Writing a book begins with an idea and slowly grows. To some, this may sound easy—just write as the story comes to you, right? News flash: it’s not always quite so easy. Even the most brilliant minds can benefit from the guiding hand of a well-crafted outline. Outlining a book has many benefits and can take many approaches. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the art of outlining, exploring the different methods, and the invaluable role outlining plays in saving time and reducing revisions.
Plotting or Pantsing: Finding Your Writing Style
The eternal debate among writers revolves around the age-old question: to plot or to pants? Plotters meticulously plan every twist and turn of their narrative, creating a roadmap before the writing journey begins. On the other hand, pantsers (writing by the seat of their pants) thrive on spontaneity, allowing the story to unfold organically as they write. The key is to find the approach that suits your creative process.
For plotters, outlining is the compass that ensures a steady course through the writing wilderness. By creating a detailed roadmap, you gain a clear vision of your story’s structure, character arcs, and plot points. This method minimizes the risk of getting lost in the narrative or creating plot holes you’ll have to fix later.
Before You Outline
Before you jump right into outlining, it’s important to have a clear grasp of three major elements of your book, which will be the foundation of your plot points.
- Premise
What is the core idea or concept that will drive your narrative forward? Clearly define the essence of your story, ensuring it’s compelling and capable of sustaining the reader’s interest. - Core Characters
Characters breathe life into your story, so take the time to create a core cast that resonates with your narrative. Develop their backgrounds, motivations, and arcs. Consider how each character contributes to the overall plot, ensuring a diverse and well-rounded ensemble. - Setting
Whether it’s a fantastical realm, a bustling city, or a quaint village, the setting should complement and enhance the story. Pay attention to details that will bring your world to life, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in your pages.
Methods of Outlining
A large portion of writers use outlines to write their stories, but they do so in different ways. Here are four common approaches to outlining.
Traditional Outline:
- Subdivided into chapters or scenes.
- Bullet points detailing key events.
- Character arcs and developments.
Mind Mapping:
- Visual representation of ideas.
- Connect concepts and plot points.
- Ideal for those who think in a non-linear fashion.
Index Cards or Sticky Notes:
- Write key scenes or plot points on cards.
- Rearrange and shuffle for a flexible structure.
- Perfect for visual thinkers.
Storyboarding:
- Similar to film storyboards.
- Sketch or describe scenes on a board or paper.
- Offers a visual overview of the narrative flow.
The Importance of Outlining
Outlining comes with many advantages for authors. If you’re not sold on the idea already, here are four more reasons to consider outlining your next project.
1. Time Efficiency
An outline is, in many ways, like a compass. It provides a clear path, ensuring that every word contributes to the overall narrative. For plotters, this roadmap is meticulously planned, allowing for efficient navigation and reducing the chances of getting lost along the way (ever heard of the “murky middle”?). Even pantsers can benefit from a loose structure, preventing aimless wandering and saving precious writing time.
2. Consistent Tone and Pacing
Outlines help ensure that a writer’s voice and style stays consistent from beginning to end. Readers crave a harmonious flow, and an outline is your tool to control the narrative, preventing abrupt shifts that could be confusing, or—worst case scenario—make the reader give up on your book.
3. Character Development
By planning character arcs and developments, you create individuals with depth and purpose. Each character contributes meaningfully to the plot, avoiding the risk of introducing any who are unnecessary or underdeveloped. The result? A cast that resonates with readers, leaving a lasting impression.
4. Minimizing Revisions
While the allure of free-spirited writing is undeniable, it often leads to extensive revisions during the editing phase. An outline acts as a preventative measure, identifying potential pitfalls before they become sinkholes. By addressing major plot holes or inconsistencies in the planning stage, you save yourself the headache of significant revisions later.
The Takeaway
The importance of outlining cannot be overstated. The best part is that the level of outlining is completely up to you. Experiment with different methods, find what resonates with your creative spirit, and let the outline become what you need it to be. Trust us, we think you’ll be thankful in the end!