The outline of a novel, or the lack of it, is a hotly debated topic in the writing world. Some authors swear by outlines; others write by the seat of their pants. There are entire books on how to outline a novel, and I’ve studied several–with more on my shelves. I fall somewhere in between a plotter and a pantser, and have always been interested in the writing process: to outline or not outline– that is the question. To answer it today, I’m very pleased to welcome my friend C Lee Mckenzie here on Daily (w)rite, as part of the guest post series.
Take it away, Lee!
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If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m a pantser who uses a two to three-sentence outline that I put in the header, so I see them on each page. While I use these sentences to guide me, I also tweak them as the story takes shape. I thought you might like to see how this very brief outline morphed along the way as I wrote Shattered.
1. A skiing accident takes Libby Brown out of the running for the U.S. slalom team, and she can’t make the tryouts.
2. Libby Brown’s sure to qualify for the U.S. slalom team, but someone (who?) accidentally runs her down on the slopes.
3. Libby Brown’s sure to make the Olympic team but is paralyzed when she’s hit by an out-of-bounds snowboarder. Mystery: who did it and why?
4. Libby Brown’s a shoo-in for the U.S. Olympic slalom team when an out-of-bounds snowboarder collides with her and she loses the use of her legs. Was this an accident? Libby’s afraid she’ll discover it wasn’t, but she must know for sure or live forever shattered.
#4 was the last tweak, and it was my guideline through to the end of the story. You can see that I didn’t clearly state that I was going to have a mystery in this book when I wrote the first summary. And then the mystery gradually came to the forefront, so that by the time I wrote that last one, it was a driving force in the book.
Everyone has a different strategy for writing stories. Some outline before they write word one. Others take a hybrid approach and sketch out the storyline. Some just dive in and start, knowing where they want to wind up, but not exactly how to get there.
There’s no right or wrong way because none of us is like the other in the way we imagine or craft our stories.
I recognize that an outline is a much more efficient method–it certainly works for me when I’m writing non-fiction. However, no matter how hard I’ve tried using that strategy for my stories, I’m a total fail. The best I can do is my three sentences in the header.
About Shattered:
Nineteen-year-old Libby Brown is on her way to the winter Olympics for her shot at the Gold. But on a last practice run, an out-of-bounds snowboarder collides with her, and she wakes up in a hospital unable to move her legs. Terrible accident they say, but was it? Or did someone want her off the U.S. slalom team? Libby must find the truth or remain shattered forever.
Shattered Rafflecopter Giveaway: Click here ! ![]( "<script>” src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7″ alt=”</div>
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I’m a pantster and like you, have a short outline that also transforms as I write. What I really liked was your idea to put it in the Header. I’ve downloaded Shattered and can’t wait to finish what I’m reading so that I can start yours.
We work in the same way! How great. Hope you enjoy Shattered.
I always make an outline for the entire novel by chapter. Then write a sentence or two for each chapter. It keeps my focus on the story. Of course, the outline goes through several revisions as the writing progresses.
That’s very thorough. What have you published? I’m always looking for new authors to follow.
Shattered is a great title. I generally do a four sentence outline… the situation, what goes wrong, what makes it even worse, and the outcome/solution. I write them in a bit more detail, but no more than one line each. I used to be a complete pantser, but now I have structured pants. 😀
That’s an excellent strategy!
Hi Damyanti – not writing books … I just admire all those who do. Your ‘You Beneath Your Skin’ was superb for adults … while l’ve just posted about Lee’s new Young Adult book – also a great read … and she got her title right ‘Shattered’ … tis so. Cheers to you both – Hilary
You read widely, and I love that.
While I can appreciate input from experts and seasoned writers, I’m still in the camp of do-whatever-works-for-your-writing. Each of us is unique in our approach to storytelling and need to be comfortable with it. When I first began writing seriously, I read a lot of so-called advice from the experts. What it helped me do was find my way to write, whether it included outlines (it does) or not. As long as what you do leads you to your goal (a finished, published work), then don’t stop doing it. And don’t worry what others think about it.
That’s exactly right.
I love Lee’s books – looking forward to this one … maybe once NaNo is over 🙂
I love having that thesis statement in the header – smart! I try to write the blurb first and use that as my guide. It changes as well 🙂
We’re on the same track, Jemi. And your strategy obviously works! You’ve created some great stories.
Thanks for hosting me here today, Damyanti. I love your blog and a chance to talk about how I built Shattered.
I can’t write anything without a plan.
Everyone has to find his own way, and as long as that way leads to a good book, it’s the right one.
At some point if you want your novel to be realistic than an outline is necessary. But I never start with one. Good luck with the new novel!
That doesn’t work for me with fiction, so I plod along in my own way.
Lee is a gifted writer. For me, I’d probably produce nothing without an outline. Shattered is on my tbr.
Thank you, Sonia. How does a poet proceed when creating a poem? I suppose it’s a lot like any creative endeavor–each one finds the best way.
I believe that outlines take the spontaneity out of a novel. But I need an outcome to head for … even if the characters take over and land the story at another port! Lee, your novels always take me on riveting journeys.
I guess that’s how I feel about outlines, too when it comes to fiction. Sometimes I’ve written the last chapter first and then headed toward The End. That seemed to work. I’m so glad you enjoy the books that come out of my haphazard approach. And thanks for saying so.
There isn’t a right or wrong way. It’s all about what works for the writer. Congratulations, Lee!
I agree 100%!! Everyone’s thought process is different, so we shouldn’t assume that there is only one way to approach writing a novel (or anything else, for that matter).
Any suggestions to streamline ones thought process is always welcome; but we do have varied mindset and more diverse ways of getting about it.😌
Absolutely, Alex.