Your Book Plotting Machine
creating a unique outline for each novel
I made a machine for you.
It’s not little, it’s not simple, and it’s not going to magically fix all your writing problems.
But it’s personalized to you, and each of your books.
Studying the craft of writing feels like being a mechanic. There are common places where writers get stuck. There are patterns in when the wheels slow down, or stop turning altogether. And it’s clear when the writing machine is working—we get in flow state, the words come easily, and we meet our deadlines and make progress on our novels.
Consistent progress happens when we look at the science and design of writing. Yes, it is a creative act—but so much of our intellect and logical thinking contributes to a finished book. While writing, we are developing patterns, constructing character arcs, and fine-tuning power structures and growing tension. In order for the book-writing process to run smoothly, we need to be diligent caretakers of the machine at its heart. We need to understand what makes each book tick. What makes it run fast and smooth. What makes for an enjoyable reading experience.
There are many moving parts to a novel. I’ve never found a book that fits neatly into simple structures, such as a 3-act or rising and falling action. These are interesting to study as broad strokes. But when you are a working writer, and you want to actually finish a book (and write more than one) you have to get under the hood and have deeper knowledge of which systems make your books work, and how to adjust them if they slow down.
I made Plot is Not Real as a space where you can design, customize, and maintain your own book plotting machine. When we understand how the events in our book line up, the words flow, and we don’t get bogged down by writer’s block as often. Ideas about plot or outlining that are too simple can’t cover the complexity of each of your novels. And I never found them to be helpful tools that hold up to real, heavy writer’s block.
When you understand how the machine beneath your book operates, you can:
adjust the pacing of your book easily
immediately spot the places where a reader’s attention will lag
create the perfect ratio of action, introspection, and description
develop a clear chain of events leading up to a rewarding ending
I want you to understand your books on a deep, complex level. Instead of getting overwhelmed, you can visualize your scenes with clarity and direction for drafting and revision.
Often, when we get stuck, we don’t need outside feedback or extra help. We just need to see the machine laid out before us and give a little grease to that specific squeaky wheel.
Put on your gloves and unfurl your blueprints!
