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Steven Domingues

Thinks of things, then writes them down

Outline vs Writing

This weekend I sat down to write a bit, move the story forward on “Universal Constant.” It’s been slow going, maybe because it’s a genre I enjoy, or maybe because in my head the work is already finished.

I wrote out an outline for this book. First time I’ve done that. While it helped me get the story down, the act structure complete and the character arcs interesting, in my mind, the story is done. Finished.

When writing “Win Some, Lose Some” I had a rough idea of where the plot was moving, but I left things open. I let some plot strings dangle so that I could pick them up when necessary, or leave them as red herrings. I also allowed myself to add in cool things when I wanted, and adjust the plot accordingly.

Now, it’s different. I already played around with the plot. Everything has it’s place and there are no dangly bits. Everything is tied up nice and neat. Now, writing Is almost as if I’m just going through the motions.

Odd really.

Maybe this is the way to go, maybe I need to free write more. Time will tell I suppose.

–Steven

2 Responses to “Outline vs Writing”

  1. Devon says:

    I think I’d be the opposite for me. I like to have an outline and then I enjoy filling in the gaps more knowing there’s an overall structure already in place. Of course I’m not really doing creative writing, which probably also makes a difference. But I also think of drawing, where it also helps to sketch the outline then go back and add the detail. The details are the part that takes the most concentration, thus making it the most enjoyable part for me.

    I liked the excerpt of Universal Constant and want to read more, so I’m really just trying to convince you to keep working on that story.

  2. Steven says:

    Thanks for the support!

    Yeah, this bit of writing is certainly different for me. It does make it easier to write plot items first, then dialogue, then come back and fill in descriptions of actions / settings / etc.

    –Steven

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