Weekend Writing: Should You Outline?

I'm going to be really honest with you: I used to hate outlining my writing. When I was in high school, it was a requirement to turn in outlines along with my written essays. I hated it because my mind didn't work that way. Yes, I knew what I wanted to write about and how I wanted to arrange my essay. You know, the big picture. I knew the focus of the essay and what I wanted to accomplish. But, I didn't plan out each paragraph and what I was going to discuss in that section of writing.

Sylvia Plath's outline for her novel, "The Bell Jar" (photo/flavorwire.com).

With that in mind, those early days of outlining essays in school made me think I never wanted to outline anything ever again. I have learned since then that sometimes outlines are essential tools for creative writing, especially if you're planning to write a full-length novel.

With novel writing, there are too many ideas to keep in your memory. You need a place to write everything down, and your outline is the perfect place for it. I believe every writer works differently, and that's okay. Whether you simply jot down ideas in a journal or map out each chapter, your outlining method is just that: yours. Your method should help you draft clear and confident writing, rather than making you feel "in the dark" as you try to figure out your ideas.

Below are a few different ways to effectively outline your novel. Like I have said, figure out which method works best for you and work with that.

1. Bookend Method 

Maybe you're like me and you sometimes have "big picture" ideas. You know how the story is going to begin, what's going to happen in the middle, and you know the ending before you even begin drafting.

If this describes your writing style, then you may prefer the bookend method of outlining. Map out how you want to get from Point A to Point B. Write this down in your journal and keep it close to you as you draft your novel.

This method will work best if you have a clear definition of the type of story you want to write. In a few weeks, I'll be writing about how to choose the best genre for your story idea (so stay tuned for that post!). For this method, make sure you know your story's premise. And I mean really know the premise--not just a small idea. Know your story inside and out. That will help you determine how you want to bookend the story's plot.

2. Synopsis Method 

I have been experimenting with this method lately, and I'm noticing some pretty positive results so far. This is probably the most popular outlining method writers choose, in which you map out the entire synopsis.

Write a one- to two-page synopsis of your novel to find a perfect balance between structure and flexibility. You're not writing down every single detail--because you don't know those details yet. You'll stumble upon those in the writing process.

Who are your characters? What are they doing? What's the story's hook? What are the major plot points? What's going to happen in the middle of the story to create an unexpected surprise? What's the climax? What's the resolution?

While this method is similar to the bookend outlining method, this method is a little more in-depth. This method will also answer the questions you might encounter as you draft the novel. "What was the hook going to be?" Look at your synopsis document. "What exactly was the climax again?" Look at your synopsis document.

If you're worried about forgetting the major points of your story, then consider using the synopsis outline to make sure that never happens.

3. In-Depth Method 

This outlining method works best for writers who love to plan. For this method, it's best to set aside an entire notebook for just the outline because you'll be filling it up with your ideas!

Break down each individual chapter and write down everything that is going to happen. If you want to take it even further, write down what's going to happen in every scene within the chapters. Write every thought you have.

If you know your character is going to have a nose bleed and drip blood onto her favorite shirt on school yearbook picture day in elementary school, then write that down. If you know the villain is going to appear in the third chapter, write that down. If you know the climax of the story is going to happen in chapter 26, write that down. Write those ideas down--mapping out the entire novel in your notebook.

As you begin the drafting process, you will use the in-depth outline as a strong tool to make sure you don't leave out any details you knew were important during your pre-drafting phase. You knew those ideas were important initially, so don't forget about them. Make sure they find their way into your writing.

And if you tend to have a forgetful memory, this outlining method will be the perfect companion to make sure you don't leave out the crucial materials in your story.

4. Snowflake Method 

Invented by Randy Ingermanson, this outlining method is another popular one for writers because of its freedom. You start small and expand. Write a one-sentence synopsis of your novel--the conflict, perhaps--and tease where you want the story to expand.

Then jot down the important facts about your characters. List their names, storyline, goals, how they're going to interact with the story's conflict, and the epiphany moment. And that's it. With this method, you have a clear idea of the story's conflict and plot and you have an in-depth look at your characters, but then that's it.

Now you can start writing and see where the ideas go. See how they evolve and grow on their own. If you're not a huge fan of outlining, this method might be the best option for you. You will develop a clear idea of the story's conflict and your characters, but you're not restricted to thinking of all the ideas before you begin drafting. You have the freedom to think of those ideas as you write.

Begin drafting, expanding on the brief outline, and then keep expanding. Keep writing, expanding on your ideas, until your story begins to take off on its own. Before you know it, you'll have a rapid snowfall of a story that just won't stop writing itself.

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(photo/PictureQuotes.com)

Like I said at the beginning of this post, every writer has a different method. You should know what works best for you. If you have an organized mind and prefer to write down every little detail, stick to the in-depth method. If you just want a synopsis, use the synopsis method. If you just want to write down the important facts and expand on those in the drafting process, use the snowflake method. Or, if you're like me and you know the beginning, the middle, and the end, the bookend method is the best option for you.

Whichever method you choose, remember to stay focused. Your outline is an important tool to keep you motivated. It's there to help you, not hinder your creativity. Write down the important ideas that you don't want to forget. You'd be kicking yourself if you forgot your best ideas.

So, should you outline? Yes, you should. It doesn't hurt to use a tool. An outline will only help you remember your goal as a writer--what you want to accomplish with your novel. Even if you write down just one sentence summarizing your story idea, that's an outline. That one sentence will be a reminder of what you want to accomplish.

And we could always use a little bit of help.

Write on.

-KJL-

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Important Note: I will be taking a week off from this blog due to vacation. I will return on Wednesday, July 4. Stay inspired!