On Writing : Author Sarra Cannon's Novel Outlining Method by Ashley Renee Smith

I'm a big proponent of outlining. Every feature I've written, I outlined scene by scene before writing FADE IN. For the first book in my fantasy trilogy, I didn't outline it, because originally it was meant to be a short story that expanded considerably. But when I reached what I saw as halfway through the entire trilogy, I outlined the rest chapter by chapter before finishing it. For Xtreme Saga, I outlined the entire novel chapter by chapter first, which was crucial to present to the producers on the project. The number one reason I outline is that it removes writer's block from the equation. You always know what you're supposed to be writing when working on the project.

This is a great share, Ashley! I find that outlining can be a big help -- but my own personal process is to free write first, and then do an outline once I've discovered the story. I started my writing life as a screenwriter, so structure was kind of "built in" to my process, but with novels, it's tricky. I'm currently working on a sequel to my first novel which was based on a screenplay, so this sequel book is starting life as a novel first. So I'm going to try Sarra's process and see if it helps me block out my plot.

Terrence Sellers, I completely agree! The biggest pro to outlining is that it should avoid any writer's block in the traditional sense because you always know where you're trying to go next.

William Joseph Hill, keep us updated on how Sarra's method works for you in practice! I would love to know what your biggest successful takeaways end up being and even which parts of her method end up being less helpful to you.

William Joseph Hill that's how my fantasy trilogy went. I had never free written a longer story before, but originally it was meant to be a short story so I just went for it with an ending in mind. By the time I had written half the story, I was at more than 100 pages, so I decided to outline the rest of the story. When I finally finished it, I realized it was 3 books worth of plot, so I split it and edited it into a trilogy. For the next novel I plan on writing, I considered going for no outline to start, but then I decided I wanted to try writing it in first person, which I've never done before, so I'm going to outline it first to make the writing process easier.

You know this can all be done on a computer, right? At home I have 3 screens set-up and I use Novel Factory - great piece of kit for novelists. I don't think I've put pen to paper for almost 15 years. I take my laptop everywhere. I write on trains, at the beach, in the car, and of course, the bath!

For my last horror novel, The Deeper Roots of Evil, I used a Mira Mind Map creation. It was a great way to connect the different ideas/events in my novel and show the links between each item with each character/setting. It was a great tool to enable me to ensure I didn't MISS anything from my concept.

Matt Watters, absolutely! There are a lot of programs out there that can help you organize all of this electronically. However, I'm someone that likes to do a bit of both. I ALWAYS have a physical notebook on my person, in my purse, on my desk, on my nightstand, etc. I tend to remember things better when I physically write them down. I've also found that when I'm brainstorming or outlining, I like to start on paper as a rough idea and then type it up later, giving me the opportunity to refine and edit a bit at that point.

Ashley Renee Smith I also used to have a small notebook and pen in my pocket, then I got an iPhone in 2008 and since then I've used the Notes app because I always have my phone with me. I write or dictate notes, email them to myself if need be, and then copy and paste them into a word doc. Saves me a lot of time. I tend to dictate much of my work because I'm slow on the keyboard. Nuance's Dragon Professional is another great piece of kit for writers.

Ashley Renee Smith First of all - congratulations on writing a fantasy novel! It is no easy task! I am almost done with book two of my fantasy trilogy and it has been quite a journey. In the writing world - we usually have plotters (those who outline) and pansters (those who sit down and write what pours out of them, without prior structure). For me, I am a panster. My motivation for getting in front of the keyboard is that I can't wait to find out what happens next :) Of course, my books go through at least 2-3 revisions, but I find that method works for me. Having studied my craft for years, I am delighted that a 3-Act structure with proper beats usually naturally unfolds. I think about my current scene and let it roll around in my head the possibilities for the next one, and it just pours out when I start typing :) The great thing about being a writer is that we can find out what works for us personally. That said, I am currently considering adapting my science fiction novel to a screen play - but I could not imagine attempting a screen play without an outline. I think it depends on the artist and the medium as to what works best :)

I agree that it's medium and sometimes even story-dependent, Nancy Golden! I've always been more of a pantser in the past. This is actually the first time that I've attempted this detailed and complete of an outline. Being that the world is so complex, I wanted to challenge myself to really think it through before starting so that I don't hit a wall later. it's new for me, but it's been rewarding in a different way so far.

How exciting! Have fun with the world building! My son also writes fantasy, and he outlines everything, too. I must agree it can get confusing to keep all of the different elements, factions, subplots, etc. in one's head straight. I can't walk away from my book too long or I have to start rereading it to remember where I am and what I have done, so there are definitely advantages to an outline. Best wishes on your current endeavor!