My writing group insisted I outline my novel, and I hated the idea for months

After my outline helped me finish a draft in six weeks, I have to admit they were right. Anyone have a good outlining method that isn't too rigid?

3 comments

3 Comments

river_wright1mo ago

I use a three act structure but only plan the major plot points. The middle is just a list of scenes I can move around.

kai77916d ago

So @sullivan.john, do you find that sentence helps tie the scenes to your character's growth or just guides the pace?

sullivan.john1mo ago

Outlines get a bad rap for being too strict, but they're just a tool. River_wright's method of planning key scenes is solid, but I'd add a step. After listing those scenes, I write one sentence for each that says what changes for the main character. It keeps the middle from feeling like a checklist.