Plan P: Philosophy and Psychology in Writing

Consider Ayn Rand, whose novel Atlas Shrugged is a manifesto wrapped in fiction.

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…