Create like a Child and Plot Without Structure

NaNoWriMo forces us to remember what writing is about: having fun, unleashing our creativity, and coloring outside the lines. It’s the perfect opportunity to break away from plot structure and rekindle our passion for pure imaginative storytelling.

How? By keeping it simple.

Centuries ago, Aristotle noted in his book Poetics that while a story does have a beginning, a middle and an ending, the beginning is not simply the first event in a series of three, but rather the emotionally engaging originating event. The middle is the natural and causally related consequence, and the end is the inevitable conclusive event.

In other words, stories have an origination, an escalation of conflict, and a resolution.

Steven James

I’m no genius; however, I think Aristotle may have been referring to this guy:

fiction

Keep it in mind as you sketch your story these next few weeks. Try to loosen up and plot without following rigid structures. Harness the spirit of NaNoWriMo and create like a child.

Besides, you can always edit it later…

8 Replies to “Create like a Child and Plot Without Structure”

  1. I can’t wait for NaNo to start. I’m actually not outlining this year, I’m just going to dive right into the pool without testing the waters! Good luck with it!

    1. Lol, well every writer has their own paradigm. I just wanted to try things a little differently and try not to rely on premade structures this time around. Its worked wonders so far when it comes to school work.

  2. “Plotting without structure” sounds wonderful.
    I suspect I do not have a plot per se when I write, so I’m hoping you are saying that it is ok to write like that.

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