There has been different discussions here (with @MiggsEye @mlucas) on how to write a novel with Dramatica.
Thanks to all in this Forum, Dramatica and to @jhull and his endless support I could finally finish (yup!) some First Drafts (yupyup! Plural) and turn some of my ideas into a novel.
As I have learned again amazing things this year what you can do with the Software I would like to share my way to write a Novel with Dramatica. Hope I can help with this post other authors to write a Novel with Dramatica as well.
I try to keep it simple and short, so here is how I write my Novels with Dramatica:
1. Story Idea in a simple paragraph
First thing I do when an idea pops-up I write a short paragraph what’s my Story about. The paragraph looks like a simple logline or a short synopsis. This paragraph helps me later to navigate through the development process and keep me focused.
I usually develop the plot before I develop further any characters. Depending on the approach you might choose Character Development could be added here as well.
2. Scene Outline
When the idea is somehow clear I brainstorm my Scenes. Doesn’t matter at this stage in which order or for which Throughline. I just jot down as many Scenes I can come up with and give them a short description. For a start a sentence, a word group or only a word is sufficient.
When I have a list of Scenes together (16 minimum, 40-50 good average, 80-100 well done) I put them in a 4 act structure and check if I have an Inciting Event, Midpoint, Climax and an End. This is just a quick and dirty and prep work for my plot outline later.
3. Story Points on an One-Pager
To get a better picture of my Story I use a one-pager-template.
The one-pager on the picture is in German. The back I use to draw the act for each Throughline and to scribble my first ideas which Scenes goes where.
With the one-pager I ask a couple of questions related to Dramatica Story points:
- What is… Inciting Event, Inequity, Driver, Goal, Climax?
- Who is… Protagonist, Antagonist and what are driving forces?
- What is… deepest fear, childhood wound of the Main Character which creates problems?
- How does the Main Character trying to solve his problem and how this is challenged by the Influence Character?
When the one-pager is complete I have a pretty good idea what’s going on in my story. This is the moment to do the Storyform in Dramatica.
4. Storyform with Dramatica
For the Storyform I check the One-Pager for corresponding Dramatica terms (concerns, issues or elements) to make my selections. I don’t stop before I have a unique form. If I don’t cant figure out the right form I rework my one-pager or do it again.
5. Act Structure with a Table
To structure my acts I use a simple Word Document. Over the last years I have tried different tools and formats (Scrivener, Excel, Markdown) to structure the acts with Signposts. The plot progression tool in Dramatica is not really flexible and cumbersome when it comes to change the content. Word is the much better as you can change format and content quickly.
The Word Document has a table with 4 columns
- the document has 4 pages, 1 page for each (by default 4) acts. If a Throughline does have only 2 or 3 acts I insert a row and make a comment
- the table header, repeated on each page, has a short synopsis for the each Throughline to stay in line and focus on the Throughlines concerns and issues
- each column represents a Throughline
To determine the number of acts (2, 3, or 4) for each Throughline, there is a fantastic Tool from @ bobRaskoph which does this in a few minutes
6. Plot Outline
Now comes the fun part: Putting it all together before writing the first draft.
On each page (equal acts) in my document for each Throughline I add the corresponding signposts and a short synopsis as well. If the Throughline only has 2 or 3 acts I combine 2 signposts in 1 synopsis.
If all signposts are assigned I check the Throughline makes sense and start adding Scenes from my Scene Outline.
For each signpost I ask a couple of questions again:
- What does the Concern of the Signpost … has to do with the Scene?
- What does the Issue of the Concern … has to do with the Scene?
- Why is that Scene in the Activity or the Universe Domain?
- How does the Concern of … is a problem within the Scene?
- How is the OS Problem, Issue … reflected in that Scene and what does it have to do with the Signpost?
- Can I come up with any other Scene for this Signpost in that Throughline?
When a Signpost, a Throughline and/or a Scene doesn’t make any sense I consult the Dramatica dictionary.
The table structure with the repeating headers keeps me focused on the individual Throughline and helps me to stay in-line with my story.
At the end of this exercise I should have all Scenes assigned and aligned with the respective Signposts.
To tweak and polish my plot outline I might print out the Story Engine and the Plot Sequence Report (PSR) and go through each Signposts again. Often with the PSR I get some more Scene ideas.
7. Write First Draft
I use Scrivener to write my novels. Before I start writing I create as many empty text files in Scrivener as I have Scenes and copy-paste my Scene Outlines into the files.
In order to keep focus on the Throughline during the First Draft I create 4 labels in Scrivener, one label for each Throughline.
While I am writing my First Draft I avoid to follow the reflex to change anything in Dramatica. From my experience the Storyform will change after the First Draft anyhow.
The entire process from the first idea to the First Draft can take weeks, month or even years. The idea and the Scene Outline I usually do in one go. Plot Outline comes much later. Convincing myself to start writing the First Draft often is the biggest challenge as obviously the fear it will never be perfect is nagging me.
If you don’t have a Christmas present yet, I have ordered myself the Dramatica Chart printed on Alu-Dibond. Its really a timesaver as I don’t need to change my screen and just need to turn around. ;o)
Merry Christmas
Gernot
