In last week’s post, I mentioned using a 3-card spread to gain insights into the beginning, middle and end of a story concept. I called this technique "bare bones plotting," and I've found it to be a really helpful way to kickstart the creative process.
In this post, I'm going to show you how I do this. I'll walk you through a story idea (that I totally made up on the fly) and show you how the cards can help you visualize the key elements of the plot. I’m also thinking about fleshing this concept out further and writing a novella as a side project. We shall see…
But first things first. Before we get into the fun stuff and I start waffling on about using tarot for story development, I wanna do my due diligence as a writing coach and quickly talk about two things: (1) the importance of narrative arcs and (2) writer’s block, which is the reason I came up with the method of bare bones plotting in the first place.
Make yourself a cuppa and tuck in.
A narrative arc (or story arc) is the path of the overall story. A character arc is the path a specific character takes during that story. A narrative arc is external, while a character arc is internal. In my work with clients, I often noticed them putting more of their focus on the character arcs and neglecting the narrative arcs. Both are equally important as they work together.
Behind every good story is a solid narrative arc; a clear beginning, middle and end. Knowing and understanding your story’s narrative arc will help ensure your story stays on course. Because without it, all you really have is a list; a bunch of scenes strung together. When you don’t need to worry about the overall structure of your story, you can get to the good bits. You can be the alchemist, bringing the story to life once it’s not so indeterminate and shapeless.
Writer's block can be a pesky demon, lurking in the shadows of our creative minds and nipping at our heels when we least expect it. It can be a frustrating and sometimes debilitating obstacle for any creative individual. For speculative fiction writers especially, the challenge can be even more daunting, as the vastness of the unknown can sometimes feel overwhelming.
There are many who say writer’s block (or creative blocks) don’t really exist and/or it’s simply an excuse. I disagree. Writer’s block is very real and can manifest in various ways, from a complete lack of ideas to a feeling of being stuck in a rut. The root causes can be psychological, spiritual and practical, ranging from fear of failure, an unregulated nervous system to distractions in your environment. But with the right tools and techniques, it's possible to overcome writer's block and get your creative juices flowing again.
One of those tools is tarot… and tarot is both practical and magical.
Tarot cards can serve as a valuable resource for writers. I’m of the opinion that every writer should have at least one tarot deck in their writing toolkit. When used with an open mind and a creative spirit, the tarot can provide insights, inspiration and guidance for crafting compelling narratives. One particularly useful technique is a 3-card spread, which can help you visualize the beginning, middle and end of your story. I call this “bare bones plotting”.
Here’s what each card position represents:
Beginning: The first card sets the stage for your story. It can reveal the initial situation, the main character(s) starting point or the underlying theme that will drive the narrative.
Middle: The middle card represents the conflict or challenge that the main character(s) will face. This is where the story's tension arises and the plot thickens.
End: The final card symbolizes the resolution or outcome of the story. It can show how the conflict is resolved, the main character(s) ultimate fate or the overarching message that the story conveys.
Now for the fun part. Let’s see how this 3-card spread can be applied to a speculative fiction story concept.
Here’s my on-the-fly story concept: Imagine a tale set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been decimated by a mysterious virus. The main character, a lone survivor named Anuket, must navigate a harsh and desolate landscape, searching for other survivors and trying to piece together the events that led to the world's downfall.
For the beginning, I drew the 9 of swords. This card often signifies anxiety, worry and a sense of overwhelming darkness. It's a perfect fit for our post-apocalyptic setting, where Anuket is likely feeling isolated, frightened and unsure about the future.
The middle card is the 2 of swords. This card represents a stalemate, a situation where progress is blocked by indecision or conflict. In Anuket’s case, this could mean a moral dilemma or a difficult choice she must make. Perhaps she encounters a group of survivors who have turned to violence and cannibalism. She may have to decide whether to join them or risk her own safety to confront them.
Finally, the end card is the 10 of wands. This card suggests completion, fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment. I’m basing this interpretation more so on the numerology of the number 10. For Anuket — again, based on this interpretation — this could mean overcoming her challenges, finding a safe haven or even discovering a way to cure the virus and rebuild the world.
My personal interpretation of the 10 of wands is quite different, and gives a darker edge to the ending. I actually like this darker edge much better, and if I do decide to write the novella (and I’m thinking I will because what’s one more project, right?), I will go in that direction.
Normally when I see the 10 of wands, I see it as a symbol of burdens and taking on too much responsibility. This paints a more somber picture for Anuket’s story. Here are a few potential plot developments I’m considering:
The weight of leadership: Anuket might become the de facto leader of a small group of survivors. Initially, she may be hopeful about rebuilding society, but as time goes on, the challenges and responsibilities become overwhelming. She could start to doubt her abilities and question her decisions, leading to feelings of burnout and despair.
Isolation and loneliness: To escape the pressures of leadership, Anuket might withdraw from the group and become increasingly isolated. She could find solace in solitude, but this could also lead to a sense of emptiness and loneliness. The weight of the world on her shoulders could become too heavy to bear, and she might contemplate giving up on hope altogether.
Tragic sacrifice: In a particularly dramatic turn, Anuket might make the ultimate sacrifice to protect her group. She could discover a way to defeat the virus but realize it requires a great personal cost. Perhaps she must sacrifice herself to save others, or she might have to make a difficult choice between the survival of the group and the well-being of an individual.
That’s pretty much my process, and why I call it “bare bones plotting”. It does what it says on the tin. By using this easy 3-card spread, I’m able to quickly create a basic narrative arc for my story. I established the initial setting, identified the central conflict and hinted at a possible resolution. Of course, this is just a starting point, and the story will likely evolve as I go deeper into the characters and plot. I use this same spread with my clients and it works for them too.
Please note: tarot is not a magic wand that will automatically solve all your writing problems. It's a tool — albeit a magical and practical one — that can provide inspiration and guidance.
Using tarot for story development can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to be aware of some common challenges writers may face. One of the biggest hurdles is fear of judgment. Some writers may worry that using tarot will make them seem less professional or less serious about their craft. Nonsense! Again, tarot is simply a tool, and it's up to you how you use it. If you find it helpful, then that's all that matters. What other writers think about your creative process is none of your business.
Another challenge is over-reliance on the cards. It's easy to become too dependent on the tarot and forget to trust your own intuition. The cards are simply a guide, not a blueprint. They can provide inspiration and direction, but ultimately, it's up to you to create the story.
Another note: Using your intuition as a writer is another topic I’m passionate about. When you’re finished reading this, you may like to read my essay entitled Intuition and writing. Full disclosure… it’s long. You’ll need another cuppa.
To overcome these challenges and make the most of tarot, it's important to approach the cards with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. Here are a few tips for interpreting the cards intuitively and creatively:
Trust your gut: Pay attention to your emotional response to the cards. What feelings does the artwork evoke? What images or memories come to mind?
Use your imagination: Don't be afraid to let your imagination run wild. The cards can be a springboard for creative ideas and metaphors.
Experiment with different spreads: There are many different tarot spreads that can be used for story development. Google is your friend! Experiment with different layouts to see what works best for you.
I encourage you to experiment with tarot and see how it can enhance your creative process. Using this simple 3-card spread can be a powerful way to craft a compelling narrative arc for your story. Of course, you can pull as many cards as you want. But if you’re just getting started with using tarot for story development, I suggest sticking to three cards. By focusing on the beginning, middle and end of your story idea, you can get a lot of insight into your characters, plot and themes.
The most important thing is to trust yourself and your creative process. Tarot can be a valuable tool, but like I said, it's up to you to create the story. Be open to new ideas and don't be afraid to take risks. With a little practice and an open mind, you'll be well on your way to crafting compelling and unforgettable stories.
For further exploration, consider these resources:
Tarot books: There are many excellent tarot books that can provide guidance and interpretation.
Online tarot communities: Connect with other tarot enthusiasts and writers to share ideas and learn new techniques.
Tarot workshops and classes: Attend workshops or classes to learn more about tarot, its origins and its applications.
Thanks so much for reading! It means the world to me to have lovely people like yourself reading my words. If you enjoyed it and/or it helped you in any way, please consider supporting my work by becoming a paid subscriber, sharing on social media or sharing via Substack notes. Or treat me to a cuppa! I do enjoy a strong a British brew!
An invitation to work with me directly
Complimentary coaching sessions: My calendar is always open to chat with writers. This free, 45-minute call is designed to help you understand your current writing challenges and explore how my mentorship can support your journey. We'll discuss your goals, identify any roadblocks and determine if my services align with your needs.
What to expect:
Open and honest conversation: I'll provide a safe and supportive space for you to share your writing experiences and challenges.
Personalized guidance: I'll offer tailored advice and strategies based on your unique situation.
Tarot or oracle card insights (optional): If you're open to it, we can use cards to gain deeper insights into your creative journey.
No obligation: This call is a FREE opportunity to explore how we can work together. There's no pressure to commit to anything.
Manuscript evaluation: My full manuscript evaluation offer is for speculative fiction writers who have a completed draft (of anywhere between 75k-120k words), and would like comprehensive feedback on the plot, characters, worldbuilding and writing style, along with actionable suggestions for improvement to make structural revisions to their book themselves.
I also have a partial manuscript evaluation offer. This is for writers who have written the first few chapters of their novel and would like some feedback on whether their opening chapters will hook their reader, so they keep reading.
If you’re curious about either of these, please reach out via email info@thebookdruid.com.
This was helpful, thank you!