I tried with my novel, to just write and write. I really did try. But I got easily confused. I have 4 hooks/threads going at once and a hard time figuring out how to introduce them, keep them in order, integrate them, and know what should go where and when. Plus I still have a lot of unanswered questions as to what happens with certain characters, plot-lines and back story. So I consulted the experts, both in physical published format and in cyberspace.
I took a plethora of ideas and "how-to's" and made them my own. Instead of doing an outline and following it according to the experts, I did an outline for each hook/thread. Being the visual and gadget-happy person that I am, I used colorful paper, and trinkets and such to divide each section and started actual outlining.
The results? PRODUCTIVITY! I had fun filling in the blanks, I progressed the plot while answering each question, and made notes for myself explaining what scenes needed more thought and solutions.
I'm hoping that by tomorrow, I have entered into my pretty-little-outline-pages, all the information on my novel that I have floating around in my head. I'm not going to assign myself the unattainable goal of finishing my outline by tomorrow, just the parts I'm already sure about(and can easily change should some parts take on a different direction).
So a big ol' YAY ME!
