"The Plotting Party"

Everyone loves a party, but when was the last time you attended a plotting party? My writing buds and I have found this a great way to work out the kinks in our novels. The amount of time you spend on the party is up to you.

I've been a part of a three day plotting party, and I've attended a one day plotting party. We have lots of goodies to keep us fueled up for the task, and we laugh at all our blunders, but this is a concentrated effort to make our books sing - and maybe dance. Begin by using Donald Maass's WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK. Make sure you have a good synopsis of your book and any writing that you may have done on it. A laptop or an Alpha Smart is preferred to take notes and make changes. Understand the more people you invite to your plotting party, the longer the process will take.

My best experiences have been with one other writer. Work through the questions presented to you by Mr. Maass, and don't take shortcuts. You will be surprised at how well your characterization and plotting fall into place with a tighter and more effective plot.