While I don't use a formal outline to write fiction, my master's thesis, on the other hand, was meticulously outlined. I do use a rough storyboard/table of scenes that allows me to write where ever my mood or muse takes me.
But as I get closer to completing the rough draft for FRIENDLY FIRE, I think I need a little bit more organization, so that I can see the remaining holes (or to be honest, the gaping canyons) I need to fill in. ; )
There's a great discussion of how other authors write starting with outlining on Barbara Rogan's blog, In Cold Ink. The post is In Praise of Outlines. As a member of the Books and Writers Forum, she started a corresponding discussion that got a lot of great comments, too. In fact, many of the writers involved described how their minds work with some amazing analogies.
Diana Gabaldon who is known for her historical novels with a twist uses the kernel method and added the following analogy.
"I just tell people I'm a network writer; i.e., my brain is not wired linearly,
but hooked up as a network. Imagine one of those Christmas-light things that's
like a net, with bulbs at each juncture. When I get a kernel and start working,
one of the bulbs lights up--but often, so do other bulbs in the network, often
ones that aren't anywhere physically near the first one."
Beth Shope described her organic, linear method in the following way:
"I was just thinking yesterday that organic writers plant the seeds of future
plot development as they write, sometimes all unknowing. Anything, however
innocuous at the time--an event, a line of dialogue, an observation, an
object--can end up producing fruit. If you look back along the trail of the
story, you can see which seeds grew and bloomed, and which turned out to be
weeds. Those you yank out."
The truth of the discussion is that whatever method works for each writer is what they should do.
Do you outline, write in chunks, or use a linear format?
What works for you?
Who knows you might help me find some enthusiasm for this next, necessary step in my journey to completing FRIENDLY FIRE.
I think I'm kind of a hybrid. I tend to be a linear writer, and if scenes come to me out of order, I obsess over them until I can see my way to connecting the dots. Then I'll write them all down.
ReplyDeleteNo outlining for me, but I admire those who can! [g]
To me, an out of order scene is a gift. I write it down and let the connections come as they will.
DeleteI do both. Interesting topic over at Books & Writers. I've been following it.
ReplyDeleteThe discussion has been amazing, hasn't it? Add those analogies and it's a gold mine of ideas about this craft.
DeleteYou already know how I write, though I've found myself doing it slightly different with my latest WIP. It's funny how our styles can vary with each project.
ReplyDeleteMethods changing by the needs of the project is a truth. I tried to write fiction by the strict formal outline that I used for my thesis and blocked up for years. ; ) Use what works is my mantra now.
DeleteThis is interesting...cause I could say I am a pantser but also a chunky writer. Outlines to me are very boring. I have tried and get a few ideas written down only to never use them. My characters seem to have a life of their own and they talk to me. Sometimes I brain storm with a writer friend only to forget all the neat stuff we think up. Frustrating. I'll have to go over to the forum and check out the thread. Thanks Zan Marie!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Debra. The Forum is the only reason I'm still writing. I'd have given up in frustration without the exercises and camaraderie, I'd still be writing simple, telling stories. Come join us!
DeleteI like Beth and Diana's descriptions. I definitely don't outline fiction, but I do tend to have a vague idea of the ending; I couldn't work completely like Diana because then the story would never end.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about non-fiction, though - much better to outline that!
I think learning that a) each writer has to do it their own way and b) the method to use is the one that fits the project.
DeleteAs I often say, on we go. ; )