...maybe...
....like the outline for my agent on the story I pitched a few weeks ago. Uh-huh. I'm a pantster. It's how I've always written, though I certainly always wanted to be more of a planner, as I think it suits my personality a little better overall. And yet, the creative process has always been a little more organic than the other meticulous decisions and events in my life (whether those decisions actually ended up being meticulous or not, haha!). But, perhaps it's time to change that. Anyone have any good suggestions on how they like to outline? I've read a ton of posts around the web lately, but I value my blogging buddie's ideas most :)
And yeah, the idea I'm outlining? Oh my goodness. If I can pull this off it's going to be fun! Well, I think so at least. And my agent does, too. But we'll see. It's a little American Gods meets Nightmare Before Christmas. I hope at least ;) Though comparing myself in any way to these works totally makes me cringe, as I am NOWHERE in that league. But, the general idea is there...
Anyhow, rambling post today as I haven't done one in a while and I'm in the middle of cooking/grading/editing/brainstorming/paying bills. Or something like that...
Enjoy your Turkey Time! :) I'm a pantser who wants to be a plotter too. I've tried. My most recent one started off good, but then devolved in a random rambling. *LOL* Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Oh my goodness... I've worked for years to finally come to the point where outlining works well. Basically, I boil it down a little at a time. I define the beginning and end, and figure out the main characters. Then I figure out what the characters want & the middle point (the turning point), then break down beginning to middle with 3 major plot points, and then 3 from middle to end. At that point, I examine each plot point and break it down into 3 more plot points...until I have a full blown outline. And no, I don't always follow it well.
ReplyDeleteCan't help with the outlining - 'cause I don't. But I can stand here and cheer for you. Go Meradeth! Your idea sounds intriguing. How long have you had your agent?
ReplyDeleteI agree, outlining is tough. I really do try to, though.
ReplyDeleteWhat usually happens is mine is very loose and I continually wander off in a different direction....
Happy Thanksgiving! Not much of an outliner myself here, but I usually think of things in terms of scenes and lists of said scenes.
ReplyDeleteI get five days off for Thanksgiving, yay! (I have pto still available, so I tacked on Mon to the normal four days we get) Hope you have a nice break! And sorry, no advice, I outline loosely, and have never followed any kind of guide to doing it. Maybe one day...
ReplyDeleteI tend to prefer to keep the outlining in my head, which would seem ideal but for the odd occasion when one item slips away on me.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same position as you...I'm a pantser, yet now my agent/editor require me to write an outline for the whole book before they'll commit. Then I have to turn that outline into a book without veering off of it too much. I have to do the first three chapters first...I need to get to know my characters and they usually introduce themselves to me! Then I struggle over the outline/synopsis for WEEKS.
ReplyDeleteI just finished writing a 3 page synopsis for my agent and I thought it was very difficult. Even though I like to plan- it is hard to plan and make a commitment because I don't always know what will happen when I start writing. Wish I had some good advice for you- but the synopsis took Jess and me a ridiculously long time to write. Hope your outline goes better. :)
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