7 novel plotting quotes to inspire and encourage you

I spent most of last week plotting my new project, which I start writing today as part of NaNoWriMo. Whether you’re taking part in National Novel Writing Month or not, here are some of my favourite novel plotting quotes to inspire and encourage you.

Get your character in trouble in the first sentence and out of trouble in the last sentence.

– Barthe DeClements

All plot comes from the character’s trying to get something, to achieve something, wanting, desiring, longing.

– Robert Olen Butler

When you are mind mapping, you don’t need to think linearly yet. You just want to throw ideas onto the paper to let your story start gelling. Try to come up with ten strong scenes that will be the pivotal moments in your story.

– C.S. Lakin

As you are working out the plot for your book (or, for you pantsers, as you are trying to figure out what happens next,) make a list of all the things that could happen next.

– Kara Lennox

Your black moment isn’t black enough until the reader, and possibly even you as the writer, can’t see a way out.

– Kara Lennox

Think of it as the Doorway of No Return. The feeling must be that your lead character, once she passes through, cannot go home again until the major problem of the plot is solved.

– James Scott Bell

I trace all relationships that character might have throughout the plot.  I then list emotions that the character will experience in the relationships with those other characters.  I often refer back to this list when writing dialogue to ensure that the feelings expressed are genuine and real.

— Roger Colby

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Wherever you are in your writing journey, I hope this quotes have inspired you! If you have a go-to quote or advice, comment below.

Until then,
Keep writing,
M
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