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Writers Retreat > Student Talk > Research Chat > Please help!! Question on outlines.
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Author Topic: Please help!! Question on outlines.  (Read 488 times)
texastigger22001
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« on: April 30, 2011, 04:28:26 PM »
I have read a lot of books on writing and they all suggest you outline your story. I have never been much on outlining. I usually just get a story in my head and start writing, however I usually come to a stand still. So thought maybe outlining wouldn't be a bad way to go.

My problem I don't really know how to outline and not really sure what to put in it.

Please Help Cry
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ColoradoKate
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« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2011, 04:35:45 PM »
Paula, there's a LOT here about outlining--different methods, peoples' likes and dislikes, and so on. Go back to the main page, and type "outline" or "outlining" in the search box. You'll find lots of ideas and discussions!
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texastigger22001
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« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2011, 05:29:04 PM »
Thanks I will do that.

Paula
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SarahLee
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« Reply #3 on: May 01, 2011, 01:49:24 AM »
I think (just my lowly opinion) that there is no harm in writing and coming to a standstill....I have 3 books in the "file" all with 1,00-5,000 words each cause I can't get something to happen. Like your kidnap plot, sounds great, but when you try to work it, it's really HARD. If you are just beginning, I think I'd find something a little bit easier.

Play the "What if" game....what if a car went over a cliff and the driver went to the hospital and in the bed in the next room was his twin (that he'd never met)

What if...an orphan discovered that he could talk to animals (Harry Potter)

What if...a tornado flew a girl and her dog to the wild land of Oz?

What if your eggs were green?

What if you found out that the lady next door is a witch?

What if a person suddenly began to hear voices?  What do they say?

Just a thought, you don't have to listen, I'm insane sometimes. :-)

Oh outlines? i think they are personal choice.  (which format to use) I make notes and do a very rough first draft as an outline, but you need to find out what works best for you.
« Last Edit: May 01, 2011, 01:50:55 AM by SarahLee » Logged
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texastigger22001
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« Reply #4 on: May 01, 2011, 06:10:42 AM »
Thank you both for your input.
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sharonda
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« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2011, 02:33:34 PM »
Ya know, texastigger, in the Basic course and in the Advanced magazine writing course, you do outline stories and articles. So you will get practice eventually if you are taking one of these courses or plan on it soon. Just thought I'd let you know that.

Sharonda
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texastigger22001
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« Reply #6 on: May 02, 2011, 04:12:40 PM »
Sharonda I did discover that yesterday from some post I read here. Thank you for the encouragement. Sometimes I just get so frustrated with my self it is nice when someone brings me back to earth.

Thanks,

Paula
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sharonda
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« Reply #7 on: May 02, 2011, 08:03:08 PM »
You are welcome  Smiley It's always nice to make someone's day and lift their spirits! But, don't worry yourself over it! They are helpful, the outlines, but you don't come across too many magazines that ask for outlines. It's more for books. Good luck though in your studies!

Sharonda
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texastigger22001
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« Reply #8 on: May 02, 2011, 08:32:59 PM »
Thank you Sharonda. I need all the luck I can get LOL.
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sharonda
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« Reply #9 on: May 03, 2011, 11:12:21 AM »
You're welcome Wink
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