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Katy
Lv 5
Katy asked in Arts & HumanitiesBooks & Authors · 10 years ago

Best method of outlining a story?

I'm currently starting a new project and would like to find new ways to plot a story.

*I currently use a spiral notebook to jot down basically anything story-related - whether this is research, characterization, brainstorms, etc.

I'd normally map out my rough ideas for the plot first in this notebook. This would have minimal details, and no chapter seperations. The next step is where I need help.

I was hoping to get two things from this.

1) Possibly something along the lines of this: http://corrinejackson.com/wordpress/2011/02/02/out...

This helps you organize your novel into three sections, with two plot points. I like this idea, but it feels as though the story in my head doesn't directly follow this pattern, and the plot points wouldn't be placed as directly as they are here.

So I'd love any other diagrams or steps on how to organize the events of your book into something like this.

2) A way to visualize my plot once I've got the idea. I've seen people write a scene down on an index card, then put them in order on a bulletin board. I could do this, but I'd enjoy seeing and trying out any other ideas.

I also have a large quantity of green bar paper, or lined printer paper. This would be good to see everything in linear form, however I feel like I'd be more inclined to be less organized if I just started outlining on this.

Any suggestions on how to see my plot take shape?

I'd prefer not to use a computer program. If I do most of the plotting by hand, with physical objects (like Post-It notes and paper) I will actually finish plotting in a reasonable amount of time, whereas otherwise I could be distracted by Facebook or Y!A or something of the sort.

All answers are appreciated. And any plotting tips are welcome. Thanks :)

I usually am more of a "pantser" than a "plotter", but I really want to give this a shot.

1 Answer

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  • Anonymous
    10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Currently for my novel I have a good 200 pages worth of story to work with in my head and I haven't written a single thing down (started a couple weeks ago). This is fine for me, because I can personally remember everything just fine, it's my invention, my world, I'm not going to forget any of it. However, the tricky part is being able to get it all on paper without complications. This is where I believe tools like outlining come in handy.

    However, everyone has different ways of doing things. The outline Corrine Jackson posted is a great tool, but it works for her, and maybe lots of other people, but not everyone. Just know it is also a good idea to come up with your own way of organizing events that suits your own style/inventiveness.

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