Hello, I am a 26 year old Computer Science student who has a passion for writing. To start, I have all of these ideas of characters and plots that I want to make into a story, sorta like a structure of a TV show. Not like screenplay writing, but like how several chapters follow a certain plot to then transition to another plot. I guess what I’m trying to say is that when it comes to structuring plots in my writing like getting my character from point A to point B is something I have difficulty with. Like I have ideas for characters and different plot ideas, but I just don’t know wether it gets boring or if its structured correctly. I am hoping this forum will help me get a better understanding. So far I have like these flow charts of how my story is structued just so I don’t have to spend several pages writing something that may end up being deleted, but even then it doesn’t come out right and get frustrated. If anyone has any suggestions, I’d appreciated it.
Hey Alkoh, welcome to the forums. There's a lot of good resources on plotting and story structure about the place, not only on these forums but on places like Youtube as well, with guides full of suggestions about how to tackle these very issues. My personal favourite writing lectures on YT are by Brandon Sanderson, but there are plenty more specifically on plotting and structure. And I'm sure if you throw up a post detailing your problems here on the forums folks will be ready with instant suggestions also. There's a lot of frustration in getting good at writing long stories when you first attempt it, so don't let it win out and be patient with yourself. It's a skill like any other and just needs time, practice, and patience.
Alkoh, Glad you found us and decided to join in. Planning out a story can be very helpful, but also remember that a first draft isn't going to be perfect, and ultimately there may be some portions written that will be deleted. Looking forward to crossing paths with you here. Terry
Hi Alkoh! Welcome to the forum. Not sure what you mean 'like a TV show.' Do you mean you want to use the same characters, but have them finish each plot quickly, then move to another one? I think that kind of story structure is called 'episodic', as opposed to long arc structures, which may take several seasons to reach a conclusion? Are you looking to write a series of short stories, containing the same characters? Do you do a lot of reading? Or is your interaction with stories mostly through TV?
I’m thinking like structuring a story through several chapters instead of fitting it all in one chapter. I feel that way it will keep the reader engaged in wanting to know what happens next. I don’t reach as much as I want to as I find it hard to find a book that keeps me engaged and that I had been spoiled by TV. But from the books I’ve read, I have an idea of the ways authors structure there stories.
