Plotting My Books In A Classic Happy Planner

Today I'm showing you inside my new Classic Happy Planner Plotting Planner! See how I set up my book projects and plan to track my word counts on paper!
I am really interested to see what sticks for me: Notion or Planner? What do you think?
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My videos Referenced:
❤ How To Plan Your Writing Schedule And Hit Your Deadlines. heartbreathing...
❤ How To Plot Your Novel Series: • How To Plot Your Novel
❤ Create Your 2021 Writing Schedule: • Create Your 2021 Writi...
❤ Writing Sprints Challenge: • Word Sprint Challenge!...
❤ Older Plotting Planner Video -heartbreathing...
Sticker Shops Mentioned:
❤ HourglassStickerCo etsy.me/3vtefS2
❤ Procrastiplanner, Etc!!! www.etsy.com/s...
❤ Studio Adorkable etsy.me/3eznYQK
❤ Anthem Sticker Company etsy.me/2YZIJML
❤ Winklelark: www.redbubble....
Writing Tools and Supplies:
❤ Hello Kitty Pencil Case (I think currently sold out but coming back soon!): shrsl.com/2fs49
❤ Crayola Supertip: amzn.to/38gHyNI
❤ Colorful Index Cards: amzn.to/30mRoJf
❤ Small dot color circle stickers: amzn.to/3qSgWJr
❤ Larger Dot Stickers: amzn.to/3cpG5pv
❤ Book Rings: amzn.to/3lhjaR9
❤ Hole Punch: amzn.to/3bHsv1n
❤ Skinny Washi Tape: amzn.to/2Q1oJaY
❤ Marrakesh Sticky Notes (large 4 x 4): amzn.to/3qksiFy
❤ Marrakesh Sticky Notes (Smaller 2 x 2): amzn.to/3qIYgLZ
❤ Uni Style Fit Multipen *Purple Body: www.jetpens.co...
❤ Pen Refills for Uni Style Fit: www.jetpens.co...
❤ Into One Mini Binder: www.jetpens.co...
❤ Zebra Click Art Markers: www.jetpens.co...
Inspiration partly from my friend Ines Johnson: ineswrites.com/
Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you!
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Sarra Cannon
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Heart Breathings - Episode 260
About Me: My name is Sarra Cannon, and I've been indie publishing since 2010. In that time, I have published 26 books and sold well over half a million copies.
I've made some mistakes along the way, but I've also learned some valuable lessons that I think will help you reach your goals. I can't wait to help you learn to make money writing what you love.
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#authortube #writing #plotting

[@MissHolliday3110]

I am going to have three main POV characters, so I'd definitely like some tips on how to plot and merge all three pov's into one outline.

[@patricialivangood3748]

Is there any chance you could do a brainstorming session when you plan out your novel? I'm replanning my character outlines in order to write the first draft, and barely know what to do next. I was thinking about panting but I really don't like how that works. I've tried it and never finished because I never knew where I was going with the story. Thank you so much for these on KZbin and the courses online they have help me so much. Just wished I discovered you sooner. That's the way of life, when the student is ready the teacher will appear.

[@greeneyelia]

Love this! Call me old(-school) but I just prefer pen-to-paper planning 😊

[@inesjohnsonwrites]

I get so tickled when you say my name 😍😍😍. I've been using a Happy Planner as a physical plotter for whatever series is coming up next. But I always abandon it when it comes time to actually writing. Then I go back after I'm finished the series and see tons of ideas that I didn't even use! I'm working on changing this...

[@HeartBreathings]

You're amazing!

[@LeahWriter]

I'm a gardener and have to organize 4 other gardeners' flower orders and keep their stuff separate. A few years ago I colour-coded them and I can tell at a glance who's who and what's what. I'm so going to love doing the same thing to keep my book straight. Thank you so much!

[@miaramck6746]

23:18 Firstly, thank you for saying points of view instead of point of views. Secondly, yes please!

[@HeartBreathings]

❤️ now I'm going to be nervous every time I say that in the future haha. Jk.

[@miaramck6746]

@@HeartBreathings Lol! It's like trying to remember which foot you start with when bowling 😂

[@ohreallyalana]

Totally Happy Planner biased so this makes my heart happy to see! I love how you've got it set up! I'm currently setting up a dashboard happy planner for my wip! They've recently come out with plastic sticker sheet storage tip ins and I intend to use them for character pages with photos and descriptions. Love this video, Sarra! 💜

[@marahsoore6452]

I would love a look at how you do multi-POV. My series is going to be multi-POV and I'm hoping to learn enough so it can be balanced.

[@pinkskiestoday]

Until you mentioned it, I didn't notice the oddly-shaped "T" on your old plotting Happy Planner cover from 2 years ago. To this day, I can't read the words, "The Plot Thickens", without remembering "The Plot Chickens". 😂

[@Okie_Stitches]

I like notion. In fact, I love the look and layout of notion. BUT, out of site just never works with me. I am more motivated with the prettiness and ease of grabbing a notebook every time!

[@SageSpelling]

I would definitely enjoy a video about multiple POVs!

[@cadengrace5466]

I rarely post in your presentations because I can't wait to put the information to good use, but...You like so many other Booktubers show us all of the things you did to be a success. Thanks, but I think we need more from you. We need to know how you handled your mistakes and got out of them in the process of learning the right way. Often, we grasshoppers out here will start off on the road you have set out before us and unexpectedly stumble. While it seems a bit naïve, we need to how to pick ourselves up from these unexpected pitfalls and get back on track. For a trooper like you, it is as easy as going, "AH..." and moving on. For some of us, it can be the hurdle we cannot get over. Just a thought, Great stuff as usual from you.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! There are lots of videos here about my mistakes and what I did to overcome them! I know it can seem like it was easy while looking in but the nano wrimo videos are a good example of where I fell short and had to figure out what to do to keep going. Also the lessons learned playlist, the longer video about how I changed my life, etc. It's all here if you keep watching!

[@cadengrace5466]

@@HeartBreathings Thanks for everything and so fast too! :)

[@rachelrobertson7353]

OMG - so excited for this!! I love your plotting planner video. They are so helpful, insightful and inspiring. Thank you for posting this one!

[@punkkitty100]

Oh, thanks Sarra! I just handed over around $200 in planner purchases a little while ago! I actually did plan quite well in 2019 but 2020 - I fell off the wagon, LOL! Time to get back to being organized girl, thanks to you and your inspiration!

[@PracticalLeigh]

I love the organization you’ve implemented. 🤍📓

[@ghostyplans]

I caved last weekend and got a Classic Happy Notes with undated vertical weekly pack. And I’m LOVING it. I plan a bit differently than you, but I definitely used your planning as the foundation.

[@marybeougher2953]

I think you’re right about HP getting rid of the deluxe covers. On the happy planner site, they have a zip folio now for the classic size with pockets, etc inside. Loved seeing your planner set up. I’m thinking of something similar for my Camp NaNo project.

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh that sounds interesting!! I need to go check it out!

[@dianemorasco]

Yes, please, do a series of videos on your multi POVs. Thank you, Sarra. 💕🙏🏼

[@carriebartkowiak]

I'm having to do both :( I am definitely an ALL THE PAPER PENS MARKERS WASHI (in a discbound notebook) type of girl, but my hubby and sons (who help me brainstorm) are digital dudes. So I'm in the process right now of translating my plotting notebook over into Notion where I can share it with them.

[@sloaneridge5804]

Definitely would love to know more about your process with multiple POV's in a series.

[@ChronicReader]

I would love to see videos on writing multiple POVs. My WIP is currently one POV, but it will be expanding as the series continues.

[@quantwhodratherbewritingak8698]

I’m excited for this one. 🤗 Happy Saturday, Sarra!

[@rileytuawai7241]

This makes me want to be more organised lol now I know what I'll be doing this Sunday morning :)

[@RachelValencourt]

This was the video I was looking for ❤

[@stefaniepennington7286]

The info in this video is so good I had to watch it twice. You are a wizard, Sara!

[@katies8080]

Thank you, I think I just found my perfect pen - the uni styl 4 pen. And great ideas for character plotting.

[@shenellmaye11]

Thank you this video I think I've watched it 3 or 4 times. I am redoing my plot book I think having all the books together will help because the six stories are in the same world and surround the same group of friends. If your reading this and you have not signed up for Sarra's newsletter you are missing out!! Thank you for the HBresoures library!!

[@kristyl6201]

I love the happy planner I guess because I like paper and stickers. And alot easier for me where I'm a visual and hands on learner.

[@ColleenVanderlinden]

Loved this! I always enjoy seeing how you set up your planners, and that idea you raised about building in accountability for yourself is something that I think would be really helpful for me as well.

[@anacosta5635]

I would love to hear how your plot and weave through multiple POV’s.

[@olenkam84]

I love all your videos on planning - thank you so much for sharing your knowledge 💜 May I ask which mushroom style puncher you use? Thank you xx

[@curiositystoryer]

I think the idea of using both notion and a planner would work well for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@cate5029]

Love your plotting planner! This is the perfect way for me to get organized. I am definitely a pen and paper girl first. I am excited to learn more about Notion and having it as a tool but this is so me. 💖💖

[@aliciagregoire]

I have been looking for something like this for MONTHS! Thank you for the walk through!

[@harrietholmes8580]

I would love to see a series on writing multi POV! I love your planners and approach to writing! So much positivity! 🌞

[@SoftHealingbyDanielle]

This was so inspiring. I’ve been feeling super stuck lately with my first novel.

[@MsCarolinaDreamz]

Sarra, your baby can have her own note cards that are thick "baby proof" ( is anything baby proof?) Pages like toddler books. I taught my children to write stories with flash cards. I looped them just like you did yours. If the cards with nouns didn't have writing, I wrote on them. We kept all of these ringed cards in a canvas bag and it traveled with us. Since she's so young, you can cut up a toddler book and fake that they are her important cards. I had 3 stair steps under 4. I wouldn't have survived and then schooled from home without this magic bag that blended into mathematics, too. I taught them algebra instead of long division.. kinda the same thing with "PLease Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" for order of operation. (Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction, for anyone reading this that does not know.) She just needs her own cards on a ring and a notebook.. in her own pencil pouch with stickers on it.. mimi mommy!

[@lanielarson2305]

You’re so organized. I love it!

[@brittneysbookshelf9491]

I love these videos so much!

[@RJIZCOOL]

@Sarra Cannon, Do you have a special hole puncher for your planner? I have a Happy Planner and I print out stuff but was wondering how to make the holes. Thanks Katy

[@tphogan5179]

Yes, please. Please do a 'how to write multiple POV characters' video or videos.

[@mariadamore1963]

Your color coding with matching pens, washi, stickers, and post its is not extra! You are NOT alone! I do this with my classes every semester! And, naturally, I include binders and index card holders to match the colors too.

[@AlexVeeGee]

I vote for a multi-pov video! 😍

[@dianagarland4907]

I would love to learn more about handling multiple pov's in a series. :)

[@tammytravis1771]

I haven't watched all the videos yet. To accomplish everything you do...the many aspects...do you have an assistant? I don't know how the authors have time to do so many things.

[@mrdcoolblue]

Whew! Three months from prep to publish!

[@neaeanblue]

good idea

[@rosannebowman2592]

Is there someplace that has a list of the main plot points and their definitions? Thanks! And I'd LOVE to hear how you juggle multiple POVs! :)

[@Marv_Missy]

Would love a series on multiple POV!!

[@latoyamatson6197]

I'm very visual so I tack my index cards to a cork board that I broke into the 3 acts.

[@Kat_Author2021]

Love it!

[@leafsofadventure2111]

What size refills do you use in your multipen?

[@kristengwenwriter]

Question about your plot point note cards: are they the same as the points in your plotting workbooks? I'd love to make a set for myself. Thanks!

[@unicornnightporium]

this was awesome

[@reneebarrette4514]

Ooooooooh holding you accountable for it all!!!!! LOL

[@medusa3592]

I am using a novel journal with an index at the front. I was wondering...what do you do with your novel notes once the book is completed (edited & published)? Toss or keep them? I wonder the same about all your lovely planners. Their fate interests me. I like the HP novel plotting planner idea. I'm questioning my novel journal now...

[@HeartBreathings]

I keep them! I file them away by series in my filing cabinet. I will maybe do a video about how I store my old notes, notebooks and planners once we get into the new house!

[@medusa3592]

@@HeartBreathings that's a filing cabinet I'd love to see if there ever was one

[@SylviaHubbard]

where'd you get the dots from?

[@BookishScribe]

Notion looked amazing but I am definitely a paper-based girl.

[@KaysPallet]

I've wanted to write a book since like first grade. Then this pops up on my home page. Is this a sign to try again?

[@susanring7634]

Great info, thank you Sarra! I'm an old school girl and love pen to paper! BTW, I signed up for your newsletter but forgot to bookmark where the resource library is? If you need my email, let me know. Thanks again for all you do!

[@krishnahemminger]

I'd love to get a video on multiple PoVs

[@EmilyNolsAuteur]

How do you come up with so many new idea for so many series ? 😱 I'm so impressed 😲 Every time I think about writing a serie, I never have enough material to do it... Even the trilogy that I have in mind might get downgraded to a dualogy, or even a stand alone novel 😅 Whereas, when it comes to stand alones, I have 25 novel ideas waiting for me to get on it 😅 Can you make a video explaining how you do please ?

[@HeartBreathings]

I do have a new series coming up about developing ideas so that's going to be part of it!! Maybe you are just an awesome standalone writer though! Do you. There are still good ways to market and build an incredible career with standalones!

[@EmilyNolsAuteur]

@@HeartBreathings That's one of my problems though 🤔 I see a lot of advice on how to make a living as a writer, and almost all of the advices tell us to write series... Mainly because they are easier to market... But what about us, standalone writers ? 🤷🏽‍♀️ Are there no marketing strategies that we can use ? Do you have insights about this please?

[@HeartBreathings]

@@EmilyNolsAuteur I have an entire section in my course about marketing standalones. Basically, you will do best if you can tie them together in some way that gives them a similar branded feel to it. There are many strategies! You just need to pay attention to other successful standalone writers and think outside the box. It's definitely possible to be very successful with standalones if you come at it with the right strategies!

[@EmilyNolsAuteur]

@@HeartBreathings I will check it out; thank you for answering 😊

[@annejia5382]

maybe that's your strength though ❤ since most writers write in duologies or series now, writing standalones are not that common now in comparison to the abundnace of series ❤

[@punkkitty100]

ok, what paper does anyone use to print of the hb90? I think I'm going to use the normal 8 1/2 x 11 size but I'm curious what weight, color, favorite brand? Thanks!

[@jessicasblack]

So when you're done with the plotting and writing, how do you archive your notes? Is that why you're using Notion? I like the idea of Notion, but I just don't think I could discard my notes once I was done with them. And I have a feeling, you don't plan on doing that either......

[@SDHegyes]

You mention that you did Notion because the information will be available forever. Does that mean you don't keep the planners for previous books you've written? How long do you keep a plotting planner from previous books for? You mentioned you avoided showing a finalized plotting notebook because spoilers. If you have those pages (the ones you converted from the weekly pages that show all the plot points that you use colored stickers or flags on) from the first book in the series, would that work instead? I realize the response to this is dependent on my previous questions... Now I want to make my own planning notebook. I loved the look of Notion, but I like something that's completely offline because my internet can be unpredictable. So, as much as I like the thought of going digital, I'll probably stick to paper logs.

[@HeartBreathings]

I try my best to keep things but every time we move I feel like things get lost or something spills or something. I also have often just kept word sprints and time targets in random places in the past so they just have ended up thrown out or recycled.

[@Neil-writer-author]

What story structure do you use?

[@HeartBreathings]

Three act story structure and a mix of methods and plot points from various systems. I have a playlist on plotting your novel and in there I talk about my favorite craft books if you're interested!

[@carolynprunkl1359]

i just got. a nice diary you canges theams

[@nikkiguerlain]

💗💗💗

[@SoftHealingbyDanielle]

I got those social media inserts and don’t love them :(

[@angelalewis6146]

Do you use a planner and plot your novel workbook for each book that you are working on ?

[@HeartBreathings]

I use the workbook for every book but every book goes in this same planner!

[@mgtogno]

planning like that to me is just an excuse for procrastination...i love planners so thats something i should police myself or else ill get lost on the planning and documenting and will never actually write kkkk

[@HeartBreathings]

Yes, I can totally understand this!!

[@mgtogno]

@@HeartBreathings Watching ur videos gives me the fix I need for my planner addiction kkk

[@mrandisg]

Loved the Notion video and this one! After watching both and this one by Ninja Writers (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6m9eGNjd7WWgbs), I am considering doing a combination of digital and paper. Currently, I'm using an app called Plottr, which I like, but it's a bit complicated and awkward, so I think I'm going to go back to Microsoft OneNote--and this time, to avoid the fiasco that happened last year (I accidentally erased YEARS' worth of notes!), I will do a paper backup in an A5 binder! I like the idea of an A5 because it will be more portable, much like your Happy Planner setup. However, I want to use a binder with smaller rings so it won't be as bulky. I want it to fit easily into my laptop bag or a small tote bag that I can carry to my day job, my co-author's house, or just from room to room. Speaking of my co-author, the reason I want to use OneNote instead of Notion (which I had thought about and really liked the idea, but ultimately decided not to) is because I want to make my notes more accessible to her without her having to learn a new system (she hasn't quite jumped on the Notion train just yet). And honestly, by making them more accessible to her, I'm making them more accessible to me as well. I get the feeling that if I try to set it up in Notion, I'm just going to overwhelm myself and end up not using it, much like I did with Plottr. I really need to keep it simple for both of us! I will say this--I will definitely be stealing the color coding idea from you! I had actually done that before, and it really helped, so I want to do it again! Thanks for all the inspiration! 😊

[@PlannerNerdPlans]

💜💜💜