In my day to day life if I get overwhelmed, I work backwards. I start with the deadlines in my day (kids’ ballgames, practices, etc.) then pencil in everything else I want/need to do above that. It works like a charm to keep my day efficient and organized!
As a writer, “working backwards” is also a very effective tool! This technique involves starting with the ending and working your way back to the beginning, and it’s been a game-changer for me. In this blog post, I’ll share how I’ve used this technique to plot my coming of age novel.
If you’re a fan of coming of age fiction or an aspiring author looking for tips on plotting your own novel, keep reading. This technique can be applied to any genre, but I find it particularly helpful for coming of age stories, which often center around a character’s personal growth and development.
Step 1: Start with the ending
The first step is to figure out how you want your story to end. Do you want your main character to achieve their goal? Or do you want them to fail and learn an important lesson? Once you have a clear idea of how you want your story to end, you can start working backwards.
Step 2: Identify the key milestones
Next, think about the key milestones that will lead your character to the ending you’ve chosen. What significant events need to happen to get your character from the beginning of the story to the end? These could be internal milestones, such as personal realizations and growth, or external milestones, such as completing a specific task or achieving a specific goal.
Step 3: Create a timeline
Once you have identified the key milestones, create a timeline of events. This will help you see the cause-and-effect relationships between events and ensure that your story flows logically. It’s also a good idea to note the emotional states of your character at each milestone. How do they feel about what’s happening to them?
Step 4: Fill in the details
Now that you have a rough outline of your story, it’s time to start fleshing out the details. Add descriptions, dialogue, and any other necessary details to make each scene come alive. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect on the first try – you can always go back and revise later.
Step 5: Revise and refine
Once you’ve written your first draft, it’s time to revise and refine. Make sure that each scene flows smoothly into the next and that your character’s emotional state is consistent throughout the story. Cut out anything that doesn’t move the plot forward or add to the character’s development. Keep refining until you’re happy with the final product.
Working backwards may seem counterintuitive, but it can be a powerful tool for plotting a coming of age novel. By starting with the ending and working your way back, you can ensure that your story has a clear and logical progression. So if you’re struggling with plotting, give this technique a try. You might be surprised at how effective it is.
You can use this technique to bring depth and resonance to your stories. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, and with the right tools and techniques, you can create a story that resonates with readers long after they’ve finished reading it.
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