Using Index cards to plan a novel
So I have not tried this method before, but since I have started to use it I feel like this is a really interesting and fun way to go about planning a novel.
I have been writing for around a decade now, and I have tried so may different ways of writing. I tried writing with outlines. I have tried to just write and see where it leads me, and I have tried hybrids of both. Overall they all seem to fall a bit flat. I think that this is partly because of who I am as a writer. I like to plan things out in my novels but I struggle with sticking to the plan if it is too specific. I like to be able to have some creative wriggle room.
That being said, I have found it extremely difficult to produce work that I am proud of by just blurting plot ideas on to the page. This is where the note cards come in.
I was recently introduced to this method of thinking called the Antinet Zettlekasten. Essentially what it boils down to is using index cards to store information for further development. The great thing about this is that it comes with an index and a numbering system which allows you to flick through your cards and rediscover nuggets of information as you go along.
The reason this is helpful in a novel is that there are so many things that a person can do with the note cards. I think that I would like to create a section just dedicated to my characters, a section for each novel and possibly even a section for random plot ideas as I move along in my story. This can be plot related to the novel I am currently working on or an idea for an entirely new project.
What I have been doing as a starting point is working to get my scenes planned out through what I will call my 'chapter cards'. These chapter cards allow me to break down the novel into little bits and pieces where I can see what I want to happen in each scene. This will allow me to go back and reference names of places I have used, or how the story started when I am 50k words in and don't have time to scroll all the way back to the beginning and looking to see if it is the same. Because if it is all written out on note cards I can make an index that shows me where eye color is mentioned or what day/time it is. This will help me keep track of things and staying organized throughout the process.
The other great part is that these can be laid out and the ideas can change and move and interact with each other. This might be a great way to make sure you have weaved in all the information you want to and that you are foreshadowing the rising action well enough to keep readers attention til the very end.
I will likely have more to say about this, but feel free to reach out if you have any questions! So for now to be continued...
