So now what do you do?

Many of novels never make it to completion because of one giant roadblock: organization.

Several methods are available to help every writer break through those barriers, though. To find the method that works best for you, experiment with the following plot structure organizational tools.

Index Cards

Quick Tip on Index Cards When using index cards to organize your story, it's best to write in pencil. As your story changes, you can simply erase certain elements of your scene without having to start a new card.

Many writers love the flexibility of index cards. If you don't like where you've placed a certain scene, simply move it. This also allows you to free up your plot structure without being so confined.

If you're like most writers, you have a sense of specific scenes you'd like to include in your novel or short story. Writing a synopsis of each scene on its own index card and then arranging them - or re-arranging the cards - is very beneficial for a constantly changing plot structure.

For instance, a sample card might read:

Scene: Taylor finds the missing gun

Description: He's rummaging through his sister's closet for her high school yearbook. He finds the gun that killed their father. She walks in.

Outcome: He confronts her, she goes ballistic. Somebody takes a bullet.

Status: Partially Written

You can identify as much as you want on your index cards. Or as little.

By writing the outcome of the scene on your card, you can easily lead your story to the next important scene...and index card.

Flowcharts
Another great tool for organizing your plot is through flowcharts. Some scenes can really make you stumble. You can't decide exactly what the outcome will be and that can really hang a writer up.

Flowcharts not only help you organize your entire plot, you can also create alternate outcomes to see how that would affect the overall story. You can then evaluate the flow of the story based on both scenarios.

Using the same scene in the previous example, a flowchart with several possible outcomes might look like this.

This flowchart was designed using SmartDraw flowchart software. The company offers a free, 30-day trial version of the complete software package.

Download the 239-page manual if you want. But this flowchart software is extremely easy to use without it. You'll be up and running in a matter of minutes. In addition, SmartDraw is also equipped to make forms, timelines, maps and floor plans you can use for your writing venture.

There are a wide variety of shapes, colors and fonts available within the software. And when you're ready, you can even print your flowchart.

If you want to keep the software after 30 days, you'll have to order a copy from SmartDraw's Web site. The standard version (used here) will run you $49 USD directly from the manufacturer.

Patton & Patton Software Corporation offers flowchart software as well. A free, 30-day trial version is also offered for this software, known as Flowcharting PDQ. If you want to buy it after that, you'll have to part with $199 USD.

Part two of this series examines the importance of writing software. Don't miss more of these plot organization tips that can help you write an outstanding novel or short story.