For the first time, I’m attempting to write a first draft without an outline. I’ve always been an outliner. So this is weird for me. For me, detailed outlines always came before setting pen to paper. Incidentally, my past novels have always felt contrived. It felt like I was simply parading characters through pre-prepped scenes instead of having a person walk through life.
When I tried writing Kyrie’s story last spring, I had it outlined to a T. I drafted only ten chapters before I dropped the project. It felt like I was dragging a very unwilling MC, Kyrie, through the mud against her will. Not only did the narrative feel contrived, but I was unhappy with my entire story goal. So I set the project aside.
I’ve decided its time for Kyrie to lead me through her story. I have a feeling that she will intuitively lead the story places I never would. Already, the draft 1.5 feels more genuine than my excessively plotted first attempt.
Are you a outliner or not? What are your thoughts concerning outlines?
Tracing Wonder 