Storyboarding 101

So you’re writing some fiction, and you want to get unstuck (or maybe you want to plan the narrative arc before you get started.

Storyboarding can help you do that.

Step 1:

If you already have work that exists, you’re going to summarize it into a scene or two.

If you don’t already have work that exists, you’re going to write down every scene you want to exist.

Either draw them or write them down on cards or sticky notes.

Step 2:

Once your ideas exist in front of you, you’re going to begin arranging them into a chronological timeline.

You may also find it helpful to align them along the narrative arc: plot, rising action, climax, falling action, ending

Step 3:

Once you have this, you can continue to add details, remove them, rearrange them, or alter them to make it make the most sense for you.

This can help you see what pieces of information are necessary to your story and what pieces you can cut.

(And if you cut scenes out, add them to a cut scene folder. You might be able to recycle them!)

Step 4:

Use your new storyboard to get unstuck or to plan and plot your new adventure.

Have fun!

Color Mother. Look and Learn. 1947.