"It may be counterintuitive, but when it comes to novel writing, more preparation does not necessarily produce a better book. In face, too much preparation has a way of stopping novel writing altogether...
... the planner out there should feel free to completely bury their homes and apartments in plot notes, character lists, story outlines, city maps, costume drawings, evocative photos and encouraging quotes. All with one catch: You only get one week, maximum, to research your book before you start writing it." - Chris Baty (Founder of NaNoWriMo), No Plot? No Problem!

This is my challenge to you: take only this week, 7 days with 7 steps, to research your book before you start writing it.

This can apply just as easily to books that you haven't begun as to novels partially completed, novellas and short stories. I don't know about poems but any creative exercise like those in the 7 steps below will help limbre you up for SoCNoC.

All seven of these exercises are intended to be brainstorming exercises. Let your imagination loose, don't censor yourself and write everything down. You can take as much or as little time as you want to complete the steps, though it is intend for one step to be completed each day. You don't have to complete them in order but I suggest you start with one of the first four steps.

Step One: Character
Characters are not just called 'people' for a reason. They need to be multi-dimensional, they need to have character to be a character. Begin by thinking of different types of people, how they act, what their dreams are, what their relationships with family, friends and colleagues are like. If you're getting stuck try character generators like the Serendipitous Character.

Step Two: Conflict
Conflict can from anywhere but it's conflict that makes a plot. Begin by choosing one of the following types of conflict and brainstorm all the nasty things that could happen in your story.

[wo]man vs. nature
[wo]man vs. man
[wo]man vs. the environment
[wo]man vs. machines/technology
[wo]man vs. the supernatural
[wo]man vs. self
[wo]man vs. god/religion

Step Three: Setting
Setting can help tie your story into a world, whether it's fantasy, contemporary or futuristic. Begin by thinking about geography: mountains and lakes, meadows and beaches. What about urban or rural? Sprawling or towering cities? If you're getting a bit stuck try one of Seventh Sanctum's setting generators.

Step Four: Theme
Theme is the essence of the story that you want to tell. Your theme can drive everything that happens in your story, motivating characters, sparking subplots and adding texture to your story world. The best advice I've found on how to find and use your theme is from Holly Lisle in her Burn It, Bury It and Let It Live article and her How To Find Your Novel's Pulsearticle series. Read as much as you need to begin brainstorming.

Step Five: More Conflict
A story, particularly one written in 30 days, can never have enough conflict. Take as many "plots" as you like from the 20 and 36 plots and brainstorm. If that still isn't enough try this Random Plot Points generator and throw some sticky situations at your character.

Step Six: Character Goals and Motivation
By now you should have a good idea about the cast of characters you have to choose from. Pick as many as you like and ask yourself these questions:
1. What do they desperately want?
2. What do they fear the most?
3. What makes them memorable?
You don't need to stop when you think of one thing. Keep going and see how your characters might change when you give them different wants and fears.

Step Seven: Beginning, Middle & End
When you start writing a story you can start at the beginning but you don't have to. You can start with what Holly Lisle calls Candy Bar scenes, which are the scenes that you can't wait to write. Brainstorm Candy Bar scene ideas from what you've brainstormed so far and brainstorm some more! If you like to start at the beginning have a read of my summary on Structure from Will Wine for Wine, listen to the episode and check out Agent Kristin's blog to brainstorm your plot catalyst and scenes that could fit within the story structure.

Go Team Kiwi and bring on SoCNoC!