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great american novel, humor, Jim Chaney, novel, outlining, suzanne collins, The Hunger Games, The Wordslinger, writing
On Friday, I revealed some big news here at The Wordslinger. Having shared this revelation with family and some close friends weeks before, it felt new and exciting again to make the announcement here on the blog. It also provided a much-needed reality check via a Chuck Norris-style roundhouse kick to the temple.
“How am I going to write The Great American Novel with an infant in one arm and two toddlers super-glued to my legs?” I thought to myself, while playing the role of horse to Jake’s cowboy. “I need to get moving on this thing while I have the chance.”
So I spent a little time over the weekend on the outline I’ve neglected for a couple of weeks; partially because I had written myself into a corner and partially because I was consumed by The Hunger Games (thanks a lot Suzanne Collins!). Anyway, after escaping the previously mentioned trapped-in-a-writing-corner-situation, I completed what is tentatively Chapter 8 (aptly titled “Eight”) of the outline. I now have what I consider a solid foundation, intriguing and engaging characters, and some really gripping scenes. I also know how I want the story to end; which brings me to the question that is bouncing around my head like a game of Pong.
Should I just ditch the rest of the outlining phase and go straight to the writing?
My gut tells me no. I’ve written stories before with no particular path ahead of me, just an idea and a blank piece of virtual paper. In those situations, I almost always get lost, have a hard time finding my way back, and end up curled up off the beaten path, muttering something like, “How could I have ever thought that the addition of a talking beaver would make sense?”
When I decided to journey down the road of the novelist, I told myself that this would be a serious undertaking. That the end result, no matter when it came, would be something to be proud of – not just a half-assed attempt to be completed for the sake of completion. Therefore I feel the need to continue on with the outline, so as to feel comfortable with the bricks I’m about to lay before I begin adding the mortar.
But then there’s the little man inside. The voice that says get on with it already. Start writing this masterpiece before you come up with excuses not to. I hate the little man. He’s nothing but trouble.
Once the infighting has subsided however, I’m confident I’ll make the right decision, which for me, is sticking with the outline. I’ve been using a software I was given for my birthday known as NewNovelist and it has been extremely helpful in organizing my thoughts. Sure, I still carry around the little red notebook for those moments when mediocrity brilliance appears out of nowhere, begging to be recorded. But the program provides a home for all my characters, settings, scenes, and random eureka! moments.
I’ve read blogs by several other writers, all of which are far more talented than I. Some advocate for the outline, others refer to themselves as “pantsers” (as in “fly by the seat of your pants”) and refuse to let “structure” stunt their creative flow. I still don’t know where I fall since this is my first attempt at a serious project such as a novel. Perhaps I’ll listen to my little man one day and try the pantser approach, but for now I think it best to stay the course.
So, what is your answer to the question: To outline or not to outline?
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I have recently started writing a novel and I was having the same thoughts. It’s quite confusing if you don’t outline but then again–if you don’t–you can easily get lost. But I have these Eureka! moments in the middle of exams and such, so I put in something familiar in the middle of these brilliant paragraphs in thousands of different chapters.
Ah . . . I went of topic. anyways, I wanted to ask if I should keep doing what I am currently doing or should I outline atleast the most important chapters?
P.S. I only got confused after reading this post.
I usually brainstorm some initial ideas of where I want to go, but then once I get going, I let my creative momentum reign. I do usually keep an overarching theme or goal in mind for each section/chapter/piece, but when I go back to look at my original outline ideas, I seldom have them covered.
Hey, we chose the same site theme! Love the name of your site!
I am in the process of writing my first YA. I have tried the pantser method and now the outlining method. I think I prefer a mix of the two. Even though I am feeling REALLY lost in my writing process right now (and have put the project down once again) the outlining has helped me focus more. I think a huge part of my problem is that I don’t have an ending yet. I believe if I had that my writing would move along much more smoothly. I would like to try writing the story backwards, but without that ending it’s impossible to do. BUT! I’m not giving up. I’ll get back to it again soon.
Question: What is it that you like out this NewNovelist program? How has it helped you with your writing?
BTW, congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Enjoyed visiting your blog for the first time. I develop the characters (character sketches seem most important for me), write the ending so I know where I’m going and then I write scenes. I then look at my scenes and my characters and ask, “What’s missing?” A pseudo outline takes place at this point and then I stitch it all together. Not the normal process I hear from other writers, but it works for me. The characters are the key for my process. Best of luck to you.
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I’m in the same boat. I really just want to dive into my novel, but I know I need a stronger outline. I have a short one, but it’s not adequate. I did allow myself the gift to write the first two chapters, but now I need to get back to creating a thorough outline, so I don’t encounter major plot problems down the road.
Great post. 🙂
Thanks for the feedback. Nice to hear someone else is in the same boat I am. Ive been thinking of writing a few chapters as well, but last night I plodded through 2 more chapters of the outline and think I’m going to stick with it until it’s roughly complete.
My first novel that wound up as a NY Times Notable book of the year was entirely organic- no outline. Second novel was under contract so I was much more self-conscious about it and outlined to death. Much harder over to write. I’m of the feeling now flyer years of writers block while having babies is you can outline withou losing the organic. Give the story room to develop on its own but you can always rein it in. My blog is. http://sandrasfiberworks.blogspot.com/. And we have a writers hop weds, love to have you hook up next week…
Thanks so much for the insight. Always enjoy hearing from successful authors. I’ll be sure to check out your page soon!
First, looking forward to seeing you more since joining GBE2…Second, I outline and then write, but my outline is loose and a bit vague. I basically list the chapters and the idea of the story, but I let the story unfold as I write. That sometimes means the outline is way off by the time I get to the end.
Third…Don’t worry so much and just commit to the writing. ♥
Thanks Jo, for the comment and the welcome. I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from my readers on this post and it seems to be fairly split…but the majority agree not to let the thought process get in the way of the actual writing. Anyway, glad you stopped by and I hope you’ll stick around. There’s a lot of good things happening here at The Wordslinger!
I don’t outline, but if your gut tells you that you should, then you should. The gut is fabulously wise.
Oh, and welcome to the GBE!
Beth,
Thanks for the comment and warm welcome to the blogging group. Look forward to checking out everyone’s page. I agree about the gut, though mine is playing tricks on my right now after the thai food I had for lunch.
I was going to suggest a hybrid – write when you feel it, outline when you feel it.
But I’m a renegade. HA! 🙂
I might suggest that you Start Writing through the Point of which you’ve Outlined, and then Figure it out from there. Meaning, Determine if you want to Outline the Rest, or just keep on going.
Like I said in the Forum, as did Momfog, It’s different for every Writer. I find doing Outlines a good way to Get Focused, but necessarily, necessary. lol
If You’re Driven to Write, and you’ve got a Starting Path, Go For it… And do the Rest of the Outline when you reach that Point… Or like I say, figure it out then.
Good Luck
DarkJade-
Interesting suggestion. The best of both worlds, and it may give me time to develop any additional “outline” pieces along the way. I’ll think about that for sure. Thanks for the comment!
Yeah, I’m Cool with Concepts Like “Always” Write an Outline”… But, not if it Inhibits one of a Writer’s Greatest Tools of all… Instincts. And if your Gut says Go, than Go. It is indeed The Best of Both Worlds… I Definitely don’t Believe in a Black and White World… All Shades of Grey, you know.
One of Humans Best Ways to Keep From Growing, and Moving Forward, is to “Undermine” or Overwhelm Ourselves to a Point, that we end up doing nothing at all.
Generally it’s a “Pattern” thing… For the Sake of Growth, and Movement, it’s good to “Break” Patterns, and simply keep our eyes looking Forward… Too Much Analysis can Bog us down, and/or Paralyze ourselves.
My Mom is a Master of this… She was so traumatized as a Child, that she basically keeps herself running in circles to a degree… Especially when it comes to Creativity, which she is a Great Admirer and Fan of, but she is also Super Talented herself, but her Patterns and Lack of Self Esteem Freeze her up.
Besides, Or to Coin a Phrase, “Rules Were Meant To Be Broken”
Write On!.
Good Luck
DarkJade-
I love outlines. Then, I’m scatterbrained and tend to chase a lot of rabbits. I have loosened up a bit. The outline contains main plot points and I give myself permission to change them if one of those rabbits I’m chasing leads me to something better.
Congratulations on the new addition. I understand the need for organization with young children demanding much of your time and attention. I have five kids myself. Best of luck to you and the Great American Novel.
5 kids! Now your screen name makes so much sense! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
This is interesting! An author who spoke at a Writers Forum was huge into structure. He said, “Have discipline first.” I wrote about that in the blogging forum and practically got beheaded for putting “creative fires” on the back burner. 🙂 I don’t know what the answer is. Time is so precious and it’s about to become more scarce for you. 🙂 Let us know what you choose.
Indeed Tricia, time is a major factor. I certainly don’t expect to write the thing in a matter of weeks, but I also don’t want to still be working on it 5 years from now. Hmmm…so many great comments here, I’m thankful for all the advice!
Your title for Chapter 8? Sheer brilliance…
😉
And considering I’m not a fiction writer, I don’t feel qualified to comment on your predicament. All I’ll say is that I used to teach writing to college students and would always always ALWAYS require my students to submit an outline; however, I have never ever ever outlined a single post/story I’ve written myself.
Hypocrite much? Yeah, I think so…
Thanks for your incredibly unhelpful advice. Oh and I bet you can’t guess what chapter 9 is titled?
Writing at length is so hard isn’t it!? Especially when you are having to juggle little ones.
And I perhaps should work from an outline. I just never do.
It is Megan. The only time I know I have for sure is late at night after they go to bed. Lately I can’t even guarantee early morning time as they have been waking up awfully early!
My kids rise with the sun! Any morning time – if I wake up first – is zapped before I even get to the kitchen and brew the coffee!
My characters won’t let me outline. They just take over and go. By the third or fourth revision, the structure of the book becomes the outline, and I move things around and fill in to enhance the story.
Some might argue that if I outlined, I wouldn’t have to revise that many times. However, the agents I’ve met all say four times is the minimum (and my fourth revision was only good enough to turn the head of a pre-editor.)
Still, I’ve found some of the most natural things happen when I don’t stick to an outline. I might a general idea of where I’m going, but the twists and turns to get there are more entertaining without that structure.
Good luck and congrats on your pending new addition.
The only word I hate more than outlining for creative purposes is brainstorming.
Neither help me craft and release my best work. When I want to get something done I sit down and do it.
Outlines limit and stagnate me. I prefer to write and then organize and label what I have unleashed.
As the saying goes Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV).
Congrats on the big news.
Thanks for commenting…and for sharing your insights. I like the term you used, “unleash”
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself by insisting on writing the Great American Novel. You might find writing the Great Danish Novel takes much less time.
Great idea…do you think anyone has written the Great Papua New Guinean Novel yet?
I think it’s important to outline. But I think you can spend too much time outlining and not get to the writing phase. There has to be a balance.
I had a 12 page outline for my first book and a 5 page synopsis for my second book. Then I started writing. Sometimes as I wrote, I paused to figure out what needed to happen within a chapter to propel the story forward. I’d pull out my synopsis an see where I wanted to end up. That kept me from taking too many tangents.
The outline/synopsis also changed as I wrote. Sometimes you can’t plan every detail of the story ahead of time. And even if you do, the characters have a way of hijacking the story.
So my advice is plot and plan, but realize this is a roadtrip and you might take a few side streets and end up at the same destination.:)
Excellent insight into your process. This is what I was hoping for; others to share their ideas. Thanks!
I like to outline, but then again, that is usually what sucks all of my energy and I never seem to get past that…