I have just finished the outline for my latest novel so, naturally, I now feel like I'm a guru in all things outlining and can pass on all of my wisdom (which really isn't the case at all).
Rather controversially, I hate the outlining process. I am a pantser at heart but my head knows that I must seize the plotter life. Outlining saves me so much time during the editing stage so it's definitely worth it... it's just a drag, for me.
I've compiled a list of five quick tips that I have learnt during my latest outlining stint!
1. Start big, go small
Starting an outline can be overwhelming and daunting so try finding the bigger picture before drilling down into the finer detail.
What is the point of the book? What is your inciting incident? Your midpoint? Your plot twist? Start by plotting the major scenes in your book and use a three act structure to help you shape the story.
There are so many amazing structure resources available online but I always stick to YouTuber Katytastic's run-through of the three act structure - it has helped me plot every single book I've written and, while your story can often deviate from the rigid structure, it's a great starting point to help you on your way.
2. Anything is possible if you *misbelieve*
The number one most important thing to keep in mind during the outlining stage is your character's misbelief and how this evolves throughout the story.
A character's misbelief or false belief is something that the character believes but we, as the author, know is not true. The protagonist isn't really unlovable or a monster or unworthy... but they think they are and that affects their actions.
Through every single chapter, every single scene, every single interaction, you need to keep your character's misbelief in the back of your mind and make sure you protagonist chooses it again and again and again. Until the very end of the story when all is lost and your character finally realises that this idea that they've centred their entire being around just isn't true.
3. Don't choose the easy way out
If there was a lag in the plot or the risk of a slow pace, my knee-jerk instinct was to cram some action in - an attack, a fight, a hurricane... you name it. But sometimes the easiest option isn't the most effective. While a conversation may feel like waffle, it can actually pack an emotional punch and enhance your story - as long as it moves the story along.
I'm guilty of this a lot. If I think the pace is slow, I come up with so many physical obstacles that my characters need to fight through but, while this can sometimes work, it can get repetitive real quick.
When brainstorming a new twist, it's easy to jump on the first solution you can think of. Stop! Take a breath, write down the idea and then think of another one. And another and another until you have a dozen different ideas to make the twist or obstacle the best it can be. Chances are, that first idea you had that you were going to charge full steam ahead on? It's not as good as some of the other ideas, is it?
4. Every scene counts... and I mean every scene
The more thorough you can make your outline, the easier it will be to write the first draft. Which means labouring over every single scene. It will save so much time when editing, I promise!
Consider the journey within each scene. Does your MC have a clear goal? Is there a complication? Is there a solution? A transition to the next scene?
Allow each scene to lead onto the next and that the transitions are smooth and are clearly linked.
5. Get a second opinion
If you were waiting for an important piece of information, you would want it double checked, right? If you were writing an important letter, you would want someone else to give some feedback?
The same is true for an outline!
This project is the first time I've worked with a book coach during the outlining stage and it was honestly life-changing.
I've worked with Andrea (@awriterstales_) before but on the editing and pitching of my previous project. So, going into this outline for my new book, I knew we worked well together and it was instantly so much fun to bounce ideas off of her and get her insight into my story.
Andrea helped me through all of my character profiles and subplots and scene breakdowns and misbeliefs... every single thing. And it was invaluable.
It also just made the whole process so much more fun. Writing can often be quite a solitary experience, holed up in your own mind and swimming in all of the self-doubt that comes with writing a book. But a book coach means collaboration and talking through all your worries! It means laughing at all of your stupid ideas and squealing at all of the amazing ones. Honestly, it's be such a blast working with Andrea and, now that I've outlined a book this way, I'll never be able to go back!
Those were just some of the things I've learnt through my latest outlining experience! What are your top tips? Do you like outlining or do you hate it as much as I do? Let me know!
Comentarios