I'm fully entrenched in two nonfiction work-for-hire pieces at the moment. Actually, really only entrenched in one, but thinking about the other. I love history, so I'm really excited about this assignment.
At any rate, the guidelines for this set require an outline--which, normally, I am not inclined to write. I wasn't sure where to start, so I spent some time looking at the history/social studies curriculum frameworks for my state. I pored through some of my library books. I googled Colonial America. I jotted some notes.
But last night at the library, I actually started outlining. And you know what? It's pretty cool! I can skim my notes and my resources and only pull out important highlights. I don't have to spend hours reading details--of course, that will come later. But I suddenly feel like I have a direction to go with this project.
I know a few of my CPs and blogging friends outline their plots, but I have never done it. It's got me thinking...
Who knows, maybe it'll inspire me to outline for my new novel. Anyone else outline?
6 comments:
I do keep a separate journal for each writing project I have. It definitely helps to have an evolving outline in so many ways, which I keep in those journals along with notes and ideas on characters, locations, that sort of thing. It all works out almost like a map, getting that plot to where it needs to be.
Keeping a separate journal is a great idea, Joanne! Thanks for stopping by!
I don't keep a journal, but I create a folder in Word with different documents. I have different pages for Outline, Notes, Characters Sketches, and a "Suggestion/Corrections" page so when I get a tip from a blog or a thought occurs to me (like "don't use the same adjective more than once in the same chapter" or "round out Character X- he's flat"), I make a note of it and fix it later. That way, my momentum isn't slowed down, but I don't forget to polish those parts of the manuscript.
Good suggestions, Jess. Thanks!
Kris, I definitely outline my nonfiction. I need direction! As for fiction, I've loosely outlined. With my next project, I'm trying to outline a little bit more, so I don't wander too much.
The outlining is def helping w/ my most recent nonfic project. I should try it w/ my fiction! Thanks, Julie!
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