As a writer I knew in my heart I didn’t want anything to get in the way of my creativity. It seemed to me that an outline would do just that. But it was the opposite.
Here is why: When I started writing I had an idea and I let my fingers do the walking. I had to admit when my fingers flew across the keyboard it was thrilling. But then something happened.
The idea I had wasn’t well thought out. Had I taken the time to outline my idea in a form that would allow me to add to it then ask those important questions, such as, why, when, where, what if and so forth. I would never have gotten a block, so the idea ran out.
Ideas need to be well thought out and explored. The more explored they are the more organic, or original the story is.
The way to organize those ideas is through outline. I know most people don’t believe that. But having a clear picture of where your story goes and all the nuances makes a big difference in how the story turns out.
When I started my manuscript I had an idea. And as I proceeded I continued until the logical conclusions. The ending was good and I am proud of it. But there were some threads that I found later as I re-read my manuscript that were untouched. Once found I realized those thread would make the story fuller and more three dimensional, adding tension, suspense and conflict plus more not only to the characters but to the story also.
So I am outlining the story now and will continue those thread, adding to the dimension of the characters and what happening in the story. Outlining has allowed me to place each point in an order and move them around to better place them when they would fit.
I’m on my second reading of my story. It needs a lot of work, but then again that’s what writing is all about isn’t it. I learned a valuable lesson in Outlines. I will keep you posted on the outcome of this.
If you have a similar problem or found a better way to solve it, please feel free to post a comment. It would be great appreciated not only by me but others as well.
Happy writing, until next time.
Here is why: When I started writing I had an idea and I let my fingers do the walking. I had to admit when my fingers flew across the keyboard it was thrilling. But then something happened.
The idea I had wasn’t well thought out. Had I taken the time to outline my idea in a form that would allow me to add to it then ask those important questions, such as, why, when, where, what if and so forth. I would never have gotten a block, so the idea ran out.
Ideas need to be well thought out and explored. The more explored they are the more organic, or original the story is.
The way to organize those ideas is through outline. I know most people don’t believe that. But having a clear picture of where your story goes and all the nuances makes a big difference in how the story turns out.
When I started my manuscript I had an idea. And as I proceeded I continued until the logical conclusions. The ending was good and I am proud of it. But there were some threads that I found later as I re-read my manuscript that were untouched. Once found I realized those thread would make the story fuller and more three dimensional, adding tension, suspense and conflict plus more not only to the characters but to the story also.
So I am outlining the story now and will continue those thread, adding to the dimension of the characters and what happening in the story. Outlining has allowed me to place each point in an order and move them around to better place them when they would fit.
I’m on my second reading of my story. It needs a lot of work, but then again that’s what writing is all about isn’t it. I learned a valuable lesson in Outlines. I will keep you posted on the outcome of this.
If you have a similar problem or found a better way to solve it, please feel free to post a comment. It would be great appreciated not only by me but others as well.
Happy writing, until next time.
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