Should I outline or not when I write?

12/28/2014

It's bugging me. Always has. I asked Tim Dorsey if he works from an outline or just free-wheels it. He looked at me strangely and said something like, I have to work from an outline.
I never have. But lately I'm thinking I should give it a try--especially after throwing out over 30,000 words of my third novel--A Cold Copper Moon. So if any of you out there are writers, let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Connie

3 Comments

David Humphrey

12/28/2014 10:38:15 am

I have taken both approaches. Usually when I have an outline I deviate from it about half way through. Now, when I do an outline I keep it very simple, five or six index cards. I do some of my best writing not knowing where the story is going. Now this comming from a screenwriter. I've never written a full length novel.

connie link

12/30/2014 03:13:59 am

Thanks for the feedback, David. I like the use of index cards. I think I'll give that a try. .
I'm also inclined to agree with you about 'best writing'. For me it seems to come from god knows where. A full outline seems to take away some of the thrill of telling the story. Never-the-less, I'm still trying to use a partial outline--that is, at least have a general idea of where I am going with the story and some of the stopping off places along the way.
One of the great outcomes of blogging is to discover that many of us share similar experiences.
Thanks again. It's good to hear from you.
May the New Year bring you many good things!

connie

12/30/2014 03:17:06 am

By the way, I hear there is good news coming up this year for you! Congratulations!

Leave a Reply.

Blood Moon Rising, Cooper's second in his trilogy, is now out andready for purchase on Amazon or B&N and other bookstores. Says one critic, Tris Coburn, "Coop's a cross between DeMille's Mac McCormack and Connelly's Bosch.
It's even better than the first ~ Cooper gets closer and closer to solving the mystery of his son's disappearance.

One review from Jack Driscoll, award winning author of Lucky Man, Lucky Woman says:

"The novel is so richly cinematic that I read it while simultaneously imagining each of the chapters and scenes playing out on the silver screen... the suspense high-tension from beginning to end."

"Lovers of the genre will find much to keep them engrossed. The author successfully raises tension with gripping descriptions and emotional dialogue,"
Booklife prize

I'M THRILLED THAT I JUST RECEIVED THE FINALIST AWARD FOR MY SECOND BOOK, BLOOD MOON RISING.

THE ROYAL PALM LITERARY AWARD IS GIVEN OUT SPARINGLY AND I'M ONE OF THE LUCKY (AND HARD WORKING!) AUTHORS TO BE PROVIDED THIS HONOR.

I FIND THAT THE MORE I WRITE, THE BETTER AND BETTER I GET TO KNOW MY CHARACTERS. I SLEEP WITH THEM.

COOPER IS IN THE BACK SEAT OF MY CAR, DIRECTING ME HERE AND THERE, WITH A WATCHFUL EYE.

RICHIE IS WATCHING MY BACK WHENEVER I NEED HIS HELP.

HUCKSTER CROWE IS RIDING SHOTGUN AS HE MAKES OUR WAY THROUGH THE DEEPEST PART OF THE EVERGLADES

COME MEET MY WACKO CHARACTERS AND SEE WHO YOU LIKE BEST.

upcoming events
next author TALK & book signing sponsored by friends of lakes regional library

September 13, 2019 Friday 1:00-2:00

Lakes regional library (corner of Bass & Gladiolus Ft Myers)

I will discuss my first book, cooper's moon, and the newest book which was recently released, blood moon rising.

Should I outline or not when I write?

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