Outlawing Outlining

I should note that there are a lot of software tools for outlining and all manner of other pre-writing and organizational methods.

And a lot of writers who still favor the miscellaneous notes and post-its all over the wall, too.

Absolutely--whatever gets you to "The End" is the right way for you.

Medievalist said:

And a lot of writers who still favor the miscellaneous notes and post-its all over the wall, too.

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And scribbling on eraseable desk-tops

mccardey said:

And scribbling on eraseable desk-tops

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Oh! I worked as a consultant for a WiFi router company where the CIO had a giant glass table for his desk.

He wrote on it in markers all the time.

They hired a cleaning firm . . .

I thought he was going to weep.

My mind is a mystery to me. Sometimes an idea surfaces and I can write a short story out of it, but for novels? Nothing. Until I actually put pen to paper and then I'm as surprised as anyone, that words start forming and the novel appears, word by word, line by line.

But I have no clue where it's coming from or where it's go. So seriously, I can't outline. There's nothing TO outline.

And the few times I have outlined, that was it. The end. My mind thought the story was written and wouldn't write any more on it. Which also means I can't rewrite a story. I have to get it right the first time or forget it.

Maryn said:

I confess that I have, in all seriousness, considered ordering three of those wooden mannequins artists use to help me figure out where the arms and legs go and how people could possibly balance with the right parts in alignment during certain scenes. Stick figures just don't cut it, and I can't actually draw.

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I was thinking of that, too! For fight scenes. That's what you meant, right? Fighting? Right? You did, didn't you?

I used to always use outlines until I read About Writing by Stephen King. He says to write an idea, then a short story, then the story . I did this and discovered when i use the outline, I manipulate the story. when I use his method, the story flows better. So I use his short story method.

Lmc71775 said:

Okay, if you're an outline kinda writer and it works for you, more power to you!

But if you're writing an outline or wrote an outline and you're stuck now and can't write or don't wanna write cause you lost the spark, listen up!

Here's a riddle:

Outline the lines with a dotted line to underline between the lines or you'll borderline the book and will be offline lining out your helpline but will turn out lines that really can't be defined or broken lines being inline or lining up at the starting line will and can confuse the byline causing you to make a beeline away from the deadline wanting you to read line by line the airline tickets you were thinking about buying online.

What's the story here folks?

Please DO NOT think I am bashing outlining...like I said, what works for some may not work for others. Whatever the case, just keep writing even if it's just a line or two.

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I am a strong believer in using an outline for *my* work. I see it as a road map, though. Not a pair of handcuffs. I do it for two reasons:

1. It ensures that I have "an end" to work towards. That might end up being "the end" or it might not. Either way, though? It ensures that I don't waste weeks on something that I have no idea how to finish.

2. I work better when I see a "whole" picture. I also work better if I push forward at 200 mph. Having an outline also gives me a place where I can add notes to go back to later, and a context in which to understand them. "Sarena is dancing in 'The Nutcracker'.", "Kyden cares about Sarena because she reminds of his little sister, Lacey.", etc.

My characters have no guilt or shame in telling me that something is not as I thought 300 pages in. But with the method I've developed for myself, I'm not afraid to let them drag me around the story like a group of toddlers invading the local Toys R Us.

Medievalist said:

TMI !



I know a number of writers who used to use old printed calendars for plotting,

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Medi, I've never been an outliner–I'm a note-taker and a researcher. But I have trouble keeping track of time. This idea is BRILLIANT! Thanks so much for mentioning it. I"ll be raiding the Dollar Tree and such for cheap calendars!