Color coding the plot

Color Coding the plot Someone asked if I ever use color codes on my plotlines. Usually I don t do this until I m deep into the story and deep into trouble. I write what s been described as twisty plots, which results in lots of little loose ends that... More

Color Coding the plot Someone asked if I ever use color codes on my plotlines. Usually I don t do this until I m deep into the story and deep into trouble. I write what s been described as twisty plots, which results in lots of little loose ends that all need threaded through the entire novel. I color code out the plotline on a seperate sheet of paper usually, with each thread a different color (yes, one must buy many colors for it to work). I write out something like this: --Ukiah returns home from Oregon and immediatelly called into case of missing person. (the scene) Ari tells them about missing children (red) Ari tells them about homeland security (blue) Mention that Ukiah went through unexpected growth in Oregon to start I m-not-akid-anymore plotline (green) --Ukiah and Max return to office after finding kid. Sam has left message on answering machine(yellow) Homeland has left message on answering machine (blue) Accountant has left message about taxes and dealership left me Less