I’m still at it folks – still reading…what? “Plot & Structure” by James Scott Bell. I told you I’m jumping around, touching base on the things that have most helped me. Well! I recently came across a chapter that tickled me silly – Plotting Systems. The little heart in my left-brained body is dacning a jig!
Systems – as in organizing. As in note cards, highlighters, outlining. Do you hear that? That’s the sound of rejoicing! I love organizing my writing. One of the reasons I picked up Bell’s book is because I finally realized that I’m NOT a seat-of-my-pants writer. I never write a 500 word article without first writing an outline, so why should a novel be any different?
To say that I’m excited about plotting out my novel is an understatement – I can hardly wait to get to work (but I need to finish the book). Since I have to wait, I need to do something to release this pent up energy. Since I’m excited about organized plotting, I thought I’d help someone else get excited about it, too!

Look at the beautiful picture – index cards, a notebook, pencils, correcting pencils, highlighters, Sharpies, and a pencil sharpener. Everything you need to start plotting! I’ve included enough item so you can use the notecard method or the outline method (if you’re not familiar with either, you’ll need to pick up Bell’s book).

HEY ALL OF YOU SEAT-OF-YOUR-PANTS PLOTTERS – this is for you too! Bell encourages you to try your hand at organizing (just like he encourages we outliners to be willing to let go and stray away from the outline).

So this is my gift to you – The Plotters Starter Kit. Just leave me your email address to get entered! I’ll pick a winner on Friday, September 10 (so I can get it mailed before I leave for the conference). Good luck!

OPTIONAL QUESTION: How do you plot? What gets your creativity flowing?