Okay, you’re probably thinking I must have been living
under a rock. No, it’s not as if I just heard about the outline and all of its
values. It’s just that I’m the artsy type. You know, the don’t like to be boxed
in, don’t like rules, don’t like to be limited type? That would be fine, and I
could continue flying (writing) by the seat of my pants in my own little artsy
world if I didn’t have this teensie weensie problem. What do you get when you cross an organized,
rational mind with an artsy type? Here it comes. I’m also OCD. There. I said
it. Just a tad, but acknowledging the problem is what? Is it 9/10 of solving
it? I doubt that, but…wait a minute. I just gave everyone an example of why I
need an outline. I’m supposed to be talking about my outline and here I am over
in artsy type world talking about OCD. Maybe if I don’t say it so loud it won’t be so
annoying. Okay, … right, the outline. Here we go.
There are several types of outlines, ranging from very
detailed to signposts to notes. Since I’m already so resistant (kind of an all
or nothing kind of gal, too), I’ve developed one that fits my style. It’s just
detailed enough to meet my needs, but it doesn’t encumber me or require that I
redo it too often. There’s lots of room to move and still stick to my outline.
I start by listing the main and supporting characters
across the top of the page just beneath the title and working blurb. This way I
have the main plot, conflict, and enough characterization to get me going. You
can use a chart, but I use a family-tree-like web since I’m used to using those
in counseling and therapy. Next, I create a vertical line down the remainder of
the page leaving enough room for me to type or scribble notes on the right side
of the page. The left side of the vertical line is used to jot down main plot
points for each scene and chapter, leaving space at the end of each to add or
write questions or things I still need to work out.

Along the way, I highlight the main plot points and
estimate how many pages each scene and chapter will take. This way, I have an
estimate of how long the story will be and how long it will take me to complete
the first draft.
This is a big decision for me – coming to the realization
and finally admitting that I will be more productive using an outline. Now, for
those of you who are die-hard pantsers, or maybe you’d just like to tweek your
outline skills or try a new one, here’s a good
resource for outlines in general. I posted a few more below. Happy,
prolific writing J
http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php
- Randy Ingermansson’s “Snowflake” method
http://www.ehow.com/how_4536804_outline-writing-novel.html
- Karen Silvestri - very practical, down to earth
http://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/writing-an-outline.html
- Glen C. Strathy – quite a bit more in-depth and detailed, but figured I
should include at least one of these
Comments
I agree with Dariel's points too- writing a series forces you to become more organised.
Peace.