Hello again, class. I hope you all had a chance to practice the techniques for finding inspiration that we covered last time. Did you do your homework? I hope so, because today we're moving on to the next step in the writing process - planning.

Before you start writing your story, it's important to create a framework for it. This can take many forms, such as an outline, a storyboard, or a synopsis. Whatever form it takes, your framework should include the key elements of your story, such as the plot, characters, setting, and themes.

One technique for creating a framework is outlining. This involves creating a bullet-pointed list of the main events that will happen in your story, in the order they will happen. Outlining can help you to structure your plot and ensure that your story flows logically.

Another technique is storyboarding. This involves creating a visual representation of your story, like a comic strip or a movie storyboard. This can help you to visualize your story and see how it will look on the page.

Creating a synopsis is another way to plan your story. A synopsis is a brief summary of your story, usually one to two pages long. It should include the main characters, the plot, and the themes of your story. Writing a synopsis can help you to refine your ideas and ensure that your story has a clear direction.

Once you have a framework for your story, you can start to develop your plot and story arc. This involves deciding on the main events that will happen in your story, as well as the conflicts and obstacles that your characters will face. You should also consider the pacing of your story - how quickly or slowly the events will unfold.

Remember, planning is an essential part of the writing process. It can help you to structure your story and ensure that it has a clear direction. So, make sure you take the time to create a framework for your story before you start writing. And with that, I'll end the class for today. See you next time!