Not everyone is an outline writer. It does not mean they are not a writer. Just that there is a unique and personal way stories come together for each person telling the story.
I don't "stick to" an outline, either. I follow the basic beginning, middle, and end that I started out with -- I always know where I'm going and why I want to go there. The how, however, changes as each chapter grows. I've only followed a strict, paragraph-written outline when I've been writing with someone else.
When I write for me, I have bullet points to guide me and then as the story comes to life, those bullet points shift, morph, move, adjust, and sometimes go away entirely.
You have done just fine without outlines before. I think trying new methods as a writer is great practice to finding your stride.
The thing you need to remember is that the outline isn't rigid. It's a living document - that you created.So, if you think "I would like this to happen now, but that's going to change what happens in the next chapter," go for it. Adjust the next
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I never have an outline when I write....I cant do it lol....I get an idea in my head and start typing and sometimes it goes different than what I had intended and sometimes it sticks to the original idea.....and sometimes I end up introducing something I hadnt planned to but it always seems to work out in the end. But I have found, that if you go with your gut instinct when it comes to your story it will all work out in the end.
The others have given you wonderful advice and I'm not qualified to give it, so I'm just here for hugs! ;)
Gaelic is right, find what will make you feel good and get your juices flowing. Go easy on yourself and believe that your choices ARE good choices. It will come to you even if it's just a bit at a time. You ARE a writer and I believe in you!
I can't use an outline...can't stick to it. I've been told to trust my characters, so I do. I think of the fic as a living being that tells me what it wants to be. Maybe I'm silly, but it works for me. I know we're all different, so ignore this if you want.
Whenever you get something up, we'll be here to read it. *hugs*
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I don't "stick to" an outline, either. I follow the basic beginning, middle, and end that I started out with -- I always know where I'm going and why I want to go there. The how, however, changes as each chapter grows. I've only followed a strict, paragraph-written outline when I've been writing with someone else.
When I write for me, I have bullet points to guide me and then as the story comes to life, those bullet points shift, morph, move, adjust, and sometimes go away entirely.
You have done just fine without outlines before. I think trying new methods as a writer is great practice to finding your stride.
The thing you need to remember is that the outline isn't rigid. It's a living document - that you created.So, if you think "I would like this to happen now, but that's going to change what happens in the next chapter," go for it. Adjust the next ( ... )
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But I have found, that if you go with your gut instinct when it comes to your story it will all work out in the end.
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Gaelic is right, find what will make you feel good and get your juices flowing. Go easy on yourself and believe that your choices ARE good choices. It will come to you even if it's just a bit at a time. You ARE a writer and I believe in you!
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Whenever you get something up, we'll be here to read it. *hugs*
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