Even if you don't have a publisher or editor on your mind, it's a good idea to set your own goals and deadlines. Create a work calendar and update your achievements. For example, if you have an interview with a veterinarian, write it down on your calendar and you will see how it will help you in your work.
   • Heroes: Create a folder for each main, minor, and side hero, as well as a general roster. If your book has special "types" (like aliens or monsters), make a folder for them as well.
   • Maps / Location: Not only for the location as a whole (like a map of the universe that helps you understand the galaxies of a science fiction novel, or a diagram of the location of houses on the street), but also for the environment in the house of each of the main characters, so that later that in one chapter the character lives on the first floor, and in another - on the second or third.
   • Locations: One shared folder for everyone and one for each scene in the novel. Subsequently, you may decide to combine different settings, but while you are at the writing stage, this technique will help you make the necessary changes until the novel is complete.
   • Research: Make a list of questions in which you are not very competent, so that you can then find out about the necessary information from encyclopedias, or through calls from friends or acquaintances.
2. 2 Arrange files carefully in the filing cabinet. Mark the main categories (heroes, etc.) alphabetically and in small parts (characteristic features of heroes). If you work on a computer, create one folder with the name of the novel, and inside it there are many secondary folders with files.
3. 3 Make sure reference books and work materials are conveniently located. Let all of them be at hand, so that later you do not waste time searching if necessary.

Part 2 of 4: Creating a Master Data List

1. 1 Create a "Master Data List". Thanks to him, you will have a clear scheme of actions. To create a list, write the numbers 1 through 30 on a piece of paper. At number 1, write a couple of sentences about the first chapter. At number 30, tell us a little about the last chapter. Now that you know how the novel begins and where you want to go, write at least a little bit about the rest of your novel.

Part 3 of 4: The ability to write everywhere

1. 1 Create a set for "outputs". The point is that you should be able to grab whatever you need to write when you leave the house. You never know what information you will get when the moment of insight comes, when you want to do a little work on the novel. To create a set for "outlets", you need to put the following items in a bag or briefcase:
   • Paperback Dictionary
   • Spiral notebooks
   • Dictaphone
   • Stationery (pencils, pens, erasers, etc.)
   • Small calendar

Part 4 of 4: "Brainstorming"

1. 1 Use brainstorming sessions to find ideas and to prevent a creative crisis. Brainstorming helps to introduce new ideas that were not previously planned. It also gets rid of the creative crisis.
2. 2 Brainstorm alone or with helpers. Go to a favorite place like a local café with a good atmosphere, a beach, a forest, a favorite place to read. It is important to feel comfortable and calm. If you are working with a friend or group of friends, find a place where everyone is comfortable and free to talk.
   • You can brainstorm even when you are resting. Lie down if you are tired and allow thoughts of romance to appear and disappear unhindered.
3. 3 Focus on the part that needs new ideas. Let thoughts run freely, do not suppress them. You never know which of the new ideas can help the plot develop. Mark all ideas (in writing, recording on a tape recorder, video, etc.).
4. 4 Let the ideas enter your mind after a while. Which ones have a chance of success? Let them develop and be embodied in your work.
5. 5 Repeat as often as necessary.

Tips

• The closer the basis of the novel is to the truth, the more convincing and real the work will be. For example, if your story is set in Medieval England, make sure your dress and demeanor are appropriate for your social class. Even if it's science fiction, it doesn't hurt to introduce some real science facts. This will help grab the reader's attention.
• Take breaks and re-read what you have written to keep track of progress.
• Having a tiered plan (online or on paper) will ensure that everything is on track. You can create your own plan or use resources such as websites (a list of helpful books is included) or libraries.
• Recommended sources:
  • The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language Fourth Edition
  • Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus Third Edition
  • Bartlett's Familiar Quotations
  • Britannica Concise Encyclopedia The Updated Version
  • The Writer's Digest Handbook of Novel Writing

Warnings

• It's very easy to get stuck in the planning stage of a romance. If this happens to you, stop and remind yourself of your ultimate goals and priorities. For example, if you have no more than 10 folders to start with, just mark the main categories and take care of the rest later.

What do you need

• File folders (better to buy in bulk, large packages)
• Clean labels
• Files for attachment to vertical surfaces
• File cabinet with two sections
• Spiral notebooks
• Reference material
• Phonebook
• Vocabulary
• Thesaurus (ideographic dictionary)
• Encyclopedia
• Book with quotes
• Voice recorder (make sure you have spare batteries if needed)
• Stationery (pencils, pens, paper clips, stapler, etc.)
• Large bag or briefcase
• 2 calendars, one large for the workplace and one for working outside the home.
• Computer or laptop