1. foally

    foally New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2006
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    1

    Outline

    Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by foally, Sep 26, 2006.

    All of they greatest authors, I have read about. Say that outlining is they key to a great book....I just do not know how to outline...
    What are your suggestions, what is the best technique? Thanks:confused:
     
    andrew smith likes this.
  2. Spherical Time

    Spherical Time New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2006
    Messages:
    356
    Likes Received:
    14
    Location:
    Everywhere, Always
    List the events that you want your book to cover.

    1. She goes to the mall
    2. She falls through the floor.
    3. She meets the mall elves.
    4. She travels to the magic mountain of shoes.
    5. She is entrapped by the high interest rates.
    6. She is saved by her mother's cheque book.
    7. She returns to the real world.

    Then, you can add depth to that:

    1. She goes to the mall.
      • Her two friends Mary and Sue are with her.
      • They're looking for shoes.
    2. She falls through the floor
      • She's throwing a tantrum, and stomps so hard that she breaks the barriers between universes.

    Et cetra.
     
    andrew smith likes this.
  3. Daniel

    Daniel I'm sure you've heard the rumors Founder Staff

    Joined:
    May 14, 2006
    Messages:
    2,815
    Likes Received:
    696
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Spherical did a good post above about the basics of outlining... I don't think it's the basis of a good book though. It depends on your style. It's by no means a necessity.
     
    andrew smith likes this.
  4. DagunZain

    DagunZain New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2006
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    6
    Location:
    Eastern misery
    I use ST's method when working through passages that refuse to be written, breaking it down into finer and finer details. Usually I just hash out a chapter at a time, and work on keeping the momentum going. I'm not a very good outliner, even when writing notes.
     
    Xob and andrew smith like this.
  5. Spherical Time

    Spherical Time New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2006
    Messages:
    356
    Likes Received:
    14
    Location:
    Everywhere, Always
    Honestly, my outlines are usually even more basic than what I posted above. I'll have a paragraph that will cover an entire book.

    What I use outlines for is to figure out where major events happen in a book.

    What I usually outline are my college class notes.
     
    andrew smith likes this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice