Spreadsheet Fun!

Had a moment this morning. Been playing with a...uh...a spreadsheet.

Touted as a writer's useful plotting tool...the spreadsheet, as found in the average computer. Can't recall just now where I heard this. Could see the possibilities, tho.

Neat and conveniently illuminated cells, row upon row, down the screen. Virtual paper that never inconveniently ends. The idea is that we type a chapter idea, or character interaction: short, to the point, and one per line. We jot down a list of possibilities. Then we assemble those possibilities over the spreadsheet. And in the order that best tells the story.

The theory's the same as in Holly Lisle's NoteCarding, and...so many other writing craft sources I've taken sips from about Plotting How-To. Paper slips and recipe cards work for some folks. Sheet of paper and pen do just fine for others.

And I had my moment this morning, before hurrying away to work, yes, with a Microsoft Works spreadsheet, when scene after scene and their characters began to string together like pearls!

Wondering...does a CGA feels such a thrill as he works a ledger?