It’s been a busy couple of weeks on The Edge. Busy is good, but soon I’d like to see busy turn into money. You hear me money gods? I need some of what you got.
Okay, so because I often have hours of time on my hands, I’ve taken on a page as the Canada Books Examiner. Yep, got too much time to get into trouble. This should make sure I have no spare minutes with which to scheme. Author spotlights, fiction writing and book reviews will now be placed on the Canada page and all the other stuff; writing conferences, local book-related events, etc. you’ll find on the Toronto page.
In other news, I’ve concocted a scheme to bring everyone over to the dark side. In OFW’s November challenge, I’ve challenged members to produce an outline for a new writing project and further tempted them by mentioning we’ll be using said outline in further challenges. Oh, crafty me. We’ll get those Pantsers to see the light yet. I’m very curious to see, after they’ve completed outlining, writing and rewriting these projects, how many continue to write on the fly.
You see, I too was once a pantser and swore I could NOT write from an outline. I mean, how boring is that? To know what will happen, to plan every little detail? Ugh. No thanks. But then I tackled a project I’ve called I Do and Other Lies We Tell and I had no other choice. To begin with three threads, three separate stories and then tie them all together midway through, was confusing and frustrating and I just couldn’t do it the way I’d done other projects. So, an outline had to be written. As I compiled character notes, chapter outlines, etc. I came up with new ideas, new characters and more. At that point I realized I’d never write another novel without an outline.
So, I’ll let you know if my scheming pays off. I’ve made it almost impossible to resist. They don’t call us Plotters for nothing you know.
Dangling on the Edge of Insanity 
I knew you were up to something! You OFW mods always have something up your sleeves.I'll admit that I have never been able to write from an outline, so I am going to try my best to be a Plotter for the November challenge. Maybe I'll end up coming over to the dark side for good!
We have candy…muahaha. I used to think I couldn't write from an outline too but the great thing about them is that you can be as detailed as you like, or not. Depends on what works for you. I've written a couple of manuscripts from a very basic outline, much like a synopsis. Then I've written a couple from a really in depth outline where I used chapter synopses, spreadsheets to keep track of characters and events and all of that fun stuff. I prefer a little less preparation than that, but sometimes it's necessary. Extremely complicated plots with large casts of characters are tough, and outlines cut down on a lot of rewrites.Have you come over yet? No? I'll save this bit of chocolate for when you arrive. 🙂
Oooo. I do like chocolate. Maybe I'll just write a little outline. A little can't hurt, right?
A little is perfectly safe. Who ever became addicted to something after trying just a little?
LOL! I'm so glad you've decided to join the little bloghop, you're so cute.Funny thing is that I'm a Pantser and an Outliner if the gods will it.I've written rough outlines and stuck by them. But of course filling in the middles with juicy tidbits of details!!!Thanks for this post… Right now I'm crazily editing away and can't accept your challenge. I need to get this done so I can start the rejection process! Muahahahha! 😉~Elizabeth 🙂
Hear that everyone?! I'm cute. So just stop with the warnings about danger and crazy and whatnot.Thanks for stopping by Elizabeth. I'm editing too but a busy me is a happy me…or that's what I tell myself, so I'll outline something new whilst being rejected repeatedly. Maybe next time you'll be able to join in. I think the next time I'll do a pantsing challenging so the pantsers don't feel I've picked on them.;)
I honestly end up writing the outline after the rough and use it for revisions. It's sort of organic (in my head, anyway), and I like that.I can see the attraction for something as complicated as your project though. I'm not anti-outline, just naturally rebellious.Great post!
Actually, Michael, your comment made me think of something I should have mentioned. I am not anti-pantsing either. In fact, I never outline short stories. Any short stories that have turned into longer projects I've skipped an actual outline, using the story as my guide. Perhaps it needs to be said that outlining depends on the project and it doesn't mean putting it on paper. Many writers outline in their head. They know their story and characters because they've thought it through while cutting the grass, in the shower, taking the kids to school, etc. Basically, what outlining means to me and what outlining means to someone else will be different.I've also outlined again after the rough draft as you mentioned. It's a great way to spot holes and such. Pantsing can be fun and can work better, but I'm not a big fan of rewrites, so whatever I have to do to avoid a round of doing that, I'll do it.
I always have a rough plan, but within that I let my characters lead me deeper. The subplots, unexepected bits pop up as the writing happens.I always thought I couldn't write to someone else's brief, but I probably could now, becasue I could still make it my own. The idea would have to insprire me though.
We make an outline on butcher paper, hang it on the wall and then make that into index cards. We then throw those in the air and see where they land, done! 🙂
Um, now you know I have to try that ladies, just to see what happens.