 Noticing Newbies: February 14, 2018 Issue [#8766] |
  Noticing Newbies
This week: Outlines are Going Out of Style Edited by: Sara♥Jean  
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Outlines are Going Out of Style
Do you remember outlines when you were in school? They served their purpose - do you still use them?
I remember the pulling of teeth with writing outlines all through school - elementary, middle school, high school, and even in college some. They were required. I can't even tell you how many times I wrote a fluff outline to begin with, and then wrote the "real" outline after the paper was written, completely defeating the purpose of the outline to begin with.
I blame the teachers who required us to go through and "outline" a chapter in a textbook as we read it. A method that was intended to help us learn how to pull out ideas and help us learn to take notes, of course. However, it didn't help me learn the real purpose of an outline, nor how really to properly use one. It was rather backwards, really.
As I have gotten older, I've learned that outlines are, in fact, wonderful little ways to organize my ideas when thinking of a story. Mainly because my brain thinks much faster than my fingers - and I type quite fast! (I write fast, too.)
So, I thought I might share some of the benefits, and try to bring outlines back into fashion.
Benefits of Outlines
 You don't have to think in full sentences - you can literally just jot down short ideas in categories. It can be about characters, chapters,
sequence of events, things you want to happen - anything!
If you do this via computer, you can rearrange as necessary, and very quickly. If you want to put character ideas all in one place, you can. If you decide to reorder the chapters, you just cut and paste. BOOM!
Organizing your ideas via an outline is so, so much faster than trying to develop the full story - you can get all of your ideas down before you forget them.
The outline isn't final - it's just an organizational tool. So, as you go, things will change, but it is a "road map" for you to go by - which can be invaluable with longer stories.
If you haven't tried an outline lately, I'd say to give one a shot! You may surprise yourself.
Happy outlining! |
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I got some great feedback from "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (January 24, 2018)" - thanks everyone!
Tinker  said,
"Denial
Never have I tried to publish
other than to share on line.
When I write I accomplish
a joy and pride that is all mine.
I do enjoy when others read
the words I shape to show
thoughts that scramble with speed
within this wonky world I know.
After years of writing in space
I'm challenged to ask for validation.
Stepping out of my secure place
I venture to promote my creation.
~~Judi Van Gorder"
I think that pretty much says it all!
~Celeb~ said, "Encouragement. It begins with sometimes a simple "job well done". I love getting feedback on my writing. I don't broadcast it, so when something I've tried my hand at gets good responses, it makes me want to keep writing. My poetry usually gets something (especially if I'm feeling pretty good about it) from my husband. Otherwise, I just sit back. The greatest surprises have been on my short stories. I don't write stories, so to have positive feedback on them makes me want to write more. But, let me include the constructive critism. Without it, I would not be able to improve. And I really like that just as much. It allows me to see what I missed in editing, or have a suggestions on improvements. The time that people spend telling me what they like, or ways to improve, keeps me encouraged on writing new stuff."
I think we all crave some feedback - especially encouragement. It keeps us all going - but it's hard to ask for it sometimes.
the Wordy Jay said, "Great message, SaraJean!  I'm always encouraged when I get one of those rare in-depth reviews -- no matter if it's bursting with criticism! The fact that someone (anyone) took the time to seriously critique my writing makes me feel that my work is worth reading."
It is definitely a great feeling!
Shannon  said, "Great newsletter, Sara♥Jean I couldn't agree more.  "
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