Plan U: The U-Boat Writing Strategy

Think of Plan U as navigating beneath the surface, unseen yet profoundly impactful.

Whether it’s slipping under the radar or, in the case of submarines, under the sonar, Plan U is all about exploring the overlooked, the unspoken, and the unconventional.

At its core, Plan U is the art of writing about what others ignore — either because they don’t see it, or because it seems too fundamental to warrant attention. But therein lies the opportunity.

• For journalists and political commentators, it means uncovering the non-obvious, the underreported, or the stories hiding in plain sight.
• For other non-fiction writers, it’s about tackling topics that don’t often appear on the bestseller lists — those quirky, untapped subjects that, when explored, lead to surprising revelations.

One writer who did write numerous bestsellers, Malcolm Gladwell mastered this approach, exposing the hidden forces behind outliers, tipping points, and unexpected success stories.

• For novelists, Plan U encourages storytelling that delights with new twists, offbeat characters, and surprising turns, keeping readers hooked.

No matter what kind of writer you are, embracing Plan U gives you an edge. It pushes you beyond the obvious, into the fascinating nooks and crannies of human experience. The best part? It’s not just intriguing — it’s fun. And when done well, it’s rewarding in ways you might never predict.

Next up, we’ll explore Plan V of the Writers' Alphabet. Stay tuned!

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Ken West is the author of eight books by following his own advice. His latest is about a motel at the edge of nowhere where guests, when they check out, leave more than rumpled sheets and echoes of their presence. They share their amazing stories.