Titles by Brian R. Smith
Special Column
To outline or not to outline? Volume 1-1105
To many authors get hung up on whether they should create an outline for their story, sometimes stopping a writer cold in their tracks. I always hated doing outlines in school when they were required, so I can up with my own method.
Some writers are gifted, able to create a story all from within their head and transpose it perfectly to paper. Other writers need a helping hand to make sure their story stays focused and they don't forget important data, scenes or events.
Here is a method that works nicely, isn't complicated and doesn't bog the writer down. Make a list of data, scenes or events. Just start playing the "what if game making the list. Don't spend a lot of time doing this, it doesn't have to be complete, new ideas will develop that you can add to the list. Now before each item in your list place a Chapter number where you think this item will be needed in your book.
That's it! Simple. Now of course sometimes an item you marked for Chapter 3 may not actually be used until Chapter 5, but that's okay, in fact that is good, your story is taking a life of its own. Just cross the item off your list when you do eventually use it and don't worry if some items never get used.
This method will help keep your writing moving towards an ending and we all know every story needs an ending!
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