When I first started writing my novels, I was of course a second grade kid living in New Jersey. I wrote my first short story – a reworking of Frankenstein. again, I was second grade and it… wasn’t very good.
Of course, I tried again much later – eighth grade. Like most beginning writers, I sputtered out after a page. This should have told me I’m not a pants’er (and probably neither are you).
I finally finished a novel much later in life, after understanding I needed to plan things out. In the beginning (around 2013) I relied heavily on Dramatica, using it to flowchart the first three novels I did. I found using Dramatica to be drudgery (a newer, livelier interface would be recommended) and a somewhat simpler lingo for story elements would be appreciated. However, I persevered, and finished three novels using it.
However, this laptop (my Dell gaming computer – if it’s designed to run games, it should handle writing programs and video editing fairly well) is the first laptop I haven’t installed Dramatica on. Indeed, I don’t think I’ve used it since 2014 or perhaps late 2015.
I’ve instead moved to a modified “Save The Cat” approach, creating three handwritten sheets of story notes (apparently, this engages a different area of your brain) ranging from 15 point, 21 point and 60 point story sheets. My rule of thumb is, I must have 50 story points minimum, or I don’t have a novel.
I don’t think I ever anticipated back in the beginning ever abandoning Dramatica, and possibly I’m making a huge mistake. Dramatica insisted strongly upon stories that featured interpersonal relationships – not something that’s truly a strong element of my writing. However, it’s something a lot of readers crave, so I may re-examine this in the future.
This year, I’ve changed my process to try using digital story sheets, trying to strengthen my brain and force left brain and right brain processes to mingle in the center. This may sound easy, but try using your non-dominant hand all day tomorrow – for everything.
Not so easy, is it?
I’ve managed to make the three story sheets my process, and it works. It’s not as thorough or complete as Dramatica. The thing I found the most difficult is – Dramatica forces you to write an entirely different story than the one I want to write. And some searching on the subject shows me it’s a common complaint.
My work flow now works for me. I can write a story – nicely, happily and without two days of utter frustration.
If you want to write a Campbell-esque novel, if you write fantasy Tolkien stuff, then Dramatica is for you. If on the other hand you’re endlessly fascinated with conspiracies, shadow governments and other “three days of the condor” stuff – it won’t really work for you.
My old work flow also includes Ywriter, which I no longer use (but still recommend to people just starting out, unsure whether they can write – once you know that you can finish a novel, buy Scrivener). Now I use Scrivener, but I’m also a bit of a WriteWay fan.
What I have works for me.
And that’s what I need – to understand what my brain requires, and go with it.
