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After I was done with graduate school and got my full-time job, I decided it was time to start writing. I knew what I wanted to write and who my characters were. But where should I start with writing a novel? Obviously by writing.
I decided to start with an outline. I'd always used outlines for writing papers in school and they work wonders for me. If I wanted my paper to be good, I always needed an outline first. Why would it be different for writing a fiction novel?
Why you need an outline
There is no overall agreement in the writing world that you absolutely need an outline for writing a novel. Many writers like the thrill of not knowing what they're writing. For some, the outline is essential. It all depends on who you are as a writer. I recommend trying the outline before you completely reject it.
I need an outline for my writing. And, honestly, I have no clue why. My writing is just better when I have one. I guess it has to do with organizing my ideas before I start but rarely does my outline stay the same once I start writing. But I like having an outline to go back to when I get stuck in my writing.
When you start writing your novel, bring your outline with you on the journey. It's not an unchanging thing anyway. It will change as you start writing. I know mine definitely has.
The outline is a living and growing thing
Treat your outline as if it is part of your novel. When you are writing and your story changes, take a break to put that change in your outline. This will help you to see if the other parts of the novel you outlined will work with your new material. I'm still working on my outline even now as I write my novel.
There are also many different kinds of outlines and I'll write more about them as I continue to experiment with different ones.
Thank you for reading :)
Melissa
Do you use an outline when you write?
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