Stakes
- public (the big picture, social tragedy)
- private (needs, fears, dreams, duties)
Characters
- a larger-than-life, sympathetic main character
- a devious antagonist
- notes on strengths, weaknesses, self-regard
- a supporting cast that enlivens the story
Plot
- a beginning that sets up a mini-conflict
- small conflicts leading to the major event
- complications/obstacles
- a climax with emotional and action components
- a believable and satisfying resolution
- notes on where back story might be relevant
- notes on potential subplots
Setting
- sights, smells, tastes, sounds the MC will encounter
- psychological effect surroundings have on MC
- cultural nuances
Yikes, that's a lot! I'll confess, some of this is coming from "practice" novels now languishing in my files, but I'm eager to see how I can develop it.
Do you prep for NaNo? Or are you going to wing it?
Posts
I hope you get to everything on your prep list before Nov. 1st! October seemed so deliciously long until I read this post. May you have enough time.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with NaNo!
ReplyDeleteHaven't decided if I will participate this year, but I do I have a premise and a protagonist, which is all I need. Being a dyed in the wool pantser, anything other than background research (my first NaNo story dealt with cult behavior, my second had a strong historical component) ends up getting pushed aside anyway, so I don't bother.
Hi Kathryn: There's a great series of posts at StoryFix.com called Nail Your NaNoWriMo. Wish I'd read these before I did it last year.
ReplyDeletehttp://storyfix.com/nail-your-nanowrmo
Have a great NaNo ride! You won't be the same after it's over.
Stephanie: I hope so, too, because I know October is just going to whiz by!
ReplyDeleteVR: I've got my premise, protagonist, and antagonist, but feel like I need a bit more on the plate before starting, as I think the daily word count will do me in otherwise.
Good for you! I think that prep will make for a richer experience. The one time I did NaNo I had a character and idea, nothing more, and while I wrote a lot, I think it would have been even better with more in place first.
ReplyDeleteRahma: Thanks for the link. I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteTricia: I've tried the pantser approach and feel that my writing is better when I have some kind of structure. Hope it works.
I wish I had time for Nano this year! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Angela: Thanks. Hope I don't get overwhelmed.
ReplyDelete