path: root/2020/info/03.md

# Idea to Novel Superstructure: Emacs for Writing
Bala Ramadurai

You want to write a novel, but you don't know how to create an
outline.  You have a seed idea for a novel, and you intend to expand
it into a complete story.  You have many ideas for a novel, and you
are wondering how to proceed.  You started writing your heart out, and
you now feel the need to create a framework for a novel.

Worry not, Emacs is here to the rescue.

Listen to this talk to find out how to develop your story idea into a
framework for a novel, all within your favourite text editor, Emacs.

What you will learn during the session:

-   How to write a single-line plot for a novel
-   How to write the backbone of the novel, the main character arc
-   How to create characters and write their arcs
-   How to create a story design
-   How to create the scenes design
-   How to plan your novel writing project
-   How to track your project

The modified Emacs template has all the ingredients and flow to start
from a basic idea to a full fledged thrashed out novel superstructure.

Once you are done with the superstructure, you can use the planning
and clocking infrastructure to finish scene after scene, thus
finishing your masterpiece.

We will use:

-   The snowflake method -

<https://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/articles/snowflake-method/>

-   The seven-point story structure -

<https://invidious.snopyta.org/watch?v=KcmiqQ9NpPE&list=PLL7D_RCJrhcLzLiO17m7KcnG5WrjcUxGz>

-   The original emacs writing template -

<https://tonyballantyne.com/EmacsWritingTips.html>

-   Some spices from the speaker's kitchen

# Links

- Screenplay in Fountain format -
  https://emacsconf.org/2020/info/03/screenplay.fountain