The Write Way: Outlining

To outline or not to outline, that is the question. With apologies to Shakespeare and his brilliant play, Hamlet, this question at times haunts me. There are outstanding authors who plot an entire book, others who do not. What is the prevailing wisdom? There are multiple really good resources to explain the subject. And there are my opinions, which are a brief overview followed by my preference. As always, there is no “right” way to write.

Back in the day–waaaay back–we had to make a comprehensive outline when writing in English class. That works as a device to plot out the entire story. It helps to get the timeline accurate, to see the big picture, and to build in twists in advance. At the end, description, dialogue, and prose become the flesh on the bones of the story. Writers will use a white board, notecards, craft paper, or even sticky notes to make an outline that is a start-to-finish document. This is akin to a really detailed synopsis, where there is a clear progression of action with a completed ending.

An outline can be less comprehensive and still be respectable. It may lay out a general beginning, middle, and end. Once writing, these big bites are united by the narrative thread that will run through the entire project, bringing meaning and depth as the outline comes to life.

There are character outlines. Beyond the protagonist, multiple secondary characters will be integral to most stories. It’s useful to get to know them in advance. This involves identifying the people in the book, especially those who have major or supporting roles, and giving them backstory. This doesn’t mean that all of their history will be spelled out in the text, but it does help the writer to understand their personalities. This will inform how they speak, act, and react. It’s easier to talk about people you know than about strangers.

Here’s how I outline. I don’t. Nope. Nothing. This can be good…and bad.

Bad news first. Although I start with a a general idea of what will happen, a flavor if you will of where I want the story to go, the blank slate appeals to me. But there are times when, due to a lack of planning, it means going back and forth during the process to add in details that are necessary based on a decision made late in the game. This can be difficult, as the new idea, object, or goal has to be made consistent throughout. It may even change the timeline. Lots of work. An outline would alleviate this problem.

And yet for me, outlining is too confining. I have outline claustrophobia. As I write, ideas are sparked by what is put onto the page. It’s a very fluid process. I like getting to know the characters as we interact, just like in real life, because my stories are very real to me. The work of re-working is simply a good way to become ever more enmeshed with the plot and characters. This, I believe, is the good news because it give me greater creative license to take the story where it wants to go.

If you’re new to writing or thinking about trying, just do it. Finer points of whether or not to outline a book or to fly by the seat of your writing chair will come as you create. This is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Once the write way becomes clear to each individual, nothing will stop you!