Help, I can't stop overthinking

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I had the same problem at the beginning with Dramatica.

How to - Writing a Novel with Dramatica - writing - Dramatica

Another advice I could give for a start

  • Don’t worry too much on the details and don’t confuse yourself. I spent too much time in the beginning, trying to understand everything, but still learning today, that I misunderstood something in the past. It was too much for a start, expecting gaps in the beginning..

Try to answer at least

  • OS: Where does my story play (Kosmos, World, Setting)
  • MC: Who is my Main Character and what is his personal journey aside from the OS story?
  • IC: Who is the Character with the strongest impact on the Main Character and forces him to change or stay steadfast?

Than try to find a concern, issue.. for the three

Another but tricky one is the Relationship Throughline. This took me a while and I am still learning. But think about the dynamics between a couple, friends, sister and brother, mother and son, twins, father and daughter. Everyone may have individuals problems (as MC or IC) but together as “team” they have something that defines their relationship. A relationship has always a state (new, existing) and has a direction (improve, decline).

From my experience the RS comes to light step by step when you write, especially when you work on revisions. Its like “Now I know what they are talking, its all about UNDERSTANDING friendship, being true to your friends, even if it hurts being honest” You don’t write like this, but you write scenes where this comes to light

Last but not least..

Focus on a few main questions: What is..

  • OS Problem: What is the problem that starts your story?
  • Goal: What is the Goal the Protagonist (often also the MC) is responsible for?
  • Resolve: Does your MC change or does he has to be steadfast until the end to reach the Goal?
  • Outcome: Does your Protagonist/MC solve the Problem by reaching the Goal?
  • Judgement: Is it (for you) a good think, how the MC solves his personal problems at the end?
  • Approach: Is your MC a Do-er Step-by-Step or a Be-er First Think than act?
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