What are the benefits of visually plotting a novel?

Plotting charts for stories has several advantages. It can simplify the story for the audience. When you have a large amount of data or a complex sequence of events in a story, a chart can break it down into an easy - to - understand visual. For instance, in a business story about a company's revenue streams from different products, a pie chart can clearly show the proportion of each product's contribution. Moreover, it can add a professional touch to the story, especially if it's for a presentation or a report. Charts make the story look more organized and well - researched.

It helps in understanding the structure of different novels. By plotting the outlines, you can see how authors build up their stories, like how they introduce characters and conflicts. For example, in a mystery novel, you can see how the clues are planted throughout the plot.

One major difference is the length of the plot development. In a series, there is more room for extended plot arcs over multiple installments. For example, a TV series can have a season - long mystery that unfolds gradually. In a novel, the plot usually has to be more tightly contained within the length of the book. Also, in a series, characters can have more complex development across different episodes or books in the series. In a novel, character development is often more focused within the single narrative.

Both require a strong central idea. Whether it's a series like 'Breaking Bad' or a novel like 'To Kill a Mockingbird', there needs to be a core concept that drives the story forward. Also, character motivation is important in both. The characters need to have reasons for their actions, like the complex motives of the characters in the 'Sherlock' series and those in a detective novel.

First, you need to develop your characters. Think about their personalities, goals, and backstories. Then, create a plot outline. Decide on the main events and how they will unfold. Next, consider the setting, which can greatly influence the mood and atmosphere of the story. Also, think about the theme or message you want to convey. Finally, start writing and let the story develop as you go.

In my opinion, 'Story Engineering' by Larry Brooks is a great choice. It focuses on the fundamental elements of story architecture. It talks about concepts like character arcs in relation to the plot, and how to create tension and conflict at the right moments. It gives a comprehensive view of how to construct a plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Scrivener is a great app. It allows you to organize your ideas, characters, and plotlines easily. You can create folders for different chapters, write detailed character sketches, and outline the plot in a flexible way. Another good one is Plottr. It offers visual plotting tools, like timelines and story maps, which can help you see the overall structure of your novel clearly. And yWriter is also popular. It focuses on helping you break down your novel into manageable parts and keep track of your progress as you plot and write.

I would recommend 'Outlining Your Novel' by K.M. Weiland. It provides in - depth guidance on outlining, which is crucial for plotting. Additionally, 'Writing the Blockbuster Novel' by Albert Zuckerman gives you a peek into how to create plots that will keep readers hooked. Also, 'The Anatomy of Story' by John Truby is excellent as it analyzes different plot types and how to use them effectively.

The art style. For instance, a highly detailed and realistic art style like in 'Blacksad' can be very visually striking. The way the characters are drawn, with their detailed fur in the case of the anthropomorphic animals, and the detailed backgrounds really catch the eye.

To plot a mystery novel, you need to think about the mystery itself. Is it a theft, a disappearance, or something more sinister? Then, consider the characters involved. The hero should be relatable and determined. As for the plot, it should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. In the middle, keep the tension high by introducing new twists and turns. And don't forget to resolve the mystery in a satisfying way at the end.