Learn the plot technique of outlining chapters of a novel.

Fiction Craft: Plotting by Outline

By

Robert Ferrier
(rferrier2.cox.net)




In previous columns I’ve covered fundamentals of writing commercial fiction—scene, sequel, viewpoint, characterization, plot and dialogue. Now I’ll answer your questions on writing fiction based on my experience with authors, agents, editors and other professionals. Each month I’ll choose one or two questions for publication and answer the others by e-mail.

Dawn Richerson (writerdawn.earthlink.net) asks:

“Do you find that the best method for staying on top of a story line is to outline plot elements? If so, what is the best method for mapping out the plot of a novel? Or is it more effective to begin with a basic story idea, write every day and see where it takes you?”

Rather than forming a story idea and starting Chapter One, I recommend plotting by outline, choosing between two options: 1) outline one or two chapters and then begin writing, or 2) outline all chapters first.

Outlining One Chapter at a Time

I outline one or two chapters and then start writing. My reason: spontaneity. I live the story as it unfolds, reveling in the rush and emotions. Compare writing your story to a trip from Seattle to Miami. By not mapping every stop in advance, you’ll take exciting side trips, never knowing what the next curve will reveal. This spontaneity doesn’t occur—at least for me—unless I live the story in the character’s viewpoint. After completing the first draft, I return to the beginning and—knowing the story line—insert plot “pointers” and “foreshadowing” to condition readers for major events.

However, if you outline one chapter at a time, remember these caveats:

1. Know your story destination. In other words, have a good idea of your story’s denouement. Ask yourself, “What is the worst scenario I can inflict on my protagonist?” Plot toward that crisis, forcing your protagonist to choose between principle and personal safety. The hero must sacrifice personal safety in favor of principle. Then use plot reversal techniques to save the protagonist while keeping his principles intact. (For more details on Reversal, please review my column on Plot.)

2. Know your characters. Plot your story only after building complete resumes of your characters—from the inside out. By doing so, you know the characters, their story goal and their opposition.

3. Know your “emergency plan.” If you get stuck in the “dreaded middle of the book,” fall back on your Emergency Plan. Leave the middle. Plot and write the climactic chapters, labeling them Ending Chapter 1, Ending Chapter 2, Climax Chapter. Now ask what events might lead to Ending Chapter 1. Write those events as a chapter. Then continue plotting and writing chapters in reverse until the middle of the story falls into place. Use this technique only as an emergency.

4. Know when to “wing it.” If you’re writing fantasy, you may face a scene that you can’t outline because even you don’t know what will happen. In that case, establish a scene goal, get inside your character’s viewpoint and start writing. Your character will see you through.

Outlining All Chapters Before Writing

Many authors outline all chapters first. They list several advantages of this method:

1. Revision. The author can revise structurally at the outline level before writing chapters.

2. Speed. Knowing the story line, the author can zip through the first draft quicker.

3. Synopsis. Many agents and editors require a story synopsis. Writing a
synopsis from an existing outline proves much easier.

In summary, try both plotting methods and decide which works best for you. In either case, write every day and fill your manuscript box.

I appreciate your questions. Please send them to Fictioncraft.Inscriptionsmagazine.com.