A Tale of Two Outlines

Holly wrote:

 I read a book on writing, before I took Les’ class and before your blog, that suggested creating a very detailed outline of the novel you want to write—literally scene by scene. I haven’t done that with my current book, and I’m wondering if I should. I feel like I’m floundering along, I have no idea what’s going to happen next, or what SHOULD happen next to keep the tension up, and the story going. In fact, in my latest scene, Ollie is telling her mentor, Merc about what she found on the thumb drive. It’s time for her to do it. BUT, I haven’t written about it til now. I know I can go back and fix that, but it’s frustrating. My question is—do you think I should take some time out (an afternoon or so, not weeks) and write a detailed outline, so I know what’s coming? Or, do I just keep plunking along, then fixing things as they come to me. I feel my story is stuck, and maybe this is why.

Help!!

Hi, Holly!

First off, I’d like to reassure you—what you’re feeling is completely normal. There were many times during the writing of my novel when I felt like throwing in the towel. Show me someone who claims to be able to plow through a novel without EVER hitting the wall and I’ll show you a liar… or possibly some sort of robot. Writing is painful. It’s difficult. It’s frustrating. And it’s totally worth it. So, hang in there, it’s gonna get better—I promise!

Your question was essentially: which is better, a bare bones outline, or a detailed outline?

The answer: Both… kinda.

Yes, both. Stop swearing, Holly, and let me explain:

The broad, 20 word outline you have right now is meant for one thing only—to keep you on track. This outline is meant to hit your MAJOR plot developments. It should look something like this:

INCITING INCIDENT

MAJOR PLOT DEVELOPMENT #1

MAJOR PLOT DEVELOPMENT #2

MAJOR PLOT DEVELOPMENT #3

RESOLUTION, DEPICTING BOTH LOSS AND GAIN

What this outline DOESN’T tell you is what happens between the lines.  That is entirely up to you, Holly. This is where you unleash your imagination and create scenes that will link your major plot developments together. So, really, it should look something like this:

INCITING INCIDENT (INCINC)

Scene/Sequel

Scene/Sequel
Scene/Sequel
Scene/Sequel
MAJOR PLOT DEVELOPMENT (MPD)#1
Scene/Sequel
Scene/Sequel
Scene/Sequel
Scene/Sequel
MAJOR PLOT DEVELOPMENT (MPD #2
Scene/Sequel
Scene/Sequel
Scene/Sequel
Scene/Sequel
MAJOR PLOT DEVELOPMENT (MPD #3
Scene/Sequel
Scene/Sequel
Scene/Sequel
Scene/Sequel
RESOLUTION, DEPICTING BOTH LOSS AND GAIN

 The number of scene/sequels it takes for you to get from plot point to plot point is totally up to you. As long as each of them are necessary, further the plot and interest the reader—go for it!

Now you’re asking--how in the hell do I do that??

 Well… You can go about it one of two ways (and this is where the "kinda both" comes into play). If you can see the whole story, all at once—and are committed to it—then you might find it easy to just write it out. The drawback is that, unless you have a firm grip on your story, it can be damn near impossible to keep it on course.

The other way, and this is what I suggest that you do: make scene cards.

 Buy a pack of index cards (I like the big ones) and a good pen, (I like Pilot pens best. Blue, medium point. … I have a minor office supply addiction. Don’t judge me.)

Now, sit down with your outline and write out each development on a separate card and lay them out. Start with your IncInc—how do you get from there to your first MPD? Scene ideas should start flowing (You’ve already wrote some, so write those down first). Write each scene on a card and use them to connect your outline together. It should flow like a movie. You should see your characters in action, moving from scene to scene—each one leading from MPD to MPD, and eventually your resolution.

Your biggest sticking point seems to be this thumb drive that your protag stole from her father’s house. This is a legitimate question, because we all know: the longer a story question hangs in the air, the bigger its impact MUST be to the outcome of the story. This thumb drive has been hanging out there for a while, so it’s contents has to be explosive. What could possibly be on it that would have bearing on her father’s death? Make a list. I can think of a few things and I’ll email them to you as sort of a jumping off point. Whatever it is, it must further the plot, and if at all possible, put your protag in danger.

So… take a trip to OfficeMax (or your office supply closet at work) and get yourself some index cards. Take a day to review your scenes. This will show you where your holes and weak spots are. Write new scene cards to fill the holes and shore up your walls. Keep them in order and refer to them as you go.

I hope this was helpful to you, Holly! Good Luck!

Maegan

Plot question? Writing question?

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