In the few months I’ve been at this writing thing, I’ve heard that many writer’s decry the use of outlining or planning their stories.  At my daughter’s first challenge to me last November the very first thing I did was find an easy to read and understand book on how to write a story.

I’m happy to say I found it, Story Engineering, Mastering the 6 Core Competencies of Successful Writing by Larry Brooks.  At 278 pages it was short enough to read quickly and better yet, he had a step by step planning process for getting a story written.

His book is where I heard the term “pantser” for the first time.  It refers to the writer who proceeds into their story with no plan, by the seat of their pants.  I suppose I could do that but it seems to me that a lot of extra time would be required to get to the end of the book or story if you don’t know what you want the end to look like.  Lots of “pantsers” disagree, they feel it’s more creative to write freely.  Personally I like to have an idea of what I’m writing to, a game plan.  It makes me feel better.

There are other books and websites and resources you can go to get planning your story advice.  I’ve learned two other methods since I read Mr. Brooks book.  Each one has built on the last and added more depth and detail and different ways to do things.  Eventually, I’ll find my own rhythm for plotting out my next opus.

So, the point of this little blog post is that I’m outlining, at least I am when I’m not delaying the process by typing a blog entry instead.  I hope to have it ready for the 2012 November National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

In case you think I’m just putting off writing the story, let me reassure you.  I have another outline already finished for the August NaNoWriMo and 2 short stories being revised.  Lots of work going on here.

Write Well!