Writing tools for complex storytelling

Posted by Gary Carson
Feb 24, 2012 at 02:44 AM

After trying every outliner, timeliner, mind-mapping application and “writer’s program” ever created, not to mention things like old-fashioned index cards, I’ve decided that there is no good solution to this problem. SuperNoteCard and Storylines by Writer’s Cafe are probably the best programs for this kind of work, IMO, but the truth is that NOTHING works all that well. The bottom line is that this is just hard mental work, no matter what tools you’re using. There’s no escaping it.

Actually, planning books with multiple, interwoven storylines isn’t all that difficult conceptually. You just work out the storylines, break them into chapters, then weave the chapters together, alternating between storylines and tying them together as you go. When it comes to keeping track of the details where the storylines overlap, you just have to keep track of them when you’re writing your chapter outlines. That’s really what it boils down to. It’s brain-busting work and it always will be.

One method that works OK for me when I’m trying to figure out a complex plot is to write “cue outlines.” These are very high-level outlines where I just use a couple words to remind me of what the chapter is about and note down the kinds of details you’re talking about. I usually write these in Word (or sometimes on a manual typewriter, depending on how hostile to computers I am at the time). It helps give me an overall view of the plot and how the different storylines fit together.

Dictation also works pretty well. It’s great for brainstorming ideas and it’s a lot faster than writing at the keyboard. If I’m just brainstorming, I never bother transcribing or saving the dictation because the whole point of the exercise is to come up with ideas. You can use dictation to create regular outlines as well and transcribe them with Dragon Naturally Speaking. Then you can go over the outlines and revise them. It works for me, but it might not work for you. Whatever method you use, though, the bottom line is that this is all head work. The hardest part of writing is coming up with good ideas and no program is going to help you there.