I use the Snowflake Method when attempting to plot out a novel. And last year I found a pretty cool Excel sheet that makes it super-easy to outline down to the scene.
I uploaded the .xls file to my own personal domain, and I'm including a link here so all of you can download it if you wish.
The Excel sheet is pretty self-explanatory. You start by reading the simple instructions and work your way through each sheet. The deadlines for completing each task is calculated based on your start date and the start of NaNoWriMo for the year. So the earlier you start this excel sheet, the more time you have to complete each of the planning tasks. Each tab has its own instructions and a deadline. Complete them all, and then you can use the scene summary for tracking your writing progress.
Enjoy!
Here's the link to the file. Right-click and save the file: http://www.whatsomewouldcalllies.com/OutlineHelper.xls
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Mike Lawson
Twitter: @MrMikeLawson
Blog: WhatSomeWouldCallLies.com
50,063 / 50,000
Oct 26, 2009 - 22 52
First, thanks for sharing that spreadsheet, I went from having no idea at all, to having a workable plot.
the spreadsheet mentions a character generator...any idea where to lay hands on that?
A M Jenner
----------Tanella's Flight is now out! Available at www.am-jenner.com
30,068 / 50,000
Oct 29, 2009 - 21 46
Wow this thing is epic XD Thanks so much!
33,950 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2009 - 10 07
I was just thinking I should probably do some sort of outline but had no idea where to start. Now, I have a place to start!
Thank you!
----------"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
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