Ideas on writing an outline

roddglenn · Post by **roddglenn** » 20 Feb 2008, 07:16

I've compiled a Writing Resources section in my website - www.rodglenn.com. In there is a piece on structure. I hope that's of some use to you.

AstonWest · Post by **AstonWest** » 20 Feb 2008, 18:29

My recommendations would be to jot down major points on index cards, until you run out of ideas...and then use those to set up an outline.

But that's just how I like to do it...

roddglenn · Post by **roddglenn** » 22 Feb 2008, 10:05

Index cards are a great idea - you can easily manipulate the time line and order the scenes appear in.

TimothyFish · Post by **TimothyFish** » 25 Feb 2008, 16:40

Some people like to write without an outline, but outlines tend to save time and help to keep writing on track. One of the best guides I have seen on how to outline is Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder. It is about writing screen plays, but it applys to any type of story telling. I think you will find that your memior will be much more readable if you approach it like he suggests rather than just whatever you happen to remember.

Syrcco44 · Post by **Syrcco44** » 29 Mar 2008, 00:51

Does anyone have some tips on writing an outline?
I don't write memoirs, but I do write novels and I've just thought out the plot a little bit - or at least had an idea with where I was going and then I wrote a short chapter summary or goal for that chapter. It was helpful - but I kept it a little loose and not completely detail - after all I didn't want to spend all my time outlining and not get any writing finished.

Should I spend a lot of time on my outline or just go with the flow?
I think both - spend sometime on the outline, but don't pour over it too much. If the flow takes you somewhere else from your outline don't freak out just keep going and see where it takes you - if you end up at a rut then turn around (but save everything - never throw it away - you may suddenly need it again) and go back to your outline.

Wherever my memories take me?
I guess with writing about memories and what not .. how I would approach it is just brainstorm or type up a random document of all the memories you can think of. And then start compiling them into something amazing - easier said than done I know. But at least it'll get the juices rolling. There was a book that I once came across that was a collection of memoirs - my mom read it but I didn't. She said it was good but for the life of me I can't remember it - it's on the tip of my tongue, dangit. Well.... I let you know when I remember. Hopefully this helps you out.