How to Create a Customizable Author Planner for Different Writing Projects

Writing is a creative and complex process, and every writer has a unique approach. Whether you're working on a novel, short stories, screenplays, or any other form of written work, staying organized is essential to keep track of ideas, deadlines, character development, and plot structure. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a customizable author planner tailored to your specific needs. A well-organized planner can help you break down large writing projects into manageable tasks and keep you on track.

In this article, we will discuss how to create an author planner that can be adapted to different writing projects. From setting clear goals to keeping track of progress, we'll walk you through the steps to create a planner that will help you achieve success in your writing journey.

Define Your Writing Goals

Before you start creating a planner, the first step is to define your writing goals. These goals will be the foundation of your planner and will guide you throughout the writing process.

Short-Term Goals

• Daily word count targets: Set daily writing goals based on your schedule and the time you can dedicate to writing. For example, if you aim for 1,000 words a day, this target should be reflected in your planner.
• Specific scene or chapter deadlines: For longer projects like novels, break down your goals into manageable chunks. Write down when you expect to finish specific scenes or chapters.

Long-Term Goals

• Completion dates: Set deadlines for finishing drafts, revisions, and final manuscripts. These goals should align with your overall project timeline.
• Publishing or submission goals: If you plan to publish or submit your work to agents or publishers, include these milestones in your planner.

How to Reflect Goals in Your Planner:

• Daily/Weekly goals: Use sections for each day or week to set specific word count goals and deadlines.
• Milestone markers: For larger projects, include a visual timeline that tracks major milestones, such as the completion of chapters or drafts.

Create Sections for Project Details

Every writing project is different, so it's important to tailor your planner to the specific type of writing you are doing. For each project, dedicate sections that allow you to keep track of all the essential details.

Sections to Include for Various Writing Projects:

• For Novels/Novellas:

  • Plot Outline: Create a section where you can outline the plot, including key events, twists, and the structure of your story.
  • Character Development: Include detailed character sheets for each character, noting their personalities, backstory, relationships, and arc.
  • Setting: Document the world-building aspects of your story, such as locations, time periods, and rules of the world.

• For Screenplays:

  • Three-Act Structure: Use a section to outline the three-act structure, including turning points, character goals, and major conflicts.
  • Scene Breakdown: Create a space where you can break down individual scenes, noting what happens, the location, and key dialogue or actions.

• For Short Stories:

  • Plot/Theme: Since short stories have a more concise structure, make sure to track the plot development, key themes, and moments of conflict and resolution.
  • Characters and Setting: Given the brevity of the genre, focus on key character traits and the setting's impact on the story.

Customization Tips:

• For Genres: If you're writing within a specific genre, include elements related to that genre. For example, in fantasy, track magical systems, mythology, and other world-building elements.
• For Multiple Projects: If you're working on more than one project, create separate sections or even binders for each.

Break the Writing Process Into Manageable Tasks

Writing can be overwhelming, especially when working on large projects. Breaking the process down into smaller, manageable tasks is crucial. By organizing your writing process into distinct phases, you can stay on track and ensure that no important step is overlooked.

Phases of the Writing Process:

1. Pre-Writing:

   • Brainstorming: Use your planner to capture ideas, themes, character concepts, and plot points.
   • Research: Allocate sections in your planner for research notes, including links, book references, and ideas you need to explore further.
   • Outline: Create detailed outlines that lay the foundation for your story. This will serve as a roadmap to guide you through the writing phase.

2. Writing:

   • Writing Goals: Track your daily or weekly writing goals. Make sure to document the word count and any specific goals for each writing session.
   • Writing Blocks: Sometimes, you'll face writer's block. Include a section for ideas on how to overcome it, such as prompts, exercises, or notes from previous brainstorming sessions.

3. Rewriting and Editing:

   • First Draft Review: After finishing the first draft, leave space in your planner to track what needs to be revised.
   • Editing Checklist: Use a checklist for editing tasks, including grammar, pacing, plot holes, and character consistency.
   • Beta Readers: Track who you've sent your manuscript to for feedback, what feedback you received, and how you plan to implement changes.

4. Submission or Publishing:

   • Submission Tracker: If you're submitting your work to agents, publishers, or contests, create a submission tracker that includes dates, responses, and next steps.
   • Publishing Process: Track steps involved in self-publishing, such as cover design, formatting, and marketing strategies.

Incorporate a Flexible Schedule

A great feature of a customizable author planner is flexibility. As life happens, your writing schedule may change, so it's important to have a system that accommodates shifts without throwing off your progress.

Schedule Features to Include:

• Daily/Weekly View: Include a daily and weekly view of your schedule. Make sure to have enough space to jot down writing time, deadlines, and personal notes.
• Flexible Deadlines: Set both soft and hard deadlines. Soft deadlines are flexible and allow for shifts, while hard deadlines are non-negotiable, such as a final submission date.
• Time Blocking: Consider using time-blocking to dedicate specific hours to writing, brainstorming, or editing, while also balancing personal life.

How to Adapt:

• Visual Progress Trackers: Use visual elements like progress bars or color coding to track how much progress you've made. This allows you to quickly assess if you're ahead or behind schedule.
• Adjustable Deadlines: If a deadline needs to be pushed back, simply adjust it in your planner, ensuring that it aligns with your writing priorities.

Use Templates and Tools

Templates can help streamline your writing process, making it easier to stay organized and focused. Use both physical templates in your planner and digital tools to stay on top of your work.

Templates to Include:

• Character Sheets: Pre-made templates for characters, including sections for name, age, personality, backstory, and development.
• Plot Templates: Create or download templates for plotting out scenes, acts, and key events.
• Checklists: Have checklists for different phases of your writing project (e.g., pre-writing, first draft, revisions, and publishing).

Digital Tools:

• Writing Apps: Use apps like Scrivener or Google Docs for writing, and sync them with your physical planner for seamless integration.
• Task Management Tools: Tools like Trello, Notion, or Todoist can help you track progress and organize tasks.

Stay Motivated and Inspired

Incorporating motivational elements into your planner can help you stay inspired and committed to your writing project.

Motivation Tips:

• Inspiration Pages: Include a section where you jot down quotes, ideas, or creative inspiration that fuel your passion.
• Writing Rewards: Set up a system of rewards for meeting goals. For example, treat yourself to a favorite activity once you've completed a chapter or reached a word count milestone.
• Visual Reminders: Use images, vision boards, or inspiring quotes as visual reminders of your writing goals.

Conclusion

Creating a customizable author planner for different writing projects is an incredibly valuable tool for staying organized and motivated. By breaking down your projects into manageable tasks, tracking your progress, and maintaining flexibility in your schedule, you can achieve your writing goals with greater focus and efficiency. Whether you're writing a novel, short story, screenplay, or any other project, a well-crafted planner will help guide you through the creative process and keep you on track from start to finish.

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