At Patella Publishing, we’re passionate about helping writers like you achieve their creative dreams. This week, we kicked off the first writing camp of the year—Story Spark Camp—and it’s been a fantastic start! If you missed it, don’t worry. We’ve got more camps planned, and we’ll keep you posted on the next opportunity to join us.
In the meantime, let’s dive into the planning phase of the writing process—a crucial step to ensure your project’s success. Whether you're embarking on a novel, a memoir, or even a short story, thoughtful planning sets the foundation for a smooth and enjoyable writing journey.
Why Planning Matters
Writing without a plan is like setting out on a road trip without a map. While spontaneity can be fun, it often leads to detours, dead ends, and unnecessary frustration. A solid plan ensures you:
Stay focused on your vision.
Manage your time effectively.
Maintain motivation through clear, achievable milestones.
3 Key Tips for Planning Your Writing Project
1. Set Realistic Goals
Start by defining what you want to achieve. Is it to complete a 70,000-word novel? A 10,000-word novella? Break this larger goal into smaller, manageable steps. For example:
Daily goal: Write 500 words a day.
Weekly goal: Complete a chapter by the end of the week.
Monthly goal: Finish the first draft in three months.
Remember, your goals should challenge you but remain realistic. Setting unattainable targets only leads to burnout and discouragement.
2. Create a Writing Schedule
Consistency is the key to building momentum. Find a time of day that works best for you—whether it’s early morning, during your lunch break, or late at night—and dedicate that time solely to writing.
Pro Tip: Use tools like a digital calendar or a simple notebook to track your writing sessions. Seeing your progress can be a huge motivator!
3. Outline Your Project
Before you dive into writing, spend time sketching out your story or concept. This doesn’t have to be a detailed scene-by-scene breakdown; even a loose framework can guide you.
Consider these questions:
What’s the main message or theme of your story?
Who are the central characters, and what are their goals?
What key events will drive the plot forward?
Think of your outline as a roadmap—it can evolve as you write, but it will keep you heading in the right direction.
Looking Ahead
Planning is just the beginning! As you move through the drafting and revising phases, you’ll shape and refine your work into something amazing. And if you need support along the way, our writing camps and coaching services are here to help.
Stay tuned for updates on the next Story Spark Camp, where you can connect with other writers, spark new ideas, and learn actionable strategies to enhance your writing process.
Remember, every great story starts with a plan. Take the time to set yourself up for success—you’ll thank yourself later.
Have a planning tip that’s worked for you?
Share it in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming camps, writing advice, and more.
Happy writing!
Comments