By Debby Giusti
Happy New Year, Seekerville!
My January posts usually
focus on motivation and goal setting for the year ahead, but a different topic
started pestering me a few weeks ago. Like a character demanding attention in
one of my books, the idea wouldn’t let up. Finally, I gave in, which is the
reason today’s post features a seemingly insignificant item in my toolbox—a
whiteboard.
The Whiteboard
I purchased my
whiteboard to use during a workshop I presented at Georgia Romance Writers’
Moonlight & Magnolias Conference in 2015. During the session, I led the roomful of
attendees through an interactive brainstorming session. Working together, we
fleshed out a hero and heroine’s GMC and backstory as well as important plot
points—the inciting incident, escalating conflict, black moment, climax and
resolution. Finally, we discussed how to weave the elements together seamlessly
to keep the readers turning the page. By the end of the hour, we had
an overview of a story outlined on my whiteboard that could easily be
transferred into a written synopsis format and eventually expanded into book
form.
The Dreaded Synopsis
Ask any writer about the
most difficult part of the submission process, and I dare say most folks will
admit their greatest challenge is creating the dreaded synopsis. The task can
seem so daunting that writers sometimes complete their manuscripts before they
write their synopses.
For me, the synopsis
plays an important role in my story creation. Written prior to the manuscript,
it helps me ensure all the elements of my WIP are in place and flow together to
create a satisfying read.
The Whiteboard Technique to Build a Story
A few years ago, I was
mulling over a new story and stymied as to how the plot would unfold. On a
whim, I grabbed the whiteboard I had used at the M&M Conference. Although
working alone, I plowed through the brainstorming process just as I had done in
the GRW session and jotted down my ideas on the whiteboard. Within a few hours,
I had formatted my story.
Whether published or
unpublished, we all rely on various tools to facilitate our writing. Using a whiteboard helps me develop my story and home in on the significant aspects of
the plot and characters.
Advantages
I’m a visual learner,
which might be the reason the whiteboard triggers my creative
process. Changes can be made with a whisk of a dry eraser as I switch
names or rearrange escalating danger and attacks against my hero and heroine.
The use of different colored dry-markers for my protagonist and love interest
provides a distinctive way to ensure each character has his or her own story
arc and a satisfying resolution to any internal or external
conflict. Noting the various plot points in one contained space allows me
to view the entire story at a glance so I can quickly identify holes in my story.
From Whiteboard to Manuscript
Once the story is
outlined, I refer to the whiteboard while I write the synopsis and often keep
it close at hand as I pen the story. If a problem develops, I check my
whiteboard—my storyboard—to ensure I’m on the right path. Furthermore, I can
add or delete items as the plot shifts or deepens. The finished manuscript may
vary somewhat from that initial whiteboard overview, but throughout the
process, the outline provides a guide to keep me on track.
If you have trouble
brainstorming a story or writing a synopsis, try my whiteboard technique.
Perhaps, like me, you'll find the whiteboard is a valuable addition to your
writing toolbox.
What tools help you
create your stories? Can you suggest other uses for a whiteboard that
facilitate your writing process? Leave a comment to be entered in a
drawing for a copy of HER FORGOTTEN AMISH PAST.
Happy writing!
Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
HER FORGOTTEN AMISH PAST
She can’t remember who she’s running from.
Is she safe with the Amish?
Someone wants Becca Troyer dead, but who or why
is a mystery to her. Seeking refuge at the home of Amish farmer Zeke
Hochstetler is her only hope to stay one step ahead of the killer. With every
clue she finds about her past leading to more confusion, Becca and Zeke must
untangle the truth before her pursuer discovers where she’s been hiding.
Order now
at Amazon.
