[WW] 1 - Outlining

THE PLANNING PROCESS
January 1 - 15

Section Three: Outlining

In the writing community, writers typically identify with one of two groups:

Planners OR Pantsers

Planner are those who plan, to some extent, the structure of their story or project.  Pantsers, as hinted by their name, prefer to plan as they write, fling by the seat of the pants. They may feel too impatient to sit down and draft an outline or they may feel as  though it's necessary.  Many beginning writers start writing feeling this way.  As time goes on, they may change to be planners. I was this way.  I decided to be a pantser, but quickly changed my ways.

Whether you're a planner or a pantser, an effective outline can go a long way to finishing your story.  (Honestly, don't knock an outline until you try it!)

As mentioned before, I can only show you methods that I know, ones that work for me, so while I explain my outlining process, please know that you are not restricted to this format.  However, I would like to see some form of outline from my participants, even an incomplete one.

The first thing to know about my outlines is that they are usually, always unfinished.  Even when they story is completed.  You may wish to rewrite it or add notes for a sequel.  My outlines tend to be several pages long and I'll include scans of them at the bottom of this post.

I feel more comfortable before I start working on a new book if I at least have some sort of working outline prepared.  When drafting your outline, you'll want to first make notes of all the major events that will occur in your story.  A list of a chronological timeline.  Or, if you prefer something more structured you can consider these divisions (which may also help develop your story):

1. Exposition

2. Rising Action

3. Climax

4. Falling Action

OR

• Introduce main character(s)
• Introduce problem/antagonist
• Search to solve problem
• Journey
• Other help
• Introduce secondary problem
• Solve secondary problem
• Prepare for conflict/climax
• Conflict/Climax
• End

You don't have to follow these outline examples exactly.  My outlines simply list all major events (which is really what those are without the specific headings).

The other things you want to include in your outlines are notes.  Include notes on characters (their family, personality), geographical annotations (maybe even sketch maps or blue prints), research notes, dialogue even. I know that I have a habit of imagining conversations between my characters, and I can use that for my book.  Write everything you can think of or remember for your outline.

There's a reason for this.  Some people will say that the purpose of an outline is to keep you organized.  While this is true, I use my outline primarily for a different reason. So I don't forget.  I've had more than enough times where I think of brilliant material and completely forget it later when I try to remember.  A good rule of thumb is that, if you think it up, write it down.

Another helpful hint I've learned from other writers--

I, like most people, usually write by hand.  (If you type everything, including your outline, then this will not apply to you).  Write down your outline by hand like normal and then scan copies of it to your computer.  That way, you will have a digital copy of your outline, should anything happy to your hard copy.

My outlines:

(please respect my work and do not copy or redistribute it without my consent)

I couldn't find the original outline for Archer, but here are the outlines to other projects.  Please note, SPOILERS.

Eastmoon (Archer's sequel):

Email for copy.

Runewell:

Email for copy.