{"id":4419,"date":"2020-02-14T08:00:59","date_gmt":"2020-02-14T08:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepencompany.live\/blog\/?p=4419"},"modified":"2021-08-11T17:02:57","modified_gmt":"2021-08-11T16:02:57","slug":"how-timelines-can-help-plot-a-novel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepencompany.live\/blog\/writing\/creative-writing\/how-timelines-can-help-plot-a-novel\/","title":{"rendered":"How the creation of timelines can help you plot a novel"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When it comes to writing a story, it can be easy to become distracted from your original plan or to get confused about what should happen when.<\/p>\n

This is a common problem amongst writers and can result in a story that either doesn\u2019t make sense or isn\u2019t as strong as it could have been.<\/p>\n

A timeline can help you unleash your story\u2019s full potential and this blog post is here to show you how.<\/p>\n

What is a timeline?<\/h2>\n

A story timeline is a line on which you plot all of the significant events in your story. It doesn\u2019t need to be a physical line \u2014 the layout can be whatever works for you. You may wish to create your own, or there are templates you can download from the internet.<\/p>\n

Alongside story timelines, you can also create character timelines, chapter timelines, and so on. Experiment and see which work best for you and your writing style.<\/p>\n

Why is a timeline helpful for writing a novel?<\/h2>\n

Some writers can sit down, write, and produce something that makes sense, but most will struggle when it comes to the details unless they are highly organised.<\/p>\n

A story timeline can help you organise the overall novel, while further timelines can help you to keep on top of each character and other aspects of the plot \u2014 for example, the backstory of why your protagonist has a particular character trait or a pivotal moment that changed one of your characters lives forever.<\/p>\n

You might want to plan each timeline out with a pen and paper before moving to a digital or printed version \u2014 or, like many writers, you may wish to stick with the pen and paper.<\/p>\n

Post-it notes on a wall can be a fun way of tackling a timeline.<\/p>\n

A whiteboard and markers can also work well as this allows for changes to be made quickly and easily.<\/p>\n

Others reach for index cards for every aspect of the story \u2014 characters, events, and so on \u2014 and move them around on a flat surface when required. This method doesn\u2019t suit everyone, though.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to go digital, a spreadsheet can be useful. Otherwise, you may find an app that does the trick.<\/p>\n

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Questions that can help you produce a timeline<\/h2>\n

To get you started with your story timeline, you may want to consider the following points:<\/p>\n