Plan P: Philosophy and Psychology in Writing

Welcome to Plan P, one of the twenty-six writing strategies in the Writer's Alphabet. Some writers find it intuitive; others see it as radical. Plan P has two distinct schools of thought: philosophical and psychological. Many writers seamlessly blend both.

The Philosophical Approach At its core, all writers are influenced by their personal philosophy—their views on life, humanity, and purpose. But Plan P writers take this influence a step further. They weave their philosophy directly into their stories, making it evident through character actions, dialogue, and plot intricacies.

Consider Ayn Rand, whose novel Atlas Shrugged is a manifesto wrapped in fiction. John Galt’s lengthy speech isn’t just part of the story—it’s a direct presentation of Rand’s Objectivist philosophy. Also, consider Francisco’s “Money Speech.” It’s the best presentation of the philosophical and practical meaning of money ever written! Yet beyond the speeches, Rand’s novel remains a philosophical page-turning mystery story like no other.

Fyodor Dostoevsky, on the other hand, infused his works with philosophical questions, particularly about morality and faith. His novel Crime and Punishment explores these ideas through the psychological torment of Raskolnikov, blurring the lines between philosophical and psychological storytelling.

The Psychological Angle Psychological elements delve into the complexities of human behavior and motivation. Even hard-boiled crime and detective fiction relies on this depth. The most compelling stories explore what drives characters to act, revealing universal truths about the human condition.

How to Apply Plan P to Your Writing Start by understanding your own philosophy of life. What do you believe about human nature, purpose, or morality? How do these beliefs shape your view of the world?

Then, consider how your characters embody or challenge these ideas. You don’t need to be overt. In fact, the most powerful philosophical or psychological themes often emerge subtly through action and dialogue, not through explicit preaching. Let your readers uncover insights organically, as if they've stumbled upon hidden truths.

Why It Matters Without the grounding of Plan P, stories risk becoming what some call "throw-away fiction"—entertaining but easily forgotten, like a forgettable snack. By weaving in philosophical and psychological depth, you create narratives that resonate, linger, and invite reflection.

Of course, like all strategies in the Writer's Alphabet, Plan P works best when combined with other approaches. The key is balance: enriching your story with meaning while keeping readers engaged.

Next time, we'll explore a most unusual process: Plan Q. See you then!

Ken West is the author of seven books, designed to help you achieve what you set out to do, and Think for Yourself. Trust Yourself. And Stay Free.