On outlining

[nadinbrzezinski]

This is the first time I actually follow an actual system. One of the things is the idea of conceiving ten major scenes and let everything else flow from there

MInd you... I've always thought in chapters... and scenes, not scenes and chapters. So this is quite the change in how to think about this. So far, creating forms for this system (or actually copying them into the computer and then filling them in). It is rather interesting how this goes though... as this challenges how I think about fiction and makes me go... hmmm let me see how to do this.

And yes, for starters, having a full outline and character sketches will be good... instead of the seat of my pants \ somewhat of an outline system

Oh and as to method, using neo office on the mac, and my handheld... other programs don't play well with the handheld

[sybylla]

1. I just picked up a book that details the 10-scene process - I'm loving it.

It intrigued me as a concept. I applied it to my current project and found I was actually doing it already - albeit accidentally and not so strategically as the author advises.

When I think of writing a story, I actually envision it like scenes in a movie. Which makes linear outlining an impossible way to start. In the 10-scene way of looking at a story, I can envision my key scenes - even play around a little with the plot by shifting scenes in time, setting or participants - and then fill in the space in between with the parts that knit it all together. From that I can generate a working outline if I want.

The election has me too busy with politics to write much, but this book has me ready to hit the ground running on November 6th (after I recover from the celebration).

[shimmergal]

2. Could you tell us

the title and author of this book? I'd like to look at it too.

[sybylla]

11. Sorry to leave you hanging

Got caught up in working the final days of the election.

The book is The Writer's Little Helper by James V. Smith, Jr.

Smith also provides diagrams (which I've recreated in MS Excel without too much trouble) as well as tools to gauge pacing using the reading index in your word processor and quick tips for just about everything else for just about any stage of writing.

I specifically like the diagrams and tools because when I'm in the middle of writing, I'm too close to be a good judge of pacing, plotting, etc. That or I simply just don't trust my instincts.

[Mojambo]

3. I would also be interested in the title and author of this book. n/t

[petgoat]

4. me too nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. perhaps book in a month?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1582974861/bookstorenow30-20

Finding myself modifying her forms right now but indeed they are ten scenes or so

[Orrex]

6. I like that it's spiral-bound

Can't judge a help-book by its binding, of course, but for some reason I found it amusing.

Regardless, that looks like a very cool writing aid. Perhaps I'll acquire one--thanks for the tip!

[petgoat]

7. Spiral-bound is good for computer-side books. They lie open flat. nt

[Orrex]

8. True of course, but..

Reading the Amazon customer reviews, it appears that this particular book (or the edition of it that I was viewing) is hardcover with a spiral-bound interior. Several customers complained that the book therefore wouldn't lay flat.

In any case, I'm so intrigued by the concept of the book that I'll likely be buying it in the very near future, spiral-bound or not!

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. It is still spiral bound

and I got a copy I have been using (and modifying) to my uses

[Orrex]

10. I think I've been presenting myself poorly here

Ironic, given the medium and the forum...

Anyway, as I mentioned above, I definitely plan to get the book. If it's half as useful as the reviews suggest, then I don't care if it's printed on toilet paper and bound with paper clips.