The Great Outline Debate!

 The outline follows:

BEGINNING 

1. Character 

2. Setting 

3. Problem

MIDDLE 

4. Protagonist tries to resolve the problem and fails. This makes the problem worse. 

5. The protagonist gathers their resources and tries to resolve the problem again and fails. This makes the problem a matter of life and death. 

6. The protagonist gathers whatever resources are left and tries to resolve the problem for a third time. They succeed for a happy ending or fail for a tragic ending. This is the climax of the story.

END 

7. Validation

This format works for everything, from short stories to 100.000 word trilogies. It can be as short or detailed, as you want to make it. It keeps you on track (from wondering up a lot of dark alleys in the middle of your novel) and gives you immediate goals so you remain interested in what you are writing.

I was discussing this with a dear friend of mine just yesterday- and how we had to do them in school. As writers, we found the old memories to be kind of funny. Both of us prefer not to use them; to just wing the entire thing and let our characters control the book. In school, this wasn't allowed, but for good reason. Outlines can be extremely handy in life, and not just for writing a novel or two. But this post is referring to outlines for basic writing. Should they be used, or not? Now my teachers were willing to dock some points for not using an outline in creative writing- and it was perfectly understandable on why. I was not following directions. But when it comes to the author world (for a lack of better words here) the use of an outline is debated heavily upon. I actually came across one group that helped aspiring authors reach their goals by giving advice, and offering beta services for free. One of the advice offered was - USE AN OUTLINE!! They even handed out templets to anyone eager to do so. Outlines were discussed often, and had been explained as the lifesaver of books. "How can you write a decent book with nothing but jumbled thoughts?" An outline is used to take those messed up thoughts and turn them into something neat, organized, and satisfying for the readers. I agree, it can help out but I would also like to take the time to say- everyone is different. And here is the point of this ramble: What might work for one person, may not for another. If you are trying to get through this big, literary world with your own masterpiece in the making and not sure where to go, experiment and learn what might work for you. When taking what the school taught me, and what that group insisted upon, I realized that everyone was trying to clump authors together. I felt it was time to put these fingers to the keyboard! I went around to various authors, asking them if they used an outline.

Hey Scarlett Jade, do you use an outline for your book(s)?

"Hey! No, I don't use an outline because I don't like to live in a box, and that translates to my writing. My characters are passionate people and pull me in many directions. I simply step off the ledge and follow where they lead."

  Serena Pettus! How are you? I have a quick question about outlines! Do you use them?

"I do! Especially if I'm in the middle of one book, but have an idea for another that is just rattling around in my head. I find that if I can outline the story, then my muse isn't quite so ADHD and she'll let me get back to focusing on my current WIP."

S. Moose, excuse me, do you use an outline for your book(s)?

"I don't use an outline lol. I like to write different parts-write notes and then bring it together. I'm not a very "linear" person. Scattered brain haha."

Llerxt the 13th, I have a question! Do you use an outline for your book(s)?

"I kinda do but don't. I have a very rough outline for Elemental Journey, but it's very vague. I wanted this to be the best thing I've written so far and to make it something people want to buy, plus, I feel like I get off track very easily."

Hi Nickie Seilder, random question here- do you use an outline for your book(s)?

"I don't; I find myself alleviating from the outline if I write one so I just figure its best for me to just write as I go, if that makes sense."

Diamant! Just a moment please, do you use an outline for your book(s)?

"We only rough out if it is complex and when the books have more than the two perspectives, so yes and no. We outlined each chapter of the WIP (8 pages) but we don't go in depth we write simple markers to remind us of the plot, but otherwise we don't know what we are writing till it happens. We don't say antagonist or protagonist because villains will show themselves soon enough."

Emily Walker, what about you?

"I don't, I am a full blown panster."

And when asked, Gail McHugh said "I do. I have to have at least 10 chapters plotted. I need to know that chapter one needs to show something in order to get to chapter two. Chapter two needs to show something in order to get to chapter three and so on. I get nervous if not."

More people responded with- "Since my novels have a main plot and at least a couple of subplots, a rough outline is a must for me." 

"I always write a detailed outline. I can write the book itself much faster this way, and almost never get stuck." 

"No - I write "by the seat of my pants"

Horrormeister Stephen King kept up his prolific output without the help of an outline, while J.K. Rowling had a spreadsheet plan for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. See? Everyone works differently on their books. Outline, no outline, vague outline... It's just who they are- or who you are. No need to stress about the little stuff. If you are an outliner, go for it! If not, forget what everyone else wants you to do, and do what you want to. 

It is your book, if you are happy with it, that is all that matters.