Outlining: The Overall Plot

To celebrate reaching 25% of the way through my debut novel, I wanted to write an article discussing my outlining process. Many authors use "discovery writing," a writing technique that does not use outlines at all. These writers discover the story along the way, making it up as they go along. Discovery writing is a legitimate writing method, and I enjoy using it for short stories and poetry. However, I struggle with flow and organization in longer works. Outlining keeps me focused on where the story is going and how to get there.

The traditional beginning/middle/end format is a primarily western narrative technique. This format keeps me focused on my story's goals and helps me monitor these goals while I write. The diagram above shows the first stage of outlining. I begin with a basic premise. For my current novel, my premise was "someone causes a magical apocalypse because they ignored the possible consequences of their actions." I already had an idea of what this would look like— I wanted the antagonist to be an introvert with unprocessed trauma, and I wanted communication issues— but I waited until later to refine these ideas. I could iron out the details once I met my characters. 

Predictably, I developed my main character next. I needed Iris to respond to this challenge with determination. If she were fragile or uninvested, there would be no plot. I wanted this story to be a physical and emotional journey, so she needed ambition and courage. From there, I shaped Iris as a person. I added negotiable basic traits and backstory. As I invented her, I kept her ambition in mind. Her experiences needed to match this characterization. In my first outline draft, I was unsure about certain aspects of her family tree, but I knew she was Catholic. I didn't possess a clear picture of the inciting incident, but it needed to produce change. Iris had to become determined, and she needed support. I gave her a loving family and familial bonds with her close friends.

The plot came naturally from there. For every plot point, I contemplated its causes and effects. I also considered the characters' reactions. Different branches corresponded to this— if a character reacted poorly and that caused conflict within the group, I created a branch to the side, signifying a subplot. Subplots develop and change in response to the main plot. Side issues create branches as well. These branches contain smaller reactions with fewer consequences. Subplot branches and side issue branches discuss feelings and conflict resolution on a more surface level basis.

Then, I outlined a couple of main plot events and early subplots. I plotted until the events led to a conclusive ending. Before I craft the foundations of a story, I have a vague idea of how it will end. The first outline draft does not require a perfect ending. That's the purpose of revision.

I build character profiles before I revise my outline. The main purpose is to know your characters well enough to write them. This step does not have a length requirement. I love meeting new characters, so my profiles include tons of online questionnaires and unnecessary details about their taste in furniture. Plotting a story is much easier if you know your characters well, but it is important to stay organized.

After I know my characters well, I begin revising my outline. Are the conflicts realistic? How do Iris's friends feel about her actions? Does their closeness cause problems? Does it solve problems? Are their decisions realistic? Looking back at my first outline draft, I did not have a clear vision. The revisions should construct a narrative that reflects the characters' personalities and accurately depicts their actions. Half-assing the revision process made novel drafting much more difficult.

The revision will rewrite the placeholder ending. Once the author knows their characters, the ending falls into place. If a character is meek and timid at the beginning, they become bold. If a character upholds prejudice, they resolve it. I felt deeply dissatisfied with my original ending. I solved this issue by extending the plot. In this extension, new information pushes Iris out of her comfort zone and removes her sense of control. The new ending ties up loose ends and acknowledges character growth.

Thank you very much for reading! I hope this sheds more light on the outlining process. According to my word count tracker, I will complete the first draft of my novel by the end of August. In the meantime, I'll be writing!