When I started writing my first novel (which I have yet to finish) I was having trouble with how I wanted to link up the events I had in mind and in what order they should be. My dad suggested I make a storyboard to help me lay it out. By definition a storyboard is “a sequence of drawings, typically with some directions and dialogue, representing the shots planned for a movie or television production.(wikipedia)” At first the definition threw me off especially since I had no real idea where to start. After my dad explained his idea more and reminded me that I could build the ‘sets’ in Minecraft® I started to believe it might be a good idea.
The subject of my book is a group of ninjas so after I drew about 8 pictures for my storyboard, I did some extra research and put together another poster with all the info I wanted to use. I also covered another poster with costume ideas as well as some pictures of places and other things I wanted to include.
After I had all of the visuals put together and the Minecraft buildings started, writing was easy. All I needed was my computer, a pen, a pencil, my sketchbook, and the printed first draft with my storyboard. Turns out my Dad’s idea was a really good one. Whenever I get really stuck in my writing of that story, I pull out my storyboard and usually after a few minutes I come up with an idea.
Though sometimes these ideas eventually get edited or totally removed the majority of the time they do help. I have found that having the visuals helps with my ability to describe the area and situation my characters are in. The information I gathered on ninjas has helped me develop the customs, house design and the clothing style in my story. Had my Dad never suggested the storyboard, I would have never had so many resources to write from and I probably wouldn’t be as far into my story as I am now.
Overall, a storyboard is something I am planning on making for all of my stories when I have the free time and materials to do so. I love how it takes things that were only in my imagination and takes them to the next level.
Clara, what excellent suggestions and tips. I love this idea! I will be sending my boys over to read it this afternoon! And if I’m honest with myself, I probably could benefit from this idea as well 🙂 Seriously, I have a book or two in me (buried deep), I think I’ll try this too! Great article!! Thanks for sharing it with us!!
Oh my gosh! I am a homeschooled ninth grader who writes fantasy and this is a great idea I’ve never thought of before.. !!!