Writers Tricks of the Trade Volume 6 Issue 3

PLOTTING AND INSPIRATION FRED RAYWORTH One of my earliest articles was called Coming Up With A Plot. I wrote it back in December, 2011. I’ve often thought about plotting and inspiration and what some people go through to try to be different. LIMITED CHOICES There’s been analyses done, ad-nauseum on the intricacies of plotting, and someone came up with a list, a chart, a something on how many plots there are. I think a someone, or someones even devised a wheel you could spin to pick a plot path based on the basics and a few random variables. Fred Rayworth There are only those basic plots and the only thing you, as an author can do, is vary how you use them. You can mix them up a bit, and that’s about it. A man of many talents VISIT FRED’S OWN BLOG SAY WHAT? When I reach for my Polka-Dot Sewer, (article April 2012 issue - email for copy) do any of you think the first thing I worry about is the old handy plot matrix? http://fredrayworth.com Are you kidding? SAME OLD SAME OLD I see the problem with plotting is that some people get bored with seeing the same things over and over again. That’s especially true with a series and genres. Writers are the same way. “I’m bored. I want something different!” Hence, the plot matrix. WHAT ABOUT THE MUSE – YOUR PERSONAL POLKA-DOT SEWER? The way I look at it is like this. If I have to force myself to use a plot matrix, in order to be different, then I lose my inspiration just so someone isn’t bored – if I have to lose my voice to pander to someone who will probably be bored anyway, why bother? On the other hand, this matrix technique might be the perfect spark someone needs to inspire them. We all work in different ways and while it quashes my inspiration, it might be the spark to help another writer create the best thing they’ve ever written. I’d say look into the plot matrixes, sometimes called idea matrixes, and don’t just dismiss them right off. See if they’re something you can use. They obviously work for some people. If not, at least they’re a great exercise to help hone your chops. For me, they’re a spirit-quashing tool that reeks of outlining, but I’m not everyone. WRITERS’ TRICKS OF THE TRADE PAGE 3 MAY - JUNE 2016

Writers Tricks of the Trade Volume 6 Issue 3 | Page 11