Hello to all!

WattyWarriors is happy to introduce a new segment, WattyWarriors Writing Tips! We here at WW realize that most of, if not all of our followers are writers themselves. Us admins have books that we've worked very hard on, and most of the time we've developed techniques that have helped us to either create new ideas, improve the books plot, and/or just generally make the overall quality of the book better. Throughout these segments, different admins will write about a certain tip or technique they use while writing. This will range from mechanics, plot, spelling/grammar, and other factors of the writing process.

Our hope with this segment is to help our fans and readers (yes, thats you!) improve their writing and keep contributing to the ever-growing Warriors fandom! We love to see this and want the number of Warriors fans to keep growing! So, without further adue, the first segment of Writing Tips.

Plot Plans! (Those very good but also very boring things), by Tigerheart

Okay, so here we go! I'll be telling you all today about one of the very first things I began doing when I first started writing. I know what you're all thinking.

"But Tiger, who cares how you make the plans for a chapter as long as you follow what you wrote???? Why are you wasting our time??? Who cares???" (Tough crowd!)

Truth is, some of your best ideas and writing comes when you let yourself be spontaneous. I'd say a very large chunk of my own series is based on ideas that came to me while I was in the middle of writing. Plots twists and other events that shaped how the story itself is going to end. So when you get an idea during writing that you really like, don't be afraid to deviate from your original plan. That is, if you even have a plan. You don't want to just make things up as you go along. You should always have some sort of outline or plot path you want to follow.

But enough about that, I want to give you an example of what I use to create my chapters. This is going to be from my newest chapter in Horizon, as I sorta deleted all the old ones. What I do involves being vague enough to allow me to be creative, but also keeps the chapter along a designated path. I know, that probably doesn't even make sense. So I'll just show you!

Heres an example of what I do when I create a plot plan:

Chapter 10

-Tigerstar sits with his patrol at Meteor Rock

-Maplestreak questions including three apprentices in the patrol

-Tigerstar says they need the experience, and they're all capable fighters

-She grunts agreement, and points out this is when they could use Stripepelt and the others, they were spread too thin

-Tigerstar agrees, but says it was a risk he had to take. They needed help

-Maplestreak also questions Troutstar, saying shes not sure the cat who almost killed Nightleaf over fur deserved an alliance

-Tigerstar says regardless of Troutstars recklessness and temper, they needed an alliance. With it, they could start fighting back.

-Maplestreak says she understands, and that she'll check on the rest

-Looking after her, he notes to himself shes become a very reliable warrior. Wonders if she could be a good choice to replace Peachpelt if she gave up her position. His thoughts also turn to Stripepelt, and he knows that he too, would make a good replacement.

This is obviously just a clipping from the beginning of the new chapter, but it's a good example. See how vague the bullet points are? They're almost like I was taking notes. They allow me to expand upon the story but keep me along the plot path. Here's what I turned it into (Warning: This might be some spoilers for anyone who either hasn't read my series or hasn't made it to Chapter 10 of Horizon!)

Tigerstar winced as his paw struck sharp rock, scowling. Under the cover of the moon, he and his patrol poured into the clearing of Meteor Rock. Bitter memories of peaceful gatherings and happier times clouded his vision, but he shook these thoughts away. Right now, all of his focus needed to be on securing this alliance. Settling in the middle of the clearing, excitement practically hung in the air. Everyone in the patrol knew exactly what the success of this ambush meant for their clan. They were all eager to ensure this alliance, and to start fighting back against Pantherstar.

"Hydroclans messenger should be here soon," Tigerstar announced, turning to face the patrol. Their weary eyes flashed with apprehension, but they were confident too. "Rockyclaw, take watch on the rock. If you see anything that might indicate a trap, sound alarm and we'll rush back to camp. Everyone else, sit tight." His clanmates dispersed slightly, talking in low voices and whispers. Tigerstar sat a distance away, trying to collect his thoughts. With a small pang of loneliness and grief, he realized how heavily he had relied on Squirreltail in these situations. He missed her support dearly. Dirt crunching beside him snapped him out of it, and he turned to see Maplestreak approach, dipping her head respectfully.

"Are you sure the messenger will show?" she asked, concerned. "Troutstar may be trying to ambush us,"

"We have to trust him," he nodded, hoping he sounded more confident then he felt. Truth was, he had thought a lot about whether Troutstar could be trusted. Would the truth about Divestars death be enough to turn him against Pantherstar? He wasn't sure, but he didn't have a choice. "Without this alliance, we can't win this war."

"I know that, but it seems odd he would just throw away his alliance with Pantherstar so quickly," she said, still very much suspicious. She threw a look over at the three apprentices that had come along, gathered in a small group. Her eye were full of concern for them, even Cinderpaw. "Are you sure it was a good idea to bring along three apprentices?"

"They're all capable fighters," he defended, fur prickling slightly. He was still getting used to Maplestreaks increasing involvement with the clan, and knew she wasn't trying to be criticizing. In fact, he was glad to see her becoming so involved in clan affairs and taking the initiative to help anyway she could. "They need the experience, especially in the coming months. After this, this war is going to get a lot bloodier." Maplestreak grunted in agreement, still slightly disapproving.

"This is when we could use Stripepelt and the others," she pointed out.

"I know," he sighed. "But it was a risk I had to take. We need help, now more than ever."

"And Troutstar?" she questioned, not hiding her skepticism in the matter. Then again, she was Fiercefangs daughter. "I'm not sure the cat who almost killed Nightleaf because of her fur is a cat who deserves an alliance."

"Regardless of his temper and recklessness, we need this," he said firmly. "This will help us turn the tide." After a few moments of silence, Maplestreak gave a curt nod.

"I'll check on the others," she murmured, padding away. Watching her walk away, he had to stop himself from purring. This was the same apprentice who used to refuse to follow his instructions and skipped out on training. To see she had become such a reliable warrior... well, he guessed Sandface had played a larger role in that than he had. As this thought crossed his mind, he realized that with Peachpelt relinquishing her deputyship soon, Sandface would become deputy, and he would need to choose a replacement. Would Maplestreak be that replacement? Certainly the clan looked up to her after all her hard work these past few moons, and she'd certainly be up to the job. But he also knew that Stripepelt would make a good replacement as well. He was strong, and a good fighter. The clan respected him. Before he could continue his line of thought though, Streampaw bounded over, her expression guilty.

See how I expanded on the points? It gives the writer a sense of direction, but lets them be creative while they write. Don't just write what you've planned, fill the story. Describe the setting, their thoughts, and flesh out any conversations. The plot plan is designed to be a small building block, it helps you develop the chapter into a full-blown story.

Well, I hope that wasn't too boring! I want to thank anyone who was brave enough to read through the entire segment, and I hope anyone who's thinking of using this idea does! It honestly really helps you develop your writing when you can be spontaneous with the chapter while following a general guideline. It makes the whole process a lot easier!