Overview: The Flow feature in our software is designed as an open space for brainstorming and planning your story before you start writing your manuscript. It’s a place where you can capture all your ideas, describe major plot points, flesh out characters, and outline any details you want to remember as you move forward. Use Flow to write as if you’re telling your best friend about the story you want to create, getting all your thoughts out without worrying about structure or format. This article will guide you through how to use Flow effectively to plan your story.
Why Using Flow is Important for Story Planning
Flow gives you a dedicated space to think freely and capture your story ideas before diving into the structured writing process. This helps you clarify your thoughts and gives you a reference point for when you begin drafting your manuscript. By using Flow to brainstorm and outline your story, you’ll be better prepared to write a cohesive, engaging narrative.
Key Considerations When Using Flow for Planning
1. Use Flow as a Freewriting Space
The Flow space is meant to be a place where you can write freely and get all your thoughts down on paper. Don’t worry about organization or formatting—just let your ideas flow naturally. Describe your story as if you were telling a friend about it, capturing every detail you want to remember.
- Use Flow for freewriting, capturing any ideas that come to mind.
- Write as if you’re sharing your story with a friend, focusing on getting your thoughts out without editing or revising.
Questions to Ask:
- Am I using Flow to capture all my ideas, without worrying about structure?
- Have I described my story in a way that captures the essence and key elements?
2. Brainstorm Plot Points and Character Details
Flow is a great space to brainstorm major plot points and flesh out your characters. Write about the main events of your story, how your characters will grow or change, and any significant details you want to include.
- Outline major plot points that define the story’s progression.
- Describe your characters in detail, capturing their personalities, goals, and conflicts.
Questions to Ask:
- Have I outlined the major events of my story in Flow?
- Have I described each character in enough detail to understand their role in the story?
3. Capture Any Other Story Ideas
In addition to plot points and character details, Flow is a place to capture any other ideas or details that come to mind. Whether it’s the setting, themes, or specific scenes you want to include, write them down in Flow so you have a complete picture of your story before you start drafting.
- Use Flow to record settings, themes, or scenes you want to explore in your story.
- Capture any other details that will help guide you as you write your manuscript.
Questions to Ask:
- Have I captured all the important details of my story in Flow?
- Is there anything else I want to include before I start drafting?
How to Use Flow to Plan Your Story
Step 1: Start with Freewriting
Open the Flow space in your software and start by writing freely about your story. Describe the plot, characters, and any other ideas you have in mind, as if you were explaining the story to a friend.
Step 2: Brainstorm Plot Points and Character Details
Next, outline the major plot points of your story and describe your characters in detail. Write about the key events that will shape your story and the characters’ journeys.
Step 3: Capture Additional Ideas and Details
Use Flow to record any additional ideas, settings, themes, or scenes that you want to include. This will give you a comprehensive overview of your story before you start drafting your manuscript.
Step 4: Review and Refine
After brainstorming in Flow, review your notes and refine any ideas as needed. Use this as a guide when you begin drafting your manuscript, referring back to your notes to keep the story focused and cohesive.
Flow is a powerful tool for brainstorming and planning your story before starting your manuscript. Use this open space to capture all your ideas, describe major plot points, and flesh out your characters, giving you a strong foundation for the writing process. By using Flow effectively, you’ll be better prepared to create a cohesive, engaging story that flows naturally from start to finish.
