When starting a novel, is it good to create an outline of ideas or just to write the ideas into the story and hash it out later? – Welcome, and glad you stopped by for a visit.

I love stories.

I listen to them. I watch them on TV, videos, or movies. I read them.

And I write them.

I’ve written almost every kind of story there is. Mystery, romance, confession, science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, horror, and every other kind I can think of and garnered a couple prizes and ‘best-selling’ author designations along the way.

I’ve written short stories, novellas, and novels.

In the process I’ve learned that my favorite stories are science fiction and paranormal. Preferably the two combined.

My stories are always clean, they are always either contemporary or near future, they always have at least a slight romantic element, and they always end happily. Always. Guaaranteed. (Okay, two short stories, ‘The River Boy’ and ‘Down From The Mountain’ have endings that might not be considered completely happy. Maybe just somewhat happy. You decide.)

Check out the covers below and see what you think. And have a happy, happy day.

MOST RECENT: PUBLISHED OR WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON

When starting a novel, is it good to create an outline of ideas or just to write the ideas into the story and hash it out later?

Either way works fine. It’s a personality thing.

Are you the type who jumps into everything you do feet first? Or the type who researches everything before making a move?

Which type you are tells you which way you should approach the craft of writing a story.

Personally, I started out by jumping in feet first but, over time, decided that I put less time and effort into a story if I research and outline first. So I made myself slow down and learn how to do just that.

I’ve never regretted changing methods, but what worked for me might not work for others. So do what feels right for you.

florencewitkop

Romance Writing, Short Story, The Craft of Writing, The Writing Life, Writing Fiction

characters, fiction, short stories, stories, writing

3 responses to “When starting a novel, is it good to create an outline of ideas or just to write the ideas into the story and hash it out later?”

Frank Frisson

July 13, 2018 at 2:04 pm

I’m a strong believer in write-what-know. Whatever I write, I first put down what I know then do research afterwards. Works for me.

Reply
1. florencewitkop
  
  July 13, 2018 at 5:06 pm
  
  Exactly, and don’t let anyone tell you to do a single thing differently than what you are already doing!
  
  Reply
  1. florencewitkop
    
    July 13, 2018 at 5:07 pm
    
    And actually, now that I think about it, your way is a very good way indeed. You get the writing done and you do research, but only for what needs researching. No upfront research for things that never end up in the story.

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