How to Storyboard a Book

Storyboarding originated in the movie industry and was used to translate the written word into visual elements. The storyboard expert draws each scene on a sheet of paper that includes who’s in the scene, what the action is and how it’s handled, as well as what camera requirements there might be. When the storyboard is finished, the plot has been transposed from the written word into a visual medium. A book writer can borrow the storyboard technique and change it to suit his needs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use a stack of 8-1/2 x 11 paper or, if you prefer, use index cards. At the top of each write the chapter title. Number each sheet. Each page represents a distinct scene in your book.

2. Put the chapter or scene number at the top along with the pages this sheet covers. Continue to add each new chapter on a new sheet of paper. If you have long chapters you may want to have additional pages for sub-chapters or scenes, as 1 and 1-a.

3. Write the character’s POV and name for that page on each of your chapter or scene pages. At the bottom of the page note the internal conflict and the external conflict for the POV character in the scene.

4. Write the key action, in a few words, that takes place in the scene for each storyboard page.

5. Consider taping the storyboard to your office walls.

6. Track your story with storyboarding. See at a glance how often the main character appears and whether each scene moves the plot forward. Notice if a character shows up in part of the novel, then disappears without an explanation. Determine if there are too many characters that play minor roles and whether these characters could be combined. Ask if your chapters are about the same length (and if not, ask yourself if that is a problem).

Resources

• Writer's Store sells books and software about storyboarding.

[hum3ngl]

on 6/18/2009 I always follow this procedure when I face creative block in any of my writing or directing endeavors. In my experience with screenplays, I can definitely see how the storyboards would be incredibly beneficial to novels as well. I'm more of a literary creative and don't have much artistic skill, so I've found that there is some great software for getting my visualizations down on paper. Check out www.storyboardquick.com if you or any other readers are interested :)