I write using an outline. If you’re doing work-for-hire, you’ll probably have to turn in a chapter-by-chapter outline before you turn in a manuscript. I know there are many writers out there who prefer not to work with an outline, however. I find outlines to be invaluable tools for keeping a story on track and [...]
Growing an outline into a story
Filed under Tips & Tools on January 20, 2009
Tagged: fantasy fiction, outlines, Shattered Amulet
Stopping the rush
Filed under Tips & Tools on September 18, 2008
Tagged: fantasy fiction, outlines, pacing, rushed endings
A real American hero once said, “Knowing is half the battle.” We’ve talked about what causes writers to rush their endings. Now we need to identify some solutions for stopping the rush. You can’t–and shouldn’t–rely upon your editor or critique group to always hold up a “Slow Down” sign. Take steps to prevent rushing before [...]
Back in the spotlight
Filed under Writing Journal on June 27, 2005
Tagged: outlines, Shattered Amulet
I got a lot of work done on the outline over the weekend. Shattered Amulet now stands at 15 chapters. Maiden was only 14. I think the outline will be shorter than the one for Maiden, though. I don’ t have the level of detail overall that I did with that one. One of the [...]
Filling in details
Filed under Writing Journal on March 14, 2005
Tagged: outlines, Shattered Amulet
I added a page to my outline for The Shattered Amulet over the weekend. This is a chapter-by-chapter outline that I’m working on. The main points for each chapter have been set out for a while, about a sentence for each. Most of the chapters even have two or three subpoints. What I’m doing now [...]
