Story Structure/Arc

[Varasneba]

I continually find myself in the predicament of trying to create a story that is too big for my own attention span and devolves into me not being able to complete a project. Recently I brought up a number of story arc images to better help me connect my ideas to what the big picture should look like. But I also heard that the original concept should be created first, and not the other way around.

Have you worked with any formula/arc tool to start your story? Which tools have you found most helpful?

 

[Penpilot]

First, it doesn't matter what comes first as long as you're comfortable with the way you work.

Second, I use several structures to break down my stories. I use the three act structure to organize the big picture and use Dan Well's 7 point story stucture to organize all my plots and subplots.

Here's a link to my post an act structure http://mythicscribes.com/forums/writing-questions/3883-plot-problems.html#post48679

And here's a links to youtub videos of Dan Wells showing people how he uses the 7 point story stucture.
Part 1 Dan Wells on Story Structure, part 1 of 5 - YouTube
Part 2 Dan Wells on Story Structure, part 2 of 5 - YouTube
Part 3 Dan Wells on Story Structure, part 3 of 5 - YouTube
Part 4 Dan Wells on Story Structure, part 4 of 5 - YouTube
Part 5 Dan Wells on Story Structure, part 5 of 5 - YouTube

Hope this helps.

 

[A. E. Lowan]

Penpilot, these are awesome links! I would love to see them under the Writing Resources tab.

 

[Penpilot]

Penpilot, these are awesome links! I would love to see them under the Writing Resources tab.

I think they might be there already. I've been throwing these things around in various threads for quite a while now.

 

[Trick]

The 7 point story structure is a godsend! It has taken me from drudging through details one at a time to flying through chapter after chapter like I've grown outline wings!