Novelize. It is a great free option for plotting a novel. It offers templates to start with, which can be customized according to your needs. You can map out your plot, develop characters, and plan the overall arc of your story all in one place.
Scrivener. It has a lot of useful features for novel plotting. For example, it has a corkboard view where you can see all your plot points or scenes at a glance and rearrange them as you like. This makes it easy to experiment with different plot structures.
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.
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.
Another option is Libby. It's an app that lets you borrow e - books from your local library for free. So if your library has a good selection of novels, this is a great way to get them without paying. All you need is a library card.
Google Docs can be an excellent free app for planning a novel. You can create a document and start by making an outline at the top. Then, as you develop your ideas, you can write character descriptions, plot summaries, and chapter ideas below. It's easy to share with others if you want feedback. You can also use the comment feature for your own notes or for others to leave suggestions. And it auto - saves your work regularly, so you don't have to worry about losing your planning.
Well, Goodreads is also worth considering. It not only offers free novels but also provides reviews and recommendations to help you find the ones you like.