Planning vs Improvisation: Crafting a Novel or Novel Series

When embarking on a novel or a novel series, the decision to meticulously plan every aspect or to take a more organic approach by writing and developing the story as you go can significantly impact the creative process. This article delves into these two methods, detailing insights from renowned authors and sharing personal experiences with both approaches.

Traditional Planning: The Method of P.G. Wodehouse

P.G. Wodehouse, a master of comedic prose, exemplifies the benefits of thorough planning. Wodehouse meticulously structured his stories in advance, ensuring that the plot would meet his stringent standards. By laying down the entire framework, he could focus on the crazy musicality of his language and the delightful wit that made his characters so beloved.

My Approach: A Blend of Structure and Flexibility

Unlike Wodehouse, I prefer a more flexible method. I begin with a vague idea for a story and a main character, sometimes jotting down a paragraph to record these initial thoughts. These initial notes are like seeds that can grow into a vague overall shape in my mind. Over time, this basic structure helps me to visualize the overall arc of the story.

Once I have a clearer idea, I move on to a more detailed synopsis. This synopsis is typically a numbered list of story beats, representing chapters or sections. This list serves as a roadmap for the story, allowing me to outline the major events and plot points before starting to write. Occasionally, I may revise this synopsis to better structure the narrative and ensure that the story has a proper shape.

Implementing the Story Outline: A Living Document

During the actual writing, I often enhance this synopsis with a chapter-by-chapter summary. For each chapter, I create another list of story beats, which I update as I progress. This document acts as a backbone for the story, guiding me through the writing process and helping to maintain coherence and direction.

The Role of Characters: Navigators and Shapers of the Plot

Characters cannot be underestimated in the storytelling process. For example, I began a minor character as a charming and attractive person, but as I delved deeper into her background and motivations, she morphed into something entirely different. Initially, she seemed benign and easy to work with, but as I continued to write about her, she revealed her true monster nature. This transformation gave her role in the story a clearer purpose.

The development of characters is a continuous process. The more I write and interact with them, the better I understand their true nature. Characters often surprise me with their actions and words, and I must adapt to ensure consistency. By allowing characters to reveal their complexity, I create more nuanced and relatable individuals. These characters neither fit neatly into simple archetypes nor literary tropes; they are complex and multi-dimensional.

Conclusion: Balancing Composition and Improvisation

The success of a novel or a novel series often lies in finding the right balance between structure and creativity. Whether you prefer a meticulous approach like Wodehouse or a more fluid process, both methods have their merits. The key is to maintain control over the direction of the story, ensuring that the narrative remains coherent and engaging. Successful storytelling is a constant dance between preparation and spontaneous creativity, allowing the story to unfold in a natural and compelling manner.