Yesterday I listed five different outlining methods for your novel. Today, I have more.
Snowflake Method
This is also known as the expanding method. You begin with an idea and simple expand on it. It’s easier said than done, but if you have ideas, it’ll fill itself in.
I personally have never used this method but I know you can go about this one two different ways. You can start at the beginning and expand upon how the story starts – getting from point A to point B. Or you can start at the end and work your way backwards if you’re unsure how to get to the end. What events could lead to the end?
Contextual
This is a slightly different kind of outline in which you don’t necessarily focus on the plot and the events leading to it, but the mechanics of the story. This means if you’re writing a story with magic in it, be sure to have your magic system worked out. This could also be different languages, cultures, and the like.
Skeletal
This is a popular outline for academic papers. I’m sure most, if not all, of you have heard of this and used it for essays in school. This is an outline that focuses on the core points of your plot. This includes the exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This outlines your plot in detail breaking it up into different sections.
Visual Map
This is a fun method. You can create charts, maps, or timelines. I love using a web diagram to write one idea in the middle and then expand around it, expanding on those other ideas in the process. I mostly use that kind of map for the setting and various locations.
I’ll write the main setting in the middle and then list all the places my characters go around it. I’ll write why they go to each location in their own bubbles as well. That’s the best way this kind of outline has worked for me; especially since setting is something I personally lack at when it comes to writing.
Free Writing
Writing the first draft can be a kind of outline. We all know the first drafts aren’t going to be published. They’re guidelines for the second draft and so on. However, as you write the first draft, it doesn’t hurt to keep a list of notes. Plot ideas, characters, and even notes for editing down the road. Even if you keep a list of scenes, it’ll be easier in the long run to keep track of. Sometimes writing the actual novel is the best outline because everything is already in place and all you need to do is just move things around and look at your notes.
Do you have any other methods? Let me know in the comments below. If you liked this post, please share it around.
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