How and Why I Outline

 

Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you outline? Do you think outlining is important? Do you think every writer should outline? How you do outline? What is the best way to outline? I’ve been asked all of these questions and more.

I have an answer for all of them. Answers I will go over with you.

However, besides the rudimentary questions, there are more craft questions that people ask. More critical questions. Questions like, why can’t you write without an outline? Is having an outline crippling? Does having an outline mean your writing lacks creativity? Could you write the story the same way if someone took away your outline?

For these questions I still have answers.

I began my writing venture as a pantser. I had never outlined anything in high school or any other time, not if I didn’t have to. I didn’t see the point in outlining if I knew where I was going with whatever I was writing, whether that be a story or a paper. So I pansted. That is, until I tried to outline and fell in love with the process. Or, many of them.

Yes, I outline. I’ll get into that more later.

Yes, I think outlining is important. More on that later.

No, I do not believe every writer should outline. George R. R. Martin doesn’t outline and his books are amazing. That man does not need an outline. Though I’m not sure how he keeps everything straight. More power to him.

I have tried several methods to outlining. I love to watch videos of other authors. I love to learn how they write, or their inspirations, or how they outline and so forth. I’ve learned many ways of outlining because of these videos. I’ve even tried a lot of their methods. Some of the methods I’ve tried using include using notecards, using post its on a giant marker board, an actual outline and so forth.

The notecard method is to write every scene you want to happen in the book on notecards. One scene per notecard. Then you can mark up the notecard with ideas and characters and dialogue and so forth. I really liked trying this method out, however it didn’t stick with me. I gave it a good effort, it just wasn’t the method for me. Then I tried writing scenes or chapters on post its and putting them on a giant marker board. While I didn’t have a giant marker board, I did use poster board. This method did not work for me, however, it is the idea that stemmed my current method of outlining, which I will get into. I’ve also tried the normal outline. As good as a normal outline it, it’s just not for me. I’m not that organized. I would have to make too many changes to it at a time and it would turn into a mess.

My current method of outlining, which I am in love with, uses post its, a binder, clear plastic paper protectors, printer paper, and a pen. I use one sheet of printer paper for each chapter. On the piece of paper I write the chapter, the narrator, and the approximate date the chapter takes place. The date is not exactly necessary, unless it is. One of my books is about a pregnancy, therefore I needed to know the date, or at least how many weeks into the pregnancy the character was in. Then, I use three different colored post it notes to make the outline. One color is for the overall plot of the chapter, one color for any specific scenes I want in the chapter, and one color for any specific dialogue I want in the chapter. Then I place the post it on the sheet of printer paper and slip the paper into the paper protector. That way, depending on what chapter I am writing, I can flip the pages in the binder to the sheet I need. It may sound like a lot of work and a little complicated. However, I love it, I find it super simple, and very easy to follow. It helps me to know where I am in the story.

I do not believe there is a best way to outline. I believe there is a best way to outline for every different writer. But I do not believe there is one best way for every writer.

Now, on to the more difficult questions.

Can you write without an outline? Or, why can’t you write with an outline? Now, I wrote my entire first novel without an outline. I wrote the first draft of my second novel without an outline. So yes, I can write without an outline. I just wrote a novella without an outline. However, now that I have been writing with an outline for so long, I feel like I can’t write as well or as quickly without an outline. The novella I wrote without an outline, took me forever. Like, I seriously didn’t think I was ever going to finish the darn thing. Here is how I feel when I write without an outline; I know where I am going, just not how I’m going to get there. I love having an outline. It helps me write more quickly, more fluidly, more efficiently. I’m not sitting in front of my computer for a long period of time trying to figure out what I’m going to write before I get any actual writing done. No, with my outline, I can open my computer and get write down to writing. So, yes, I can write without an outline, but I prefer not to.

Is having an outline crippling? NO. If you ask me, it’s freeing. For all the reasons I just listed. I already know what I want to write. I have an overview of where the story is going, I just need to fill in the gaps. My outline is my best friend.

Is having an outline a lack of creativity? There are some writers who believe that if you are a writer and you use an outline it means you are stifling your creativity and not opening your mind when you write. They are perfectly fine to believe that. Everyone can believe what they want. And they can write how they want. However, I do not personally believe that having an outline stifles creativity. I mean, seriously, when you outline you are creating the story as you write your outline. It is just larger bits of the story. Broader strokes of the story. I happen to believe that an outline is creativity. You still have to fill in the blanks as you write, which is being creative. So, no, I do not believe that.

Could I write my book without my outline? Short answer, yes. Long answer, yes. I wrote the outline, I remember everything I wrote on the outline. I could write the book without my outline, like I previously stated. I just find it is a smoother writing process when I can flip through different pages of my outline and use it as a reference. I don’t live by my outline. That’s why I use post it notes. They can be removed and repositioned. And trust me, I’ve done that a lot. And when I write, I don’t stare at my outline the whole time. I find where I am in the story, then get to writing. It is merely a reference, a guide, not a bible.

Now, yes, I love having my outline. I wouldn’t go back to pantsing unless I was forced to somehow. However, I am not telling you that you need to have an outline. I am not telling you that outlines are the only way to write. I just believe for me personally, I need an outline to write. I honestly don’t understand why some writers get so up in arms about having or not having an outline. If it helps you use one, if it doesn’t, then don’t. It is as simple as that. There are authors who will tell you you need one or writers who will tell you not to use one. Don’t listen to them. Listen to what you as a writer feels then do what you need to do.

The Importance of First Lines

 

How important are first lines in books anyway? Some say they are the most important because they are what pulls the reader into the story. Some say the first line is indicative to the writing of the rest of the book and therefore very important. And then some say you cannot judge a whole book on one sentence. So let us look at the true importance of a first line. Then I will share with you some of my most favorite first lines.

There are four main uses of a first line or ways a first line is used.

One use or way a first line is used is narrative. An author may use narrative to open the book. This is also a way to introduce the narrative. A line of narrative is a good way to introduce a character; their attitude, the way they feel about the certain situation, ect. I feel like narrative is a good way to get to know a character. Narrative gives you quick insight into the character. Narrative may not even be used to introduce a character, it may be used to introduce the scenario that the character is going through. Narrative may also be used as foreshadowing as to what will happen in the first page, first chapter, or sometimes the entire book. It may also be used as a way to set the tone of the story and that can be very important. Now, there are different ways in which you can use narrative. Really, there are only two, but they are still different and important in their own right. And those two different ways are using a statement or using a question. Most authors use a statement. Some daring authors use questions. Using a question to open your book can be a big surprise to your read. It is a way to pull them into the story and make them an active reader, make them engage in the story, versus a passive reader. Sometimes the question is not always aimed at the reader. Sometimes it is more of a philosophical question. Sometimes a question is actually aimed at or used to introduce your character and their motives. More often than not, an author will use narrative as the way they open their book.

A second way to open a book is the opposite of narrative and that is dialogue. Using dialogue to introduce your entire book can be tricky. I believe that if you are going to use dialogue you have to use it very carefully and make sure it is necessary. Using dialogue instead of narrative may throw the reader off the book completely. But at the same time, it may intrigue the reader and give them something they are not used to or expecting. If you are to use dialogue, make sure it is necessary and will still pull the reader into the story. Dialogue is a good way to set the tone  as well. Really, when you are writing a first line you want to set the tone of the story. Often the tone of a story can and does change. However, the first line should set the tone in which you want to work with immediately. Along with narrative, dialogue is a good way to introduce the character. While it may not lead you to learn about their feelings, attitude, or ambitions, it can teach you other things about the character, whether or not they are sarcastic or dry, or witty and so forth. While using dialogue as the first line can be tricky, it can also be a big payoff, so never rule it out.

The last two uses of a first line, and the most important ones, are for shock value and to pull you into the story. Now, you may say that the two go hand in hand, but not necessarily. You may say you need one for the other, but not necessarily. Using a first line for shock value may not always lead to pulling the reader into the story. They may be so shocked and revolted that they may not want to finish the story. Now, that being said, shock value can be very important. You want the reader to be caught off guard. If they are caught off guard they will more than likely want to continue reading to see if the author can keep up with their first line. This can also be tricky. Using the first line as shock value can make the reader want to continue but if the author can’t keep that shock value going or veers off into a different direction, or the story dulls right after the shocking first line, it could throw the reader off the story entirely and you do not want this.

The most important thing you want your first line to do is to pull the reader into the story. This is generally called a hook. You want your first line to grab ahold of the reader and take them into a whole other world. You want your first line to take hold of the reader and not let go until the story is completed. Of course, all authors want this, but it does not always happen. So make sure your first line is a good one, whether that is using narrative or dialogue, whether it is shocking or not so much. Make sure it is necessary to the story and stays true to the rest of the story. First lines are powerful, make them count.

Now, having said all that, I suck at writing first lines. It sometimes takes me forever to come up with a good line. And once I’ve done that, and I think it is a great first line, I’ll go back once I’ve completed the whole story and think my first line is shit, or too cliche, or dumb, or that it won’t pull the reader into the story. I have a love, hate relationship with first lines. I wish I could write better first lines. But, since I suck at them, I will share with you my favorite first lines from authors who don’t suck at them. Starting with probably my very favorite.

In a while in the ground there lived a hobbit. - The Hobbit, by JRR Tolkien

It is the first day of November and so today someone will die. - The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater

What if Shakespeare had it wrong? - Just One Day, by Gayle Foremann

You stop fearing the Devil when you’re holding his hand. - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, by April Genevieve Tucholke

The thing is, all memory is fiction. - Heading Out to Wonderful, by Robert Goolrick

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. - A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens

Mr. and Mrs. Dursley of number four Privet Drive were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by JK Rowling

Each of these first lines provoke something in me that make me want to continue reading that story. As you see, all of them are narrative, I haven’t read many books with very strong dialogue as the first sentence. But as you all see, they are used in different ways. There is a question in there. There are powerful statements meant to shock the reader, but there are also low lying statements that do their own part to pull the reader in.

Remember, first lines are powerful and should be used as such. Use them wisely.

The Author Tag

 

Where is your favorite place to write?

At my dining room table. I’ve got notebooks and pens and papers scattered all over. It’s chaos and I love it.

Coffee or tea?

Neither. Hot chocolate.

Favorite book of all time?

Harry Potter series.

Nano. Yes or no?

Both. I’ve never truly attempted it. I’ve attempted for a week twice and failed miserably each time. I think it works for other people, I just don’t think I could make it work for me.

Genre you would write if you had no restrictions?

Paranormal romance. You’ve got action which is fun and keeps the story going and you’ve got romance and who doesn’t love romance.

If you could have one super power what would it be?

This changes every time I’m asked this question. It’s either teleportation because I hate to drive, or telepathy, because I want to know what people think.

Favorite author?

Not sure. JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien, Pierce Brown.

What kind of music do you listen to when you write?

Mostly rock. Rock music owns my soul. Doesn’t matter if it’s classic rock, hard rock, soft rock, contemp rock, alt rock, indie rock. Rock is my jam.

If you could live anywhere where would that be?

New Zealand, England, or someplace that’s warm all the time.

What do you do when you get writers block?

I plot and outline.

New Book

     My second book is available today. Right now! I'm so excited. This book has been a labor of love and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.

Amazon ebook
Amazon paperback

Cover Reveal

     I have a new book coming out and I thought I would share the cover with you today! I am so excited for this book. I have poured my heart and soul into it and worked very hard on it. I will start by sharing the synopsis with you.

     After a steamy night together the lives of basic strangers Lux and Greyson are irrevocably intertwined. They'd forget each other if they could, but their small town Nebraska high school makes that difficult. as does Lux's growing abdomen.
      Although the time they spend together brings them closer, their separate lives keep them apart.
      Greyson must choose between the life he wants with Lux and the life others would thrust upon him. And pregnant Lux must decide if she is brave enough to trust Greyson with her heart and the future she never expected.

This is a story I wasn't sure I was able to write. I'm not a mother and I've never been pregnant. I wasn't sure how I could write a story authentically and believable when I didn't know much about it. I had this idea for a teen pregnancy book but had to shelve it until I became pregnant or knew more about it. In the time I shelved it, my sister became pregnant and had a child. I learned a lot from that experience. I asked a lot of questions and paid a lot of attention. But I still wasn't sure I had the right story. I wanted to do justice to a teen pregnancy book. Then, one night while flipping through the channels I settled on the TV show Parenthood. I love this show and believe it does so well handling tough situations and emotions. In that particular episode, there was a couple who was going to adopt a baby from a pregnant teen. In one scene the adoptive father told someone "She's carrying my baby." It was like divine intervention. Everything clicked in that moment. I had the characters. I had the story. I had everything. I was in love with this story and ready to write it. So I wrote it.

And now I would like to share the cover with you. I would also like to thank Caedus Design Co. for such and amazingly beautiful cover.

I hope you guys love it as much as I do. Look for it to be available in a couple weeks.

71 Thoughts I Had While Reading The Last Time We Say Goodbye

1. Cynthia Hand. I feel like I know something else she wrote.
2. I love the Post It.
3. Great first sentence.
4. This guy is seriously telling this girl about having sex in the backseat of a car.
5. She likes math. Who the hell likes math?
6. I would expect her mom to cry if her son committed suicide.
7. Isn't it always that the sibling who died is the one who was the parents favorite?
8. Holy Shit! It's set in Nebraska. Yes!
9. She's reading A Beautiful Mind. I need to see that movie.
10. Do bodies really turn into green goo in coffins?
11. Why is it always cat videos on Youtube?
12. 21 degree weather? It's totally Nebraska.
13. How old was her brother? And why did he do it?
14. Wait. I thought this was contemporary. Is it a paranormal? Or perhaps magical realism?
15. I really like the journal entries.
16. She's so straight forward. No bullshit. It is refreshing.
17. Fantastic name calling. I seriously laughed out loud.
18. Pretty sure even if I loved my boyfriend, I wouldn't want him comparing me to a math problem.
19. Yes! Twilight jokes.
20. I love that she reads and makes references to books.
21. Holy crap! I love Olive Garden.
22. Oh snap! She just said that.
23. She shares my feelings on flowers.
24. What kind of school starts at &am?
25. She's totally raining on everyone's V-Day parade. what a B-with an itch.
26. Why does every non V-Day party involve horror movies?
27. I like the journal entries. But I'm not sure any one would actually write some of this stuff down.
28. Just call her Eleanor. El is so stupid.
29. Who uses the Fibonacci sequence to go to sleep? Who even knows that sequence?
30. Still can't figure out if this is contemporary or paranormal.
31. Long Island Medium. Nice.
32. I don't understand why people post messages on dead peoples walls. They won't be able to see them.
33. We totally had weddings and marriages when I was in elementary.
34. What high schooler takes notes on her dead brothers ex girlfriend?
35. I like making fun of cheerleading too.
36. All I can think right now is Supernatural and Dean and Sam Winchester coming to exercise.
37. Are they going to get Theresa Kaputo to come talk to Ty?
38. Oh, I totally want her and Seth to get together.
39. Cigarettes are so gross.
40. Both Missing pics involve their dad. Hm. Clue.
41. Do actual therapists only ever answer questions with questions?
42. Haha. She asks the aliens not to annihilate us on account of  we can be charming. Haha.
43. why would a ghost take pictures?
44. Who knew deaths/funerals were so expensive.
45. Volumes of rotations using integrations. What? I don't math.
46. At least read the damn thing before you destroy it.
47. If you would just deliver the letter already you wouldn't have to feel this way All The Time.
48. Finally.
49. Her name is Sadie. Why on Earth would you leave off the i and call her Sade?
50. What kid makes a collage for his own funeral?
51. Agreed. Diet Coke is lethal.
52. What kid just plans a road trop and their parents say yes?
53. I've always been confused when a character is a book says, "I haven't thought about so and so all day." Isn't that statement thinking about them?
54. If her mom says, "My life is over," one more time I might stop reading this book.
55. Yes! Yell at her.
56. She's reading her a book. Aw that is so sweet.
57. OMG! foreshadowing.
58. Twilight reference.Check.
59. Star Trek reference. Yes!
60. Tear stains on the paper. Good image.
61. Just reading this tornado scene hits too close to home.
62. Tap that, girly. He's practically beggin for it.
63. Everything always blows up in everyone's face.
64. That's almost too much detail.
65. The Princess Bride reference. The references in this book are on point.
66. Whoa. That was intense.
67. Oh the text. Oh my damn.
68. Oh my damn. The feels.
69. That's kind of a lot to put on an innocent kid.
70. Yay! Closure.
71. Aw!

Retell Me A Story

Let’s talk about books, baby. Let’s talk about books and me.

Oh wait. Those aren’t the right words.

But seriously, let’s talk about books. More specifically, retellings.

I love a good retelling. Whether they are a retelling of fairy tales, classic literature, Shakespeare, or mythology.

I’ve read a decent number of story retellings and recently I’ve wondered why I read them. I mean, I’ve already read the original, why waste my time reading another version? The more I thought about it, the more answers I got. I read them because I love the original so much I don’t want the story to end. I read them because I like that other authors pay homage to them. The Litter Mermaid is one I’d like to read a new take on. The Beauty and the Beast. I could read a thousand BATB books. I read retellings because if I couldn’t bring myself to finish the original I would like to know if someone else can capture my attention enough to finish the story. There are many other reasons but to spell them out would take a lot longer. Therefore, I am going to tell you my five favorite retellings, why I love them so much, as well as my top five retellings I’m looking forward to reading, and why I’m looking forward to them. Maybe these books will get you into the retellings spirit.

1. Mr. Darcy’s Diary by Amanda Grange

I have seen the Pride and Prejudice movies and I loved them. I tried to read the book and it did not go as well. I got one hundred pages into it and could not finish it. But then I discovered Mr. Darcy’s Diary. To date I have read this book seven times. I love it so much. I love this retelling because, as the title might suggest, the story is told by Darcy in the form of his diary. You get a look into how he felt and the reasons why he did what he did. This book makes him a much more sympathetic character and much more loveable. It make me love Elizabeth and Darcy much more as a couple.

2. Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

I have not read the original Hansel and Gretel by the Grimm Brothers but I am decently familiar with the story. I love fairy tales. Like, hardcore. But I also love a modern setting. Sweetly does this perfectly. Ansel and Gretchen are siblings who have been thrown out of their house by their stepmother. Shocker, evil stepmother. Then their car breaks down and they need a place to stay. Low and behold they find a candy maker to live with. Can anyone say crazy witch in disguise. Not soon after, Gretchen notices alarming things going on around town, like several teenage girls have gone missing. This book is so great. Talk about another book I’ve read multiple times. It takes the famous story of Hansel and Gretel and turns it on its head, several times. It’s intriguing. It’s mysterious. It blends other fairy tales together. Plus, it’s got hot guys, and who can go wrong with that.

3. Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce.

Jackson has a series of fairy tale retellings. Along with Sweetly, she has Cold Spell which is a retelling of the Snow Queen, Fathomless, which is a retelling of the little mermaid, and Sisters Red, a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. LRRH is fantastic. The whole, “What big teeth you have, Grandma.” “The better to eat you with my dear.” Who wouldn’t get freaked out by that as a child? I certainly never took a basket over to granny’s house. Sisters Red takes the tale of LRRH and plays with it. Little Red is no longer a damsel in distress, but a pair of bad ass werewolf slaying sisters. There is intense drama, a high count of feels in this book. Also, there is a dual POV which is another favorite thing of mine.

4. Beastly by Alex Flinn

Beastly is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, perhaps my favorite Disney movie ever. I capital LOVE this story. It’s all about changing your ways and becoming a better person for the one you love. It’s about redemption and sacrifice. And oh, the feels. Beastly is a modern retelling of that. The boy is cursed by a witch for being a terrible person and must find love within a certain period of time to break the curse. Very similar to the original. Perhaps that is why I love it so much. It is so close to the original I don’t feel the need to explain it. However, one thing I will say, in the movie version the beast does not have fur but has scaring and tattoos. The concept with this is that everything he projected onto his peers verbally was now on his body. That concept blew me away and made me want to treat people a little better.

5. Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Graham-Smith

This story is incredible. I am a bit of a history buff. Not a large one, but history fascinates me. Ancient history, the Native Americans, yesterday. It is all so interesting. I am so in love with this story because it combines two of my favorite things, history and vampires. And the fact that they make Abe Lincoln, one of the most well-known presidents, a vampire hunter is mindboggling. Shout out to Seth Graham-Smith for this book. He blended the historical facts of Abe Lincoln’s life and some gruesome vampires seamlessly. Good on you, Seth.

Now, for the retellings I am most excited to read.

1. Wild by Alex Mallory

Wild is retelling of Tarzan. I am a giant nerd with a giant array of interests so don’t be surprised when I say that I love Tarzan. Especially the Disney movie with the little elephant that says, “Mom are you sure this water’s sanitary. It looks questionable to me.” I laugh every single time. I’m excited for this book because though a lot of times with Hans Christian Anderson and the Grimm Brothers the originals are dark stories with dark endings but Disney likes to lighten them up. I’m hoping with Wild Alex Mallory will take the Tarzan story and return it to its dark roots.

2. Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

The Wizard of Oz is a classic. So when I first heard about Dorothy Must Die I was a little skeptical. But then I heard what the premise of the book was and I got excited. I honestly didn’t know how Danielle Paige was going to approve upon the original, but I think she might have. Dorothy Must Die takes place after Dorothy has gotten to Oz and saved it. After that she has all this power and it goes to her head, essentially turning her evil. An evil Dorothy, how exciting. Because of this the whole of Oz is turned upside down.

3. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Cruel Beauty is another Beauty and the Beast retelling. This time, it is vastly different. The Beast is this demon that rules over the kingdom. And the girl must marry the Beast, get in his good graces, and then kill him as vengeance for the death of her mother. Crazy. I’m looking forward to this book to see how Hodge stays true to the original but also plays with it.

4. Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Tiger Lily is a retelling of Peter Pan. Okay. That is semi wrong. Tiger Lily is set before Peter belonged with Wendy. This is a story about Peter and Tiger Lily. Tiger Lily doesn’t believe in love or happy endings until she meets Peter. Imagine that. Loving the hot new stranger in a YA novel. I somewhat suffer from the Peter Pan complex so I can relate to his struggle. I’m excited to read this book but I’d like to explore more about Peter and why he is the way he is and how he interacts with other characters.

5. Crave by Cathy Yardley

Crave is a retelling of Snow White. And I do believe it is the first Snow White adaptation I’ve come across. It’s not a YA novel. It’s a romance. There are definitely no cuddly little dwarves singing “Hi-ho off to work we go.” But, with as little information as I have about it, I would like to see where it goes and how it plays with the Snow White story.

Retellings are some of my favorite books to read. They offer a new vision. A modern twist. Hotter guys. Scarier villains. But no matter the reason, I hope you can find a retelling you love as much I do.