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Outlining is a matter of dispute among writers, but if you are just starting out – what is outlining, why should you do it and how do you do it.
This post is based on my research as I am currently writing my own thriller novel. I stalled in NaNoWriMo because I didn't have a plan, so now I embrace outlining wholeheartedly!
Incidentally, outlining is used much more in non-fiction books e.g. creating a table of contents at the outset. It is not always used in fiction writing.
What is outlining?
It is basically the process of setting out the main events of your book and working out the plot from beginning to end. It can be a rough 1 pager on how it all works, or a series of post-it notes put into an order for writing. It can also be a comprehensive meta-document that you refer to throughout your book and keeps you to the point. It is basically planning your novel before you write.
Why should you outline?
The point of outlining is to help you with the actual writing of the book. If you think through the plot ideas, the characters, the various arcs of the story and how it needs to come together, then the writing of it will be easier.
Some people believe in organic writing only and still manage to write novels, but check out this post from Larry Brooks on climbing Mt Story. The metaphor of the climbers getting to the summit in different ways is powerful, and the planner gets there first.
Some reasons to outline:
- You know what to write next. There is no sitting around wondering what to write. When you sit down for your writing time, you know what to write about next. Or you can write a future scene that you have already planned out. You won't get so lost and end up down a blind alley with your plot. This is really important for those of us who struggle to find the time to write. If you only have a precious hour per day, make the best use of that time by knowing what you will write about.
- Change plot or incorporate new ideas. If you plan it out, you can see ways to enhance the plot and add in new ideas. As you research, you will know where to put them in or what to change. These ideas could be lost with organic writing. A living novel outline document can be morphing all the time.
- Find out the problems and holes in the plot or characters. Work out how things are meant to happen before time instead of as you write. This may enable you to see gaping holes in the plot or some problem with a character.
Here are some more benefits of outlining. With an outline, you can follow it to the letter and add to it or you can change your mind along the way, but at least it gives you a head start. It doesn't have to be set in stone.
How do you outline?
There are a number of ways you can outline a book and you just have to pick the best for you. There is no ‘right' way to do it. Here are some ideas:
- Basic Document. Use Microsoft Word and just get it out onto the page. I am currently using this method. I have a table with the various chapters in which I have filled in with the key plot and action. I have a separate list of characters, themes, ideas and another document for research. I am basing this on Scott Westerfeld's Meta-documents post which I found very useful in NaNoWriMo. You could also use Excel for a more spreadsheet approach.
- Mindmapping. Use mindmapping to brainstorm in a non-linear fashion. You can mindmap on plot lines, ideas, characters and then organise the mind maps into a bigger picture. Write to each arm of the mind map. I found this useful for initial idea brainstorming but it is not detailed enough for me at this stage.
- The Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson. “Good fiction doesn't just happen. It's designed.” This is a great article describing the process using a snowflake metaphor. Start small and then expand on each area. Start with a 1 liner about the book, then a paragraph, then expand it out from there. This method is quite scientific and gives you a very extensive plan. Definitely worth a look if you are struggling or you are a person who already likes spreadsheets.
- Using software. Many people seem to like Scrivener as a tool for outlining and writing, but it is only for Mac users. Recommended by authors Justine Larbalestier and Scott Westerfeld among others, For PC users, some examples are Page Four or Liquid Story Binder. These tools still use the other methods though. They are just a different way of capturing and organising the material.
Other good posts on this topic:
- Planning, outlining and organizing your novel or not by Tamera Kraft
- Novel outlining 101 by Lynn Viehl
- The Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson
- Blank novel outline worksheet from Writer's Digest
- The outlining vs organic writing debate by Larry Brooks
Do you have any tips for outlining? How do you outline a book?
Image: Flickr CC Jazzmasterson
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1 2 3 … 6 Next »I have outlined all six of my books! I know so many who don't, claiming it stifles their creativity, but I like to know I have a solid story first before writing the whole story.
Well done. True creativity, which is, all in all, 'metaphysical courage of w(h)o/andering', can't be spoiled by and isn't afraid of anything.
Good post. I know several fiction writers who use outlining and character journaling too. Outlining helps them stay on track and character journaling helps them get to know the characters on an intimate level.
Thanks for sharing!
I admit, I'm a far better writer than I am an outliner. I'm of the King school of just picking up the fossil and taking a brush to it to see where it goes. I would, however, like to change this. I think outlining a novel is the right thing to do, I just have a lot more fun figuring it out as I go along.
I am an outliner for both fiction and non-fiction. For me, outlining is like making a line drawing. The color and shading (writing and editing) come later, but without the basic line drawing to keep me on track, my story would go all over the place.
I have found that when I have more in-depth character studies, the plot sometimes veers off in its own direction as the characters take over. This was a wonderful discovery for me, but I have to make sure they don't do anything too wild - this is where the outline comes in handy - it allows me to pull them back into line.
Speaking of tools, I recently discovered MS OneNote and find it very helpful for keeping track of all the different bits of information I need to write my novel (character notes, historical dates and facts, etc.).
Thanks all. I do think outlining is an individual decision and process.
Diane - wow, that's great to know! I'll have 6 in a few years time at this rate!
Patti - character journaling is something I may have to try.
Sean - you obviously have a different mind to me!
I have read that King just sits and writes the whole first draft and just sees what happens. That didn't work for me!
Kelly - I have also heard OneNote is good - Evernote is a free similar tool.
Thanks, Joanna
I have always thought of myself as an impromptu writer but I have had a lot of days when ideas just don't flow.
Thanks for this post Joanna, These ideas are really helpful :)
Cheers
Freya
I have a foot in both camps - I am both a planner and a panster - but the thing for me is, I can't write down my plan. I read once a story can only be told once and I fear I'm afflicted with this. For me to sketch out on a piece of paper, or to put down ideas in a Word document, is telling the story and in doing so the magic is gone.
I keep a rather comprehensive plan in my head.
Someone I read recently said you have to know how your story is going to end - and that's normally where I head. I know a few basic characters and something about them, what brings them together and how it ends. From there I sit and write and see what happens.
NaNo for me was terrible last year although I clocked over 60,000 words. Although I knew where I wanted to go, it seemed I couldn't get there.
I think as writers we need to appreciate we all put words down in a different way, and say no way is better than any other - some are drawn to winging it and others need the structure of a plan. I'm eager, despite all of this, to at least give the snowflake method a go, given some of the snippets (OK large slabs of 'stuff') I have and see wher eit gets me - nothing ventured, nothing gained... right?
Sci-fi and spec fic making pantsing an interesting experience. World building didn't come to me as an extra-curricular writing activity I could engage in and with. Turns out I needed to 'see' the world through my characters eyes. My writing partner also found this.
I'd love to know what goes on King's head inbetween sitting... I'm certain mentally he's planning or tapping into his characters world. If not planning, is that not rehearsing or downloading in advance. Maybe one day I will have the thrill of asking him that?
Dear Joanna:
This was a great post, and you handled it--as usual--in an informative and organized fashion.
It suddenly struck me that the more I outline, or mind-map, the more I get done.
By the way, Robert (no relation) Parker, the creator of the best-selling Spenser For Hire series, was the only author I know of who claimed to write extemporaneously, an hour a day, making daily progress on 2 books at a time. (One in the morning, one in the afternoon.)
Best wishes on your continued contributions.
Roger
I'm a minimilist planner. If I don't write down at least the major plot points it turns out to be utter rubbish. Took me 12 years of writing to figure that out. Ah youth ...
I stalled at NaNoWriMo last year BECAUSE I had a plan. I write YA and am currently writing a 6-books series. I was attempting to write Book 3 for NaNo. With the help of a co-worker, I outlined the first 6 chapters.
And couldn't get past Chapter 2!
I'm a panster by nature. I might've done better had I done what I normally do. I've discovered since that I really don't have the mind for outlining. If anything, I would do it just to keep all the characters straight.