PLAN YOUR NOVEL (for NaNoWriMo) \\ Preptober 2022

[@HeartBreathings]

Thanks for your patience in the timing here! My hand Is doing so much better today thank goodness!

[@tammy2830]

I was wondering about your hand when I saw the notification about this video. So glad you are mending quickly!

[@ghostyplans]

Thank goodness you’re healing well! I hope you keep feeling better! ❤

[@aletagoin1838]

So glad to hear that your hand is better! Just a quick question. Would you ever consider doing a walkthrough video of your writing desk and your witchy cabinet/space behind it? I know you've done one of your office, but I'm fascinated by all the pen organizers, the crystals, candles, etc. that you have surrounding you. I think it would be fun to see the actual physical space that you write in and possibly be an inspiration for me as I try to craft my own space.

[@nataliebarratt2333]

Where can I find your books? I’d love to take a look ❤

[@mrsjkamp]

I was about to say, "There's no way she's really telling us we HAVE to do something to be a successful author..." 🤣🤣

[@pinkskies8128]

SAME! 😂😂

[@HeartBreathings]

😅😅😅

[@SallySueSaywhatagain]

Lol, same. I was like, that doesn't sound like Sarra, what's happening right now? And then was like, oh, haha, you got me!

[@michellederoche-johnson9977]

🤣🤣🤣

[@dallaswhite5970]

i was in full panic lol

[@lexybaginsky]

I am a total plotter in life but an absolute pantser in writing. And I love how you put so much importance on the fact that everyone is different and each way is perfect for some people, none is intrinsically better than all the others

[@HeartBreathings]

Haha, well, there goes that tip, :P But it might be true for some people. And I LOVE and appreciate the fact that we are all different. It's part of what makes life wonderful.

[@martiemary7569]

Hearing you say that creating a novel is messy, is something I really needed to hear. Because for some reason I feel like creating a novel need to be pretty and clean. Also, another thing you said about everyone has their own way of plotting. Just made me feel better about my process. I got to in my head about that plotting has to be a certain way. What I consider plotting looks completely different than how it's shown in the few books I've read. So, hearing you say that everyone's process is different, made me feel better about how I plot my stories. So, thank you for being such an inspiration. This is why I love your videos there is always something, if not many things to take away from them.

[@cassiemerson7789]

It'd be cool to do like a Q&A session with a few writers who were all different in how they planned from the "20k word outline" to the "I thought of one scene and ran with it" writer. How they each handle getting started, what editing is like,, what happens when they need to pivot, do they plan characters or meet them along the way, does how they work with critique partners change based on how they plan, do they write linear or jumbled, etc. Just thinking hearing all the different perspectives at once would be cool. I like the idea of using the process while editing! Color coding makes me so happy but I end up not wanting to write the story if I plan too much in advance. Using it as a way to hit the marks and check scenes while editing is a nice compromise to get my color coding happiness, just after a first draft 😆 I was told in a class recently that sitting and thinking about your novel IS time spent on it and it DOES count as productive time. It can be so helpful to hear🧡

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh this is such a good idea!! Let me work on a panel like this!!

[@cam632]

Sarra, you are looking more joyful and more glowy(is that a word🤔) in each new video. Your energy levels seems to be so much higher and I'm so happy for you. Much love❤

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much Cam! I’m feeling years of stress melt away and joy really flowing right now! It means so much that it’s showing through!

[@Tinimaus86]

i thought the same ❤

[@christielrich]

I resonate with the puzzler quite a bit! I’ve never heard that term and I love it! I’ve had some stories come very linearly and others by scene. Each is different, so having various ways to adjust is such a great strategy. As always thanks for sharing your expertise and process! I look forward to your videos each week. 💖

[@Archerssoul1]

😂😂😂 somehow I knew and immediately said, “Sarra would *never*!”

[@HeartBreathings]

😅 I wouldn't!!

[@tammybarker1757]

I love this! I am a mystery writer, so I really try to plot out at least the scenes I know will have to be in the story. I love to create the characters before I do any scene work, because sometimes creating a character is what will help me figure out some scenes. I call myself a « Porganizer », someone who plots by just organizing random thoughts. Kind of between a plantser and a plotter. And yes, I love that you color code things, because that’s what I love to do, so I can see everything at a distance.

[@michellederoche-johnson9977]

"porganizer" 🥰🥰🥰🥰 love this!!!

[@JennatheSoulWriter]

Love that opening sequence. As someone who started as a staunch plotter... loving the way you're opening the minds of others to different ways to use the planner! I have been leaning into using the less frequently made post it colors for the kanban board and then the less fun ones for plotting. Thank you for showing us a completed version and a binder version, too! Loving the on the go potential for traveling with the binder. Thank you for all you do for us and other writers in the future, Sarra!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for being such an amazing member of the community and friend!! Grateful for you!

[@JennatheSoulWriter]

@@HeartBreathings No, thank YOU for being a friend!

[@marthalowery4211]

I've heard of magnetic paint for the wall.. Some of it is clear so you could paint over your regular paint. Why not use that with index cards and magnets so you don't have to worry about the paper?

[@SummerSaysSo]

Your necklace and earrings are so cute!

[@bonita2873]

thank you. I was getting on my own nerves but knowing others are going through a messy process as well helped alot

[@HeartBreathings]

haha, I get on my own nerves every day. It really is messy for most of us, I promise!

[@InkyEnchantments]

This video came up in my news feed and I'm so glad it did. I have some favorite KZbinrs that are very much plotters so I convinced myself I needed to be also. I'm definitely a puzzler and I didn't know that was a thing. It's very empowering just to hear someone else say they don't necessarily fit into the plotter or pantser categories, and then be able to internalize that. I feel so good about going off the rails now like I do. As it turns out, that's just how I do things!

[@mrdcoolblue]

This was really satisfying to watch because I also like to do a lot of my planning (and some of my drafting) with pen and paper; I'm definitely a plotter for sure. The idea of the puzzler was interesting to hear about, because I've never heard that version before. My friend and I call the plantser the "planter" instead because it's like tending seeds and then watching them grow into however the story turns out.

[@elsablanchard3297]

love this!!!❤ and I love your hair that length!!!

[@kellbell1604]

I used sticky notes on a whiteboard for the first time and I have plotted my entire story now for the first time. Every time I would try to outline of paper I would get ideas that needed to fit somewhere I already outlined and it would get so messy and hard to keep track of everything. I love this system so much and will never use any other way now. Thank you!

[@HeartBreathings]

Amazing, congratulations Kellie!

[@mamasweetlee6598]

I stumbled upon your channel last week! You have totally changed my writing life!!!! 😅 I am such a plotter in my life (mom of five kiddos here) but with my writing I just kinda dive in. It’s been a struggle and I don’t feel accomplished even with my three NaNo wins …. However! I’ve started plotting my NaNoWriMo with index cards and I am so excited for November!!!! I don’t have time for all the research and so appreciate you sharing what you have learned! I am a gleaner of knowledge 😂

[@HeartBreathings]

Welcome to the community!! So excited it's already been helpful!

[@annelyle5474]

Although I've written several novels, that bit about using your approach to planning in general to decide on your process really resonated with me. When I go on holiday, I like to have my travel and accommodation booked, and I usually peruse a guidebook or two to get ideas for where to go and what to see, but once I'm out there I take each day as it comes. I'm the same with writing - I like to have my main plot points in place and some ideas about the characters and world, then I wing it from one plot point to the next!

[@tambranicolekendall9288]

Loving these Preptober 2022 videos, Sarra! I discovered years ago I was a combination plotter, now known as a plantster. :) Here's a big hug to all writers.

[@emmyscreativecorner1575]

Apparently I'm a puzzling planster. Thank you Sarra!.

[@HeartBreathings]

😂 love this

[@sassynaturals]

Lol i legit said that to🤣🤣...

[@thhxxxx6455]

I would be soooooo interested in what you write on your "cheat sheet" index cards! I know you have done plotting videos on some of these before, but it seems like they have been updated ("the disturbance" for example is a new term for me). Absolutely love your videos, they make me feel very excited to participate in NaNo this year :D Lots of support from Argentina :)

[@loridee21]

I am a Plotter! I write a detailed outline, but when I do rewrites, I end up rewriting my outline. My outline is probably about 15 pages.

[@SallySueSaywhatagain]

Yay! I'm working thru the Plot Your Novel workbook for my NaNo novel while watching this video!!

[@HeartBreathings]

Perfect!!🎉

[@SallySueSaywhatagain]

@@HeartBreathings I've successfully put together a first draft of my outline tonight!!! Feeling quite good about my NaNo prep for the first time in multiple years!!

[@gamewrit0058]

"Writing a novel is a messy process." ❤️👍

[@philm9593]

Again, great presentation with info noobs like myself absorb like a sponge. What I've found is that even in my early stages I'm enjoying putting together scenes as a pantser, filing them away, in the hope that they will be of use later. Now, I feel that some form of plotting may be the way to go. Anyway, it's encouraging to know that there is no one size fits all method. What ever works for you is just fine. Thanks, Sarra.

[@LoreleiCosner]

Thank you so much for doing this video! I'm taking a course right now, and the final assignment is a 50,000 word novel ready for publishing. 😊

[@HeartBreathings]

Ooh that's so exciting!!!

[@gracelight7]

absolutely loved this video, such a variety of detailed information from all angles 🧡

[@marthalowery4211]

Might not want to use small magnets around evie!

[@crystalmorrison4463]

Love this video-these are my fav types of videos you do. Classic heart breathings style-honest and inspiring! Yay!

[@MichaelMurrayIsMessy]

"Let the process be messy." I love that, Sarra! I just started a new book, and I was thinking yesterday that the process for books never seems to be the same for me. That can be frustrating, but it can also be an invitation to see each book as unique and embrace the process. Thanks!

[@emielou]

Great video. I am very much a mix. I don't ever plot my story but I do research, create char profiles and have a paragraph to a page of everything that's in my head. I tend to write then add the details to a plot after chapter by chapter. It really helps when editing x

[@hawkivory]

I love this! I need to try out the page flags for moving scenes around. I'm hoping to get a portable story board in my letter size binder cauuuuse the wall space isn't happening lol

[@RumoHasIt]

Charleston?! Haaay, we are just north of you in Myrtle! Thats so cool! Wanted to say thank you for showing your process. I hit 47k words last year, but this year im really gonna grind to cross that 50k threshold! Goodluck everyone!

[@HeartBreathings]

We loved Charleston but have moved to Dallas since last year! Love Myrtle Beach and I miss getting to go there!

[@animejunkie32]

i have just found your channel and just subscribed im working on my first novel and this has been so helpful i cant wait to go and watch your other videos

[@maureenvandusky5400]

Thank you for saying this about a Puzzler!! This is me!! I have been writing my memoir, “Vacation’s Over. We’re Having Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup” How my Mom helped me survive three traumatic events including how to live with grief after her death. Yes, my subtitle is still a bit of a work in progress. But I did an outline and wrote and got stuck. Then I added and deleted from my outline and I wrote certain parts that inspire me that day. Once i gave myself permission to jump around and write the parts I’m inspired to write that day. Doing this, I went from about 14,000 words in almost one year in my actual rough draft to 3 months later, a full 34,900 words in my rough draft which will hopefully stay in the story. This is why NaNoWriMo intrigues me to just go ahead and write another 50,000 words to have a rough draft.

[@elegantgrannytv]

Thank you for this! I originally planned to start NaNoWriMo this year, but with the many transitions of life happening all at one time, I find it best to focus more on the different series you created and the helpful resources you mentioned to prepare me for camp NaNoWriMo next year. Thanks again 🖤🧡

[@HeartBreathings]

So important to understand where you are in the moment! Hope you find the resources helpful.

[@elegantgrannytv]

@@HeartBreathings thanks! I believe they will be 🤗

[@morticiagomez6558]

I’ve always wondered about the process of novel writing ! Thank you for this!

[@authorEE_ESE]

I definitely fall in the middle of being a pantser/plotter. Though I am definitely more of a discovery writer as I tend to have an idea and I build from that point. To add to your amazing list of writing craft books, I highly recommend "Writing Into the Dark" by Dean Wesley Smith. It's not just another method of writing. It's a reminder to write for the fun of it and I think it applies to all class of writers. ♥

[@MysticAssistant]

I am such a Puzzler/Plantser, and honestly it makes it hard to finish projects. But, it just means I have to stay focused when I feel a shiny new "puzzle" coming on.

[@catherinerichardson5958]

That is funny. The Puzzler was one of Batman's villains who only showed up in one episode. - I plot and then have more then one Draft, and I save them all and pick from each one, but mostly a Panitser

[@jodi474]

Just can't believe your generosity in making these videos and sharing your wisdom with us. I'm gearing up to start my first novel and this was a gift. Thank you xxx

[@Road2Peachtree]

I'm extremely intrigued by the graph paper process. It makes a ton of sense!

[@kpro7697]

Lol, you totally got me thinking “what is she saying?!?!?” With the first few seconds of this video. 😂 I am a planner, but like you use my imagination in the writing process. Thanks for this. My first nano and over the moon to crush this November with you and thus community!

[@Mythic-BAD]

I love the beginning. ❤️❤️

[@stephw1702]

Best advice I ever learned is that your outline is a map, not a prison. It's about finding your balance. Learn about various techniques, plot structures, and character surveys then use what works for you. For years I thought I needed to be a pantser. I thought if I plotted then it would kill the excitement and creativity needed to keep going. Now my process is a mixture of several things. I still make a notebook to fill with brain dumps and ideas which come to mind. Before I begin writing the novel, I need to first know what lie my main characters(s) believe(s). I follow the character chart from this channel to know the important points about them, their backstory, what they want and need. From there I can create an outline, following the plot embryo method. I also use the first few steps from the Snowflake Method to know the basics for any side characters and to create a basic plot. My outlines are like a road trip with all the landmarks I wish to visit. What route my story takes to reach each of these landmarks is still left for my mind to create, yet I can still keep myself in check to know where to go.

[@stephanieflowers2783]

I absolutely enjoyed this video! I have a little baby of an idea and am using simple mind mapping templates and index cards right now to get things going so it’s nice to see how many different ways you plan your novels. As always, keep up the good work!!

[@MKEthridge]

Oooh. I'm more than a decade in and have never heard the term puzzler. I like this!

[@LeahWriter]

Wow, I thought I was a pantser...but looking at the mess of notes and scenes bits and pieces...now I"m a puzzler 😀 thanks!

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh fun!! Puzzlers unite!!

[@bethsummers8713]

Thank you so much for putting this together. I'm super excited about doing my first NaNoWriMo. I'm still learning what kind of writer I am, plotter, pantser, plantser, puzzler...so I find the advice to think about other areas of my life where I've had to plan to see what worked, really helpful and insightful. I'm going to get my NaNo project set up and I'm looking forward to some in-person write-ins.

[@ekkowrites]

What a great video! The first sentence of the video was like WHAT XD?!?! I am glad I found your channel :D

[@HeartBreathings]

Haha, I couldn't resist! Glad you're here!!

[@alicjachrobot6883]

Oh i just found out that i am a puzzler and planser ... wooow amazing becausd i thought something is wrong with me 🤣🍀🙏😍

[@QueenViolet]

I am an intuitive plotter which is based on a spectrum developed by KZbinr Ellen Brock, you can learn more about it from her video "the types of writers". it is on her channel. as an intuitive plotter, I tend to plot on a chapter-by-chapter basis. essentially, I will outline the first chapter then write it, go back to my outline plot for the second chapter then write it. I will pick ideas for scenes in that chapter from my brainstorming list.

[@roshanrahealer]

It's interesting that you've heard the term puzzler before, as I've never heard it outside of me calling my own writing style puzzling. It's nice to know I'm not the only person that makes my writing harder for me by nature. While it's hard to handle the confusion at times (and I read my work more than I would if I outlined it all), I love the adventure of putting the puzzles together. For NaNoWriMo, I'm finishing my second novel, which has 80,928 words and is only about 75% done. I know what scenes I want in the book, but can't recall if I wrote them. LOL You're so inspiring, especially when you share your struggles and inspiration with the world. Thanks for being one of my go-to writers when I need to go back to the drawing board.

[@uninterupptedwriter]

Watching your videos brings me comfort!

[@GwynWalker]

Love this video! I'm not a writer, but I'm a voracious reader. I'm so motivated by your process and planning. TFS.

[@anitawaller6532]

I am currently working on my 24th novel, all high-sellers thankfully, and I have never plotted one. I start with a sentence and see what happens. It’s a lot of fun.

[@thecherrybluehouse]

Hi Sara, thanks for this video. I write differently at different times, yet I guess I am more of a plantser than anything.

[@elliestephenson4146]

I’m glad your hand is getting better, Sarra. I did the same with my hair straighteners a few years back. Painful.

[@tammy2830]

Two of my nieces are Vanessa and Lorelei. Thank you for sharing! Seeing it is very helpful for me. 😊

[@HeartBreathings]

Wow! Very cool!

[@ghostyplans]

I HAVE THE SAME HAT BUT PINK!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤love it! And that intro was totally cute too!!!

[@jennb7785]

Thank you so much for this video Sarra! Watched the first time to get motivated for NaNo and try to get a strategy together. Now I'm watching because your WIP sounds really interesting. Can't wait to hear more about this story and read it once it's ready. Best wishes to all who are working on their Preptober plans!

[@deellaboe437]

I just found your page today! I'm so glad I found you. I'm a writer with so many thoughts. My problem is how to turn that into a novel. The 3 act reminds me of theatre and to me seems easier to write. I'm definitely a puzzler and I will check more of your videos out. I love your vibes as well. Good luck on your books as well!

[@schuylergeery-zink1923]

I’m a plantser lol I plan the major plot beats and character arcs. Some chapters are generally planned (a vague synopsis of what should happen in that scene), others are kind of mushy. Usually there’s extra that is pantsed to flesh out the scene around the major plot point. But I’d say 25% of chapters are discovery bc in the planning it is just hazy to me as to what should happen. Sometimes I have to write through Act III event tho that is mostly planned to see what’s needed to lead up to the climax. The middle is more the discovery part, or puzzle piece for me. I’d rather just get started writing and skip a part I don’t know come back to it than try to meticulously plan everything, which I find is stale anyway for details. It helps a lot to have the major beats and arcs planned which informs the plot and development to write easily along.

[@bubblysqueek4690]

Thank you!!!! I completely didn't realise that there were more than just plotters and pantsers 🤯 i kept trying to go from one extreme to another 😅 I think im a cross between a puzzler and a planther 😤 ! ok time to write my first book!

[@jenller]

Whoa! I'm a puzzler! Is so clearer now! Thank you sharing!

[@ronjagdfeld8127]

I've learned so much from this video! Thanks a lot and greeting from Germany :)

[@HeartBreathings]

Glad it was helpful!

[@blueiris8468]

Wow . Lots of great information for me to finish. Thank you and I will be watching your other posts.

[@MizunoFanPage]

I was definently a puzzler-pantser hybrid for last NaNo! This year is should more plantser because my project is much easier to get through!

[@vCoralSandsv]

Just sending you good writing vibes! Thank you for the video!

[@kaylasembly6590]

Thank you for this informative video! Your words are exactly what I needed to hear -- "Let the process be messy." I appreciate your openness in sharing your writing process as well as the hurdles along the way. Also, thank you for linking your NaNoWriMo Preptober planner.

[@tiffanycowan7285]

I was wanting to know if you would ever consider doing a video on your reference library. I know that you list some of the books you use in plot your novel guide, but I know you have started reading books from other authors as well. Would you be able to show that, please?

[@HeartBreathings]

Great suggestion! Thank you for letting me know you'd love to see it!

[@CM-fo2he]

Thanks for creating workbooks that sounds super helpful

[@AlexVeeGee]

Great video! Thank you! Really looking forward to the character arcs one! I'd love to see a GMC series in the future. Super detailed, because I struggle so much with GMC and arcs. 😭😂😭

[@charmaineguard3258]

As always, a fantastic video Sarra! I'm so excited for Nano Wrimo this year and can't wait for all your content over the next few months!

[@cathy-annemannix8898]

I tend to get a sliver of an idea and I figure out how it works out and the go back and figure out how I got there. The main characters are usually already figured out but additional characters are named as I go!! I try to plot out the basics but will just run with ideas as they go! Tends to lead to a long book needing serious editing!!

[@carollynch3389]

wanting to do nanowrimo and needed some guidance. thank you so much

[@CM-fo2he]

Planter love these terms. So fun!

[@stephaniedalportofantasy]

Great Video full of helpful information! Thank you!

[@trianenopenottrian9108]

Great tips but also that sounds so interesting

[@nicoled9756]

This is so encouraging! Thank you

[@maiagaskell4216]

Amazing video Sarra! I was struggling with the idea of being a plotter or panser as I knew I didn't really fit into either of those concepts which kind of made me feel like an outcast. However, I know now that I'm definitely a puzzler which has clarified a lot of things for me and I quite like being a puzzler tbh 🤔☺️

[@cocop5058]

Great video! Super informative. Love the reminder to “Embrace the Mess.”

[@matchingbirthdays4happiness]

Thanks Sarah, I have so many ideas and outlines; Sometimes I need that outline and sometimes I don’t; this is my first preptober and I feel great! I have years of copious notes…😊

[@dianehaislip6888]

omg,, your brilliant! Puzzler.. I am so a puzzler. I love this term. Thank you.

[@nildam.bonilla5849]

I am trying to find time to sit and start actually writing my story, but I've been brainstorming the story as I know exactly how I want the beginning to be and I know what I want to happen at the end, had a random tought and my male character changed while thinking what points I want to have in my story. But I've been a bit stuck in my world building because I want magic to be part of it but I want to have all my "laws" set so that I don't write something that I had said is impossible I want structure in place because I personally get annoyed when stories do like Star Wars did "it's impossible to heal others or whatever" then Rei and Grogu come and do whatever they want, I do love the story but is a bit annoying if it was unknown it's different than being impossible

[@gospelpopmusic]

You're such a wonderful writing mentor! Still working on my screenwriting and novel series in the year 4444 A D.

[@moegirl76]

I just found you this week. Your planner is incredible and I feel this could really help my ADHD brain. I’m also a writer so your channel is an awesome find. The follow through is my struggle too. Are you ADHD? GREAT INFORMATION. 💜💜💜

[@cynthianorris5418]

Thank you for another very helpful video!!

[@Roswordsman]

watching this super late at the end of preoptober, but it's interesting to learn of the term Puzzler. I always start with scenes or conversations and some other pieces but plantser always seemed to fit that in some ways--i think it's because I still end up outlining and "planning" some things but go nuts seat of my pants writing with others.

[@fralou_sind_kreativ]

Thank you for this Video, it came just at the right time for me!

[@SazLouCap]

Another wonderful video, thank you Sarra.

[@aliahwelch4064]

Oh wow- I’ve never heard of a Puzzler, but that’s totally me! Out of curiosity- to anyone who’s also a Puzzler- how do you minimize plot holes? I always have trouble making sure my characterization stays consistent!

[@HeartBreathings]

For me, that all comes together in edits.

[@christafrysinger7820]

This video is really great and I especially enjoyed the description of Different Types of Writers. I am working on a series of romance novels.... and I have a new novel idea I am excited about. I am working on figuring out how to write a Science Fiction novel. Would you or writer friends of yours be able to, say, offer recommendations for Science Fiction novels you think one should read on a journey of studying within the genre's many subgenres? In addition, I would greatly appreciate any explanations of "How to Write a Science Fiction Novel" that you or writer friends could maybe tack onto this comment. I adore your channel and I find it very helpful. Much thanks from a fellow writer. :)

[@alexintheabstract]

Puzzler! You just blew my mind.

[@RachelWrites]

I’m totally a puzzler and I’ve never heard of that term before!

[@mlbullbooks]

Is your Vanessa Shaw like a murder mystery? I like mystery stories, which was my first genre of interest as a writer. I'm actually planning to do some Christian Suspense novels in one of my other series ideas---one of those "shiny ideas" I've got tucked away for now...lol. But maybe someday I'll get to them.

[@HeartBreathings]

It is a mystery, for sure! With a touch of "is this a ghost story? Or is it all in her head?". I imagine you would find good success with Christian Suspense!

[@JayleePlanz]

You are so awesome and thank you I’m so excited for preptober this year!

[@adriannanorth]

Ahhh! I’m still writing the same book from last Nano. I didn’t plot enough and I’m a HUGE procrastinator.

[@HeartBreathings]

You are not alone in that, for sure!!

[@fionpica5673]

Excited to find you - great info!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! Welcome!