Novel - Plot Outline?

[Justin]

I know that some novelists swear by it and others don't. What do you guys and gals think?

[Maeve]

I know that some novelists swear by it and others don't. What do you guys and gals think?

Justin,
I never believe novelists who claim they don't outline.

We may begin a novel from the top of our heads, but sooner or later we have to stop and figure out where we are and where we're going. That usually involves listing the scenes we've written and the ones we still need to write.

A novelist who begins writing without an outline is like someone who's never been out of Florida setting out to drive to Seattle without a map. He may get there eventually, but he'll waste an awful lot of time and gas getting there.

Think your story through. Then write a brief notation of each scene on index cards. Having the outline on cards is convenient because that way you can rearrange them, add and delete with ease. The outline will change as the story develops, but at least you'll have a road map.

[DavidStecklair]

I know that some novelists swear by it and others don't. What do you guys and gals think?

I recently read Steven King's On Writing, and, if I understood him correctly, he rarely plots or uses outlines. (Of course we're talking fiction here). He believes it stifles creativity, among other things. I also recently completed reading his Dark Tower series, and I know that as late as book five he didn't know how the series was going to end.

That's not to say you can't use an outline. Justin, I would say to try your hand at both. What feels more exciting to you when you're writing? What feels more like storytelling and less like a school project?

I think there's a midway point, too. I'm working on a trilogy right now. I know the big events of the story arc. I know, generally, how I want books one and three to end. To get to those points, I let my imagination go wild. Save continuity issues for your second draft.

Just a thought!

[Denem]

I wrote the first draft of my novel without an outline and upon rereading it I found it was horrible and jumped all over the place. Now (after seeking advice) I have at a preliminary outline of each chapter while still leaving it open enough to be creative.
I guess my point is, why not have the best of both worlds? Have a basic structure, but don't let it hamper your creativity.

[Denem]

Another thing I find useful is creating a character outline or character profile for my main and supporting character(s). Putting down their major traits and quirks in writing helps me determine what choices they will make and what reactions to the various stressors in the plot will be. It is just as important to know your characters as it to know the plot.

[cookkeh]

The only thing I really bother it outline is my characters. There all a loud bunch.

Usually I have a general idea of what I'm writing about, and I don't bother to plan it out. Sometimes I think my story is going one way and it takes a hairpin left turn into A Different Valley. I like it though, sometimes being surprised where I end up.

[EmmVeePi]

I disdain outlines, write from your heart, not your head. With that said, what works for me does not work for everyone, you'll figure it out if you stick with it.

[TokeBernbole]

I think even if you don't exactly create an outline visually you should at least have an idea in your mind what is going to go on in the story. In my case having an idea of what the problem at hand is and how it will be eventually resolved is important. The exact details leading to these events is still a bit hazy at the present and I tend to come up with that on the fly. I also thought about a lot of the backstory and while I don't exactly tell it I like to alude to it at times. I'm finding that at times I would like a clearer picture of how events will unfold and connect. Luckily you can always go back and tweek things if you come up with something new! But I'm an amateur we'll see if it pans out in the end! :D

[OnlyHuman]

Justin,
A novelist who begins writing without an outline is like someone who's never been out of Florida setting out to drive to Seattle without a map. He may get there eventually, but he'll waste an awful lot of time and gas getting there.


It rather depends on the reason you're going to Seattle.

If you have an appointment there getting lost is a problem. If you just want to go somewhere you've never been before, the journey can be as fulfilling as the arrival.

I have characters I'm getting to know. Every now and then I take them on a journey in the universe I've created. Along the way I get to know the character and the universe until they start taking me for trips.

If I had to write for a paycheque or a deadline, I probably would restrict myself to the characters and places I know best and make more of a map, but at the moment getting there is half the fun.