Publishing the continuation of the plot: 'Akko's Summer'

The other day, I published the plot for my ongoing series, 'Akko's Summer'.
I received 'likes' from over 100 people.

Many people contacted me saying they tried filling out a similar Excel spreadsheet.
It seems it is useful for preparation before starting to write, checking while writing, and reflecting afterward.
I am very happy about that.
I'm glad I published it.

My plot consists of:
1. Project Proposal
2. Story
3. Scene Table
from these.

Among these, the 'Scene Table' (3) is what I put the most effort into creating.

Regarding that 'Scene Table', since the novel itself is currently being serialized, last time I only published the scene tables for the first two scenes that had already been announced.

The serialization is progressing smoothly and I have finished writing the next scene, so
today I would like to introduce the 'Scene Table' for the third scene.
(In terms of the travel itinerary called Summer Special, it is still just the beginning of the second day)

In the serialized manuscript, this is the scene table for the manuscript from 9 to 12 in the magazine attached below.

So, without further ado, here is the 'Scene Table' for the plot.
Please click to enlarge and view it.

The manuscript is made from the scene table

○ 'Akko's Summer' 9 - Beginning of the manuscript
Tojo, who was on meal duty, handed out eggs in packs to each member sitting in a circle.
'Please don't drop them. This is the only side dish we have for breakfast.'
Akko stared at the white egg in her palm and looked at Yuri next to her. Yuri remained calm.

● 'First three lines' of the 'Scene Table'
Tojo, who was on meal duty, handed out eggs in packs to each member sitting in a circle. 'Please don't break them. This is the only side dish we have for breakfast.' Akko stared at the white egg in her palm and looked at Yuri next to her. Yuri remained calm. 'Thank you for the meal.'

They are almost the same. It means the beginning is already done before I type the manuscript into the word processor. Of course, these 'first three lines' don't just appear out of nowhere; they take shape while I'm thinking, 'no, that's not it,' or 'maybe this way.'

Thinking 'no, that's not it' or 'maybe this way' after facing the word processor screen on the PC might be the same thing. This is probably a matter of preference.
However, based on my experience so far, if I sit and think in front of a blank word processor screen,
my motivation drops, thinking, 'Why can't I write?'
Or, instead of writing, I check emails or use social media, and it just takes time to get started.
Conversely, when I face the word processor screen, if I have the 'first three lines' ready, I can use them as a clue to move forward. This is a big deal.

When I write the manuscript, my style is to paste these 'first three lines' into Word and start writing from there.

● 'Scene points' of the 'Scene Table'

Here, I have written the important points of the scene.
・Oumeda's suspicious gaze. I also write down what that means. The answer to what it means is revealed in the second half.
・An active scene where Akko, who couldn't do anything when looking for lodging, makes a comeback with the meal.

I continue writing while thinking about how to write these two points well. If that is in my head, I can touch upon it even when writing about other things. That can also become foreshadowing.

For example, regarding Akko's cooking, I might come up with the idea to mention in another scene that Akko always cooks for herself to save on food expenses, or that she worked part-time at a set-meal restaurant, or that she is particular about how many times she stirs natto.
(In this way, descriptions and small episodes about Akko being good at cooking increase.)

● Akko's thoughts in the 'Scene Table'
It only says, 'It is to support the Yuri she admires.'
In several places in this scene, I have written about Akko's personality, her feelings for Yuri, and why she participated in this Summer Special. That is the foundation.

Regarding this, I have written it thoroughly in the 'Story' section of the plot's project proposal, so I have kept it to just one line here.

● 'Foreshadowing and Payoff' in the 'Scene Table'

Since I am a mystery writer, I use the terms foreshadowing and payoff, but it is not anything too grand; it is just a matter of briefly mentioning important information that will appear later in advance.

It is often called 'planting' (in advance).
Specifically, in 'Akko's Summer'

'You have a loud voice, Akko'... to look back later on the fact that Akko was in the cheering squad

I started to feel a faint pain in the tips of my feet. It might be a blister... In the second half, Akko will hurt her feet and have a hard time.

That person also fought until the runoff vote against Sonobe in the secretary-general election. When they do something, they do it. They are just holding back for now... A special election will be held in the middle. Hayakawa and Sonobe have a history.

The more important the information is, the more you have to do this, or you will give the reader a sense of abruptness, as if it came out of nowhere.
Conversely, if you properly lay the groundwork, even something outlandish
'Ah, so that was what it was about,' they will accept it naturally.
Even when I think about it from the reader's perspective, just noticing something that was written before makes me feel secure that I understand the content of the book, and I feel satisfied with myself for remembering a small detail.

This is also a very important service to the reader.

※ If you do not touch on this content later, it becomes what is called a 'forgotten payoff'.
In the case of the foreshadowing in 'Akko's Summer', it is connected to the later story, so it is impossible to forget, but in mysteries, many pieces of foreshadowing are created, and subtly at that, so if you are not careful, the author may forget the payoff, and the foreshadowing may end up hanging.

'Summer Special! Kyushu Crossing Walking Camp' is a huge piece of foreshadowing

As an aside. Those who have read 'Akko's Summer' may have noticed, but this 'Akko's Summer' has many scenes written in response to the content of the previous work, 'Summer Special! Kyushu Crossing Walking Camp'.

As an example, 'Akko's Summer' (12) posted yesterday is Akko's first time on meal duty. She is watching her senior look for an inn in a panic, but I wonder if some of you remembered Akko looking for an inn in 'Summer Special! Kyushu Crossing Walking Camp'?

A year has passed since 'Akko's Summer', and I think you can see the growth (?) of Akko, who has become a second-year student.
Please read this as well if you like.

To write explanations and descriptions without omission

Next is the right side of the 'Scene Table'.

I explained the role of this table in a previous article, so I will omit it here, but if you look at it after reading the novel's manuscript, you will notice that this content is scattered throughout the manuscript.

These items are meant to ensure you do not forget what you should write or want to write in the manuscript.

① Make notes in advance
② Check if there is anything you forgot to write after finishing the scene

It has these two meanings.

Specifically
①... 'Appearance, Clothing' Since it is difficult to write about the protagonist Akko's own appearance in the novel, I made a note here to write about the 'Victory' headband and the senior's line, 'Your eyebrows are thick'.

②... 'Five Senses' When I finished writing the manuscript, there was nothing in this column, so I added descriptions later like '(a heat that feels like) being grilled in a frying pan' and 'the cold air of the (supermarket) like the North Pole'.

About this 'Scene Table'

There are people who write down whatever comes to mind as they write the main manuscript. If you can write sufficient content that way, I don't think you need a table like this.

For those who have experienced having trouble coming up with things to write, or finding that what you've written is thin and just a summary upon rereading, I think this might be helpful.

Lastly,
the 'Project Proposal' and 'Story' sections of the plot contain the entire content of the novel. If you would like to read the novel first, please wait until the serialization is complete.

This has become a long post.
I will introduce the 'Scene Table' for the next part once the next scene of 'Akko's Summer' is finished.