What's the best way to learn how to plot your novel? If you're writing one, or you hope to, you probably have questions. Including ones like:
Will your idea sustain a full-length book? Can you invest that much time?
Or you might be halfway through a novel already and feel unsure whether the plot is working or where to take your story next.
In-person writing workshops can help. But fitting them into your crowded schedule is a challenge.
That's why I created How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft as an online self-study course you can take at your own pace. View the entire course or choose only the sections that will be most helpful for whatever stage you're at.
If you're thinking about writing a novel, started one but are stuck in the middle, or want to revisit your plot before you rewrite, this course could be exactly what you need.
Find all the course sections here. Or scroll down for section-by-section descriptions and free story structure worksheets.
Course: How To Plot Your Novel
Here's what's in each section. Take them in the order listed or pick and choose. They're only $10 each, so why not get one today and try it out?
Or join my Patreon community here at the $5/month or higher level and get access to all the modules for as long as you're a member.
Finding and Generating Ideas (How To Plot Your Novel Module 1)
Excited about writing a write a novel but feeling unsure where or whether to start? Ever wondered how novelists find ideas? If you answered Yes to either question, this mini-video course is for you. It covers how to tap into your innate creativity, ways to prompt ideas, and how to mine your life as it is for material for your novel. 30 minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
Choosing A Good Idea For Your Novel (How To Plot Your Novel Module 2)
Full of ideas for a novel but not sure which will work best? Started a first draft and feel blocked or distracted because another idea might be more compelling? If so, this mini-video course module is for you. It covers how to tell if an idea includes enough conflict to sustain a novel — and to sustain your excitement — and how to build on the ideas you have. 32 minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
The Protagonist And Antagonist (How To Plot Your Novel Module 3)
Create more conflict in your novel – and a stronger plot – from the instant you start sorting out your protagonist and antagonist. This is the first of two lectures on characters (which can be viewed in any order). 20 minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
Allies and Other Side Characters (How To Plot Your Novel Module 4)
Enhance your plot, and your novel, by creating compelling side characters, including allies for your protagonist and antagonist. This is the second of two lectures on characters (which can be viewed in any order). 21 and a half minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
Plotting The First Half (How To Plot Your Novel Module 5)
Whether you're a plotter, a discovery writer (a/k/a pantser) or fall somewhere in between, sorting out the major plot points and turns can make your novel more compelling and easier to write. This is the first of four lectures on plotting. It starts with sorting out your opening conflict and takes you through the story spark, the first major plot turn, and the novel's midpoint, where many plots falter. 26 minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
Plotting The Second Half (How To Plot Your Novel Module 6)
Creating compelling major plot points and turns can make your novel more gripping and easier to write. This is the second of four lectures on plotting (which can be viewed in any order). It covers the second half of your novel. It starts at the all-important Midpoint, where many first drafts sag, and ends with the Falling Action, where you'll tie up loose ends and resolve subplots. 35 minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
Creating And Weaving Subplots Into Your Novel (How To Plot Your Novel Module 7)
Engaging subplots add layers to your novel, help you adjust the pace, and keep readers turning pages. But what plot turns do they need and how do you weave them into the main plot? This is the third of four lectures on plotting (which can be viewed in any order) from the course. 23 minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
Plot, The Big Picture, And Your Process (How To Plot Your Novel Module 8)
What's the best approach to plotting your novel? The one that works for you, whether it's outlining in depth, plotting only key moments, or writing intuitively. This is the fourth of four lectures on plotting (which can be viewed in any order). It looks at the big picture for your plot and helps you sort out what process works best. 17 and a half minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
Your First Draft: The Obstacle Approach And The Jedi (How To Plot Your Novel Module 9)
You're ready to first draft your novel, you know some major plot turns, but how do you get from one to the other? And from Page 1 to the end? This is the first of five lectures on writing your first draft (which can be viewed in any order). Using the main plot of Star Wars: A New Hope from beginning to end as an example, it covers writing a strong first draft by creating greater and greater obstacles for your protagonist. 17 minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
Your First Draft: The Hero's Journey Approach (How To Plot Your Novel Module 10)
When you first draft your novel, how do you keep the story exciting from beginning to end? This mini-course section covers The Hero's Journey approach to writing and plotting your novel. Using the main plot of Star Wars: A New Hope and examples from Pride and Prejudice and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it shows how the journey can help you write a compelling first draft. 19 and a half minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
Your First Draft: Point Of View, Plot, and Tense (How To Plot Your Novel Module 11)
What point of view should you use when you write your novel? How do you avoid head hopping (and do you need to)? Is present or past tense the best choice for your plot? This mini-course section covers how point of view, plot, and tense affect your first draft and helps you sort out what will work best for your unique story and process. 24 minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
Theme, Plot, And Your First Draft (How To Plot Your Novel Module 12)
Should you think about theme when plotting or first drafting your novel? What creates a story's theme anyway? This mini-course section covers the ways theme impacts readers whether you consciously weave it in or not. It also helps you sort out the approach to story and theme that will best help you finish your first draft. 13 and a half minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
First Drafting Free And Fast (How To Plot Your Novel Module 13)
For some writers, words flow freely and quickly when first drafting a novel. But most of us struggle at one point or another or wish we could write faster. This mini-course section helps you find the process that aids you in first drafting more freely and quickly. It includes dealing with the critical voice in your head, when to revise as you go and when to race forward, how much you need to know (or don't) about your story before you first draft, and more. 25 minutes.
Get started today by clicking here.
Looking to get more for your money? Join my Patreon community here at the $5/month level and while you're a member you can take any course section (or all of them) you like. Or purchase separately at the links above.
Free Story Structure Worksheets
Not ready for a course? These free story structure worksheets can help you think about your plot in a big-picture way — without stifling your creativity or wedding you to an outline.
Looking for individual feedback on your plot? Find out about story coaching or getting written feedback on the plot of your novel here.
I hope you find these resources helpful! Good luck with your writing.
Best,
L. M. (Lisa) Lilly