O is for OUTLINE

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To OUTLINE, or not to outline. That is ALWAYS my question whenever I start a new story.

I love the idea of just writing free-flow — putting pen to paper and letting the ideas come out fast and furious. Giving my characters free reign to take over the story, or never knowing what comes next.

The problem is, when the plot is TOO loose, I can get writer’s block.

I know that outlining your story gives you a roadmap of what will happen at key points of the plot. It helps you organize your thoughts, and of course, provides some structure.

But…

I’m not the type that wants to be confined to an outline.

Here’s the great news, though! My Language Arts teacher told me that you can write a BASIC outline, just jotting down some key plot points, and then when you’re writing, it can CHANGE. She says I don’t even have to FOLLOW the outline…but if I get stuck on “what comes next” then there’s a back-up plan, or a way to reign in my characters when they try to go all AWOL on me.

Sounds logical. What do you think? To outline or not to outline…?

Gotta jet!

— Chase Superman Duffy