How I Write - The Outline...Part Three

Hiya!!!

Okay, so I've taken a bit too long in getting this posted...so now before the fun stuff begins...lets talk about the last of the outlines...The Chapter Outline. Simply put...it outlines everything including the main events in the chapter. So things you want your characters to say, how they feel, what they are doing, and at times the clothes they wear. It also helps me weave in the highlight of the chapter. 

For me, chapter outlines keep me from straying to far off topic. Sometimes, I'll have something I want the characters to say, but I'm still figuring out where to put it, I'll write it in my chapter outline.

I don't necessarily write chapter outlines for each chapter. When I do write them, I'll do a block of chapters (4-6) and they allow me to jump between writing chapters. I also write them when I've stayed up too late and I'm too bleary eyed and tired to continue. This gives me a rough idea of what I was working on when I fell asleep, and how to continue.

Chapter outlines have helped me a lot in If Only Tonight. For one, there were a few chapters where I really felt frustrated, and so I would jot down what I wanted, and move on to writing the next chapter. (which was oddly easier...) Interestingly enough, when I came back to the chapter, all I had to do was read the notes, and I would pick up where I left off. 

A great thing about writing chapter outlines for me is that I can do them discreetly in class or while studying...not that I recommend it. ;) Usually what happens is that I would have an idea for a chapter and unfortunately I'd be in a lecture or in the library studying - no where near a computer with my files on it - so I would take out a piece of paper and write out the idea. For IOT...I didn't do it frequently...but when it did happen, it was one of those ideas I couldn't get out of my head until I wrote it down.

For example...in IOT...one of my favourite chapters was written from an outline I wrote in the library. Which chapter??? Well it was...'Underneath The Mistletoe' (Chapter 60)

I wrote out the entire outline of the chapter a looong time ago...so long, that I was in fact waiting like crazy person to write out that chapter. Seriously, my fingers were itching to write it out way before I actually did. It was one of those major highlight chapters that I could not wait for. Each time I'd look at the outline, I would want to give you all hints...lol! Yea, I had to restrain myself quite a bit...I couldn't tell you how...

Anyway, back to the point, the outline for that chapter included:

• Mia being surprised by the guys inviting Stacie over for the ball/gala
• Matthew taking Mia to said ball/gala on such a short notice
• When they walk in, Matthew saying that Mia was just a friend and Mia going off to the roof because of it in order to cool down
• Mia telling Stacie how whenever she thought that Matthew and her were on the same page, he'd throw her off without any warning
• The surprise of Matthew being there when she said those things
• Stacie walking off and Matthew explaining how much he liked Mia
• The entire thing Matthew says to Mia, was actually written in my outline at that time...so this whole speech: "Mia, I'm sorry that I've had to keep saying those things. I- I just..." He stumbled over his words, surprising Mia. Taking a deep breath, Matthew sighed. "Did you ever think that maybe I want you so much that it terrifies me? That maybe each time I ask you to come with me to these events, it's so I can see how it would be with you? That I know I can't have you because I know I'll hurt you?" Dumbfounded, Mia didn't know how to respond. When she didn't say anything, Matthew continued. "The moment I saw you...I knew that that was it. I was screwed. You turned my world upside down. I can't not want you. Did you not think that I push you away only because I know I'm not good enough for you?" He told her, still holding her hand. - Was already written in my outline!
• I also included how Mia would reject his words, and run off
• And of course, I included the kiss being the cliffhanger (hehehe!)

So...that said, chapter outlines are a handy tool when it comes to writing. They really do help keep you from getting stuck, or going off on a tangent, and in a way allow you to keep the storyline tight, and tie up the loose ends. 

I would recommend writing chapter outlines, especially if you are stuck and feeling a little blocked. Sometimes I find that just seeing how you want the chapter to go like, can help clear up a dilemma. It also helps give you an idea of what you need to do, if you've gone to bed the night before while in the middle of a scene.

I've already said that, for me, organization is key. The more organized, the better my chances are for finishing a project. This is just one of those tools.

Anyway, hope this helps! I'll try to do another post within a couple of days, just so we can get to POV and the actual writing of a story! 

Happy Writing!

Much Love,

Andene xx