Storyboarding Your Book

Like many novices, I always dreamed of writing a book, so I started without a clue as to what the writing process entailed.
No storyboard, no outline, I just wrote by the seat of my pants.
I actually finished it, but then other aspects of my life took priority and I froze the book...
for years.
That was years ago.
I have long since recaptured the writing dream, have been published multiple times and I so love the writing life that I changed careers and became a book coach.
I've tried many methods when it comes to the matter of writing, using basic visual tools such 'sticky post-it' notes on a plain wall to create my storyboard, as well as the 'W' storyboard method, fancied by screenwriters, along with the more advanced writer's software, Scrivener, among others.
However you choose to create a storyboard is a matter of personal choice; what is important is that the board contains the relevant information.
A storyboard is an excellent way to assist you to brainstorm and plot your novel, as well as help you keep to a planned timeline.
The most useful thing about using a storyboard is that it clearly shows your novel's plot points.
This is crucial for fiction writers, as plot points are the events in stories that cause the characters to take actions that drive the story forward, or change the course of the tale.
A well-thought out storyboard allows you to see your entire story, including the development of your characters, especially the main protagonists, who must experience personal growth and changes as a result of the events in the story.
The general layout is to split the storyboard into three main sections: For fiction:

• Introduce the characters and the conflicts they will face.
  
• Outline the secondary characters, deeper conflicts, crisis point, or black moment that will take place.
  
• Resolution - tie up loose ends, unless you plan to end on a dramatic and exciting cliffhanger - leaving the reader in suspense.
  

For non-fiction writing, using a storyboard can ensure that the content of the book stays relevant to the topic using the same three main sections.
If for example your book is intended to solve a problem, you can:

• Introduce the problem.
  
• Discuss the various stages.
  
• Give steps to solve the problem.
  

There is no one way to create a storyboard.
There are many outlining and storyboarding techniques.
Some writers choose to create and store their storyboard online, whereas others prefer to use one that is physically tangible.
Whichever you choose, have fun during the process.
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