Ah…it’s an age-old question and one many writers have different opinions on.
Should you write an outline before writing a novel?
I’m still struggling with the answer to this question, myself.
As a super organized person, I thought I would immediately want to outline my story, to know exactly where the plot was heading and exactly where my story would end. However, I’ve found myself skeptical to write one.
I’ve read that some authors prefer to meticulously outline, even writing down small bits of dialogue. I’ve also read that other authors prefer to just go wild and write to their heart’s content and worry about organization later.
I can’t decide what’s best for me. I feel like if I don’t outline, my story will be all over the place, but I also feel like if I do outline, I’m going to feel obligated to stick exactly to the outline.
Where is the happy medium?
My plan right now is to write a VERY basic outline…maybe just chapters, so I understand where my story and the characters are heading. I am trying to tell myself that writing an outline does not obligate me to stick to it.
What’s your opinion on outlining a story before writing it?
I don't usually outline, unless it's something to be graded for school. It's easier for me to just write the first couple chapters as they come. Just to get the creative mind in tune and all. Then as I write, I get ideas and jot them down and then start to plan on how the story progresses. I just find that to be much easier for me 🙂
Good luck!
I'm in the camp of folks who don't outline at all. I find that when I actually sit down and "plot" out my whole story, it sort of… sucks the fun out of it? As though there's nothing exciting left to work with. I know that's crazy, and of course the outline can change… but I just find myself doing better when I wing it!
I do sit down and write out character sketches, though, and I've found that helps me a lot. I just write (or type) their name out, then begin to describe all the "basics" about them: hair color, weight, height, occupation. Then I get in deeper, adding to the outline as new "developments" take place: their fears, interests, ambitions. And sometimes I jot down pieces of plot, all in the name of consistency!
I want my characters to act "normally" — to act the way they should in a certain situation, I guess. When I've had my books edited, all those inconsistencies seem to stack up and be annoying! 🙂 That's helped me a lot!
I've always been a fan of writing a basic outline. It helps get my ideas flowing.
Mind you, I've never tried writing an outline for a novel; just papers and articles!
I think writing an outline will only make it easier to write a novel. I haven't had enough forethought into where I want my novel to go, just a very basic idea so it's been hard to write. Good luck!
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