Reviewer: brandyandMJ Signed [Report This]
Date: Feb 15, 2015 04:04 pm Title: Going back to Square 1

I don't know what category my outlining style would be in.

Here's an example of mine:

Chapter 1: Brown Eyes
- Group of kids (enter names here) are at Michael's Place w/o his permission
- Semaj is hanging out with Kearston <---- (her cousin)
 - Semaj goes to bathroom, Michael shows up and kicks everyone out
- Semaj notices everyone gone, Michael holds her at gunpoint in headlock
- Drives her home (enter reasons why she can't find other transportation)
- Leaves her jacket in his car, he brings it to her school the next morning

Month: December
 Day (of the week): I failed to write it, lmaoooo

And in some cases when there's a particular line I want Michael (or any other character) to say I'll write it down and in corporate it into its rightful spot. I also try to right the events I want to happen in chronological order but usually the dialogue between the characters comes naturally from the top of my mind. I don't know if that's bad or good, LOL. It just works for me and so far I've written 45 chapter outlines for Gangsta Lovin' as you can see I need to right more because I'm creeping up on chapter 37 right now and before I know it I'll be at 45.

Now when you said "outline your main characters" now I don't do that for the chapters... but I should probably start. It seems to make things a little smoother when the drama is around, buuuuutttt.... I usually will outline my characters in how their personalities/maturities are from beginning to end of the story.For example in Gangsta Lovin' under my summary that I wrote in my notebook I have Michael's name, a physical description, and then his personality description and then I write goals for him. By this chapter his personality should be this, by this chapter he needs to be showing this, by this chapter he needs to act like this, ect. I only do it for my main TWO characters; Michael and my OG.

If my goal doesn't meet that said chapters then I just push it with the next goal... and I make SURE that he has it then. I just don't want it to be like chapter 1 Michael doesn't want to be in love, he doesn't want love at all, and then by chapter 7 I'm writing how in love he is and this and that... that is NOT what I want. I want it to be gradual and not just coming out of the blue.

This was great advice though, now on to the next advice chapter!

Oh and I find it sort of funny because like the example of a chapter outline for me above, I can have 6 points (just like what I showed) and have a good 3,000-5,000 word chapter. I find that sort of cool. But yeah! Moving on! 

Author's Response:

For chapter one, I'd consider that overplotting unless you are going directly into writing it. If that's written a week in advance, I'd consider it overplotting. I think dialogue is best when it flows...as it often does when written in the moment. I think your character outlines sound fairly on point. I'd only do that for the main characters, as well. Though, when doing the story w/chapter outlines, I'd probably include the characters that will be in each chapter. That way, you can spot if there are too many supporting characters. Remember, too many pics/names to remember mean that the reader is more likely to get confused.

I like your point about having so many words for six points. I think that is key - not seeing this points as simply check marks to speed through. They are to be expanded upon and integrated into a larger narrative.

Reviewer: TutThreeSevens Signed [Report This]
Date: Feb 15, 2015 10:58 am Title: Going back to Square 1

I'm more of a mind map kind of writer. I never really write down my mental notes. I'm starting to learn from that though with CTTG. I started jotting down points for future chapters even while writing the current ones because I figure plot structure that will fit the story in the future. It really helps. Especially for the last chapter. 

I think I'm guilty of over plotting. Like you mentioned I had too many antagonists in the kitchen. Some are still necessary but I've taken a red pen to those who would only make things more complicated than they need to be. It's all a learning process for me. 

After reading each of your segments I mentally go through my mind trying to figure out if anything fits for any of my stories. When it does you're usually spot on and I try to implement your recommendations for the next chapter without loosing the focus of my initial trajectory. 

Thanks for this! 

Cant wait for the Consistency segment!!

More soon <333

Author's Response:

Mind maps are also written, their just more free flow ;)

I think it's easier to overplot when it's all in one's head. Putting things down on the screen (or paper) gives that visual alert of "too much" when the screen gets crowded or you find yourself on the Xth page.

I'm glad you find this helpful. I was so sure that I'd be told to "shut up" after the first segment or two.

It's going Michael then Consistency, so hopefully it'll be before next Sunday.

Reviewer: KerenOlivero Anonymous [Report This]
Date: Feb 15, 2015 05:10 am Title: Going back to Square 1

ah the memories of writing outlines in high school lo those many years ago..

I am one of the writers who can actually cope with not actually writing the outline..instead I just plan the chapters and how I want it to go in my head, as well as the course of the fic..and chapters usually turn out ok content wise. but maybe one of these days I will try the outline, not sure yet.

Author's Response:

I still always outline. It makes filling in gaps easier. When it comes time for a certain segment (or in this case, a chapter), I start by filling it in more. What I want to see happen. That quickly gives me an idea of what I want to convey and how to transition between one point and another. It sounds like you are able to maintain the full "set" mentally, which I'm envious of. I do that, but then I feel like I forget a detail or lose the essence with which I wanted to convey a bit of information. I think of it as how Michael used to always have a recorder or paper on his person. He wanted to capture the inspiration when it came, so as to make sure he didn't lose it.