My Plot Development Tool: Scenes in Swimlanes
I have experimented with a number of plot development tools and techniques. None of them worked well for me. So I invented my own. I call it Scenes in Swimlanes.
I started out as a pantser writing a short story that grew into a novel. In an earlier article, I describe how I adopted plotter ways after discarding a month’s worth of writing. I realized I needed to plan the complex, intertwined story in my brain.
I found that I conceive my story in scenes. I realize that some writers don’t think this way. But I think scene-based development probably comes natural to those raised in the age of television and movies.
Another facet of the story I am developing, is that the point of view shifts from scene to scene among a number of characters. In planning to tell the story, I need to constantly shift points of view, striking a balance so the reader sees everyone’s perspective. If you are writing from a first-person perspective, then swimlanes may not offer as much value.
Some of my experiments with other techniques failed because I needed an easy way to shuffle scenes around as I sequenced the story to create the right pacing and levels of suspense. Moving things around is easy using Scenes in Swimlanes.
Pool with Swim Lanes
So how does it work?
Imagine a competition pool with lines marking each swimmer’s lane, like the one in the image to the right.
I’ve added the name of each swimmer at the top, so we know who is who.
Now you understand the swimlanes concept.
Swimlanes Ready for Scenes
To add scenes, we need to add rows. Like shown in the next image.
I insert one insert one scene per row. The scene gets written into the cell in the swimlane of the person controlling the POV for that scene.
Scenes start at the top and work down the rows.
Scenes In Swimlanes
Here is an example with scene information inserted. Since dates are important in my story, I have added a column for dates down the left side. I use colors to highlight different days.
Since we are working in rows and columns, you can use any spreadsheet program to create Scenes in Swimlanes. My personal favorite spreadsheet is LibreOffice Calc. (By the way, it’s free).
Rearranging scene is as simple as cutting and pasting. You can add new scenes by inserting rows.
Update: Steve points out in the first comment below, that this technique would work just as well with post-it notes. Thank you, Steve.
I’m probably not the first person to do this. But this is what works for me.
What works for you?
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I used this technique with an early novel, Conqueror’s Realm. It was a complicated political thriller following four parallel plots through several months. This technique works well in stories where scenes are time intensive.
Another technique, for those who are visual/physical oriented, is to jot the particulars of scenes onto post-it notes, then put the notes up on a wall in a grid. You can add, remove or rearrange scenes just by grabbing them and sticking them down somewhere else.
Steve,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I knew I couldn’t have been the first, but I hadn’t seen this described anywhere.
I’ve seen the post-it notes on the wall technique described. Mary Carroll Moore teaches this using a Storyboard technique.
I do a lot of traveling for my day job, so I need my post-it notes on a virtual wall that I can take with me. 8^)
I think there’s some novel writing software to also has this technique, or something close to it, built in. Unfortunately, I can’t recall the name of the program.
I looked at a bunch of different novel development software applications, but I couldn’t see the benefit. I just want to write, not get caught up in learning to use some new program.
Another reason I avoided these: I don’t believe I’ve ever seen an endorsement by a best-selling author attributing their success to a software package.
I too discovered the value of using this swimlanes concept in writing my first novel, Entangled. I think of it as an extension of the idea of a timeline to include several interdependent timelines.
I just used a table in my word processor to lay out the swimlanes. No need for fancy software on this one.
As far as author software, I tried a few things. The “auto-critic” type of software (not to promote any particular one at this point) I found interesting. It scans your manuscript for overuse of words and cliche’s and might be worth a few bucks to save some time and sweat.
Jim,
I knew that I couldn’t have been the first writer to find this solution. Tables in a word processor work, too!
I’ve heard others mention scanning their manuscript in a similar manner. When I get to that point, I’ll be sure to look into these in more depth.
Thanks for taking time to comment.
I was stumped by the idea of outlining until I read “Story Engineering” by Larry Brooks and I started to follow his blog http://www.storyfix.com. Now I find outlining to be a pleasure, a strength, and a necessity. He teaches you how to make your story arc compelling and complete with no mid-point lull.
Thanks for the tip. I’ll check out Larry’s blog and book.
I’m always looking for new ideas and better techniques.
I came to post the same comment as @drmomjfc – check out Larry Brooks. I did the same swim lane thing, and it works to a point. It certainly helps continuity and know who’s doing what, when.
But know where pinch points need to be (and why they’re needed) and the difference between inciting incident and first plot point, hit up Larry’s blog and book. (Full disclosure, most of his book is in his blog for free, but the structure of his book, well, that’s a lot more convenient)
Tony,
After drmomjfc left her comments about Story Engineering by Larry Brooks, I found the book and started reading. I haven’t finished it yet, but I’ve already found it to be insightful.
Once I finished the book and incorporate the concepts, I’ll write a post for those who don’t find their way to these comments.
Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts.
By the way, I think swim lanes can be particularly effective in the planning of 1st person novels. I’d swim lane the entire story. The parts the protagonist don’t see are as important, if not more important than those he or she does see. You can then control which parts of the story external to the main character is seen by the main character, and when, and under which circumstances.
Good luck with your writing!