Here’s the second episode of the Writing Talk Podcast.
In this episode I’m talking about outlining and answering the question – how can we unstick a story that’s stuck?
This brilliant question was asked over on the show’s Facebook page at: The Writing Talk Podcast Facebook Page so I’m indebted to Josie Ingle-Vail for posing the question.
It’s not a simple problem to solve but I hope I’ve suggested some actionable points in the podcast. The question is especially interesting at the moment as stuck stories often relate to a problem with our outlining methods, and many people around the World are currently outlining like crazy in preparation for #NaNoWriMo.
I also suggest a different way of using Scrivener.
I’m not the sage on the stage for these podcasts – Join In!
I’m very happy for these podcasts to be the jumping off point for lively discussions, so please pitch in with comments below
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Stitcher | Email | RSS | More
NB: You can support the show by subscribing from the links above. Please also consider sharing the show with your writer friends.
I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe on itunes or stitcher:
Subscribe on Stitcher
Subscribe on iTunes
Your ratings and reviews will enable the podcast to continue and to improve – thank you.
Shares, tweets etc. are always appreciated and there are some spiffy sharing buttons around here somewhere.
Action Points
Look at your planning process – pick one way you could improve it.
Is an aspect of your planning dragging you down? Ditch it.
Experiment with something new in your planning – never tried index cards? Give them a go.
“Spring Clean” your planning – tidy up and get organised.
Think about separating your planning documents very visibly from your manuscript – it helps to trigger the shift in mindset as you switch between the two modes.
Story stuck?
Review character motivation – this is almost certainly the cause. What do they really need deep down? You don’t spell this out for the reader but you need to know.
Check for plot holes and the pursuit of meaningless goals.
Links to Writing Resources:
What the hell is a MacGuffin? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGuffin
Chuck Wendig’s post on outlining: http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2015/10/06/how-to-outline-during-national-plot-your-novel-month/
Scrivener
Both are affiliate links – they don’t cost you anything at all but I get a reward from the company to help pay for the podcast hosting.
Questions
What would you like me to cover in future episodes?
How do you keep your planning process manageable?
Do you have any tips for NaNoWriMo?
Please answer in the comments below:
Thank you. I appreciate your input on this. Outlining is less than ideal for me as I find it too structured and confining….I’ve fought long and hard to leave my Type A personality at the door when writing or it’s not fun. I chuckled when you said you often end up just writing as that is what happens with me. It rather makes me feel less odd to know that someone else does as well.
Truthfully, I am more of a pantser and just write what flows from the pen or the character and do a bit of sorting after. I do have basic written ideas for the plot, sub-plots, characters and how I THINK they will interact…they often have their own ideas on that one.
What would I like to see you cover in future episodes? You mentioned character development. That is an area that needs refreshing for me as it’s been some time since I have written more than essays or opinion pieces (you would only have read them if you were widowed and haunted a support site I found or the angst filled blog I wrote when my spouse died).
Thanks again for taking my question and making it part of your podcast.
Thanks Josie – I really appreciate you taking the time. It sounds like we’re similar in our approach! I’ll see what I can do about character development for another day. It’s early days for me with the podcast so it’s great to have your feedback. Thanks for listening to my rambling monologue and good luck with your writing.