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!