Many successful authors of creative fiction recommend outlines of plot
and characters before beginning the story. It keeps a writer on track with the storyline and fleshing out the
details of a story’s cast of characters. For many writers, already
knowing the details of their characters, like description, history,
associations, and motivations within the story can enrich their writing,
giving depth and atmosphere to the story.
I highly recommend outlining as a writing tool, but this technique just doesn't work for me. The fastest way to
kill a story idea of mine is to work out the details of plot and characters
in outline form first. They die a swift and horrible death in such a dry,
analytical environment. By the time I get to the first
page of writing, there is no magic left and I have to let it go.
However, I don’t begin from scratch, sitting down
to a blank page with not a thought in my head on plot or character. I
make general sketches and keep notes as the story
progresses to remember crucial details and keep a logical progression
of the story. But the magic in writing is the unexpected
evolution of both plot and character. In my writing world, this
evolution is driven by the characters.
I can’t count the
number of times I’ve begun to write with a storyline in mind and had it
go in a completely different, unexpected direction due to the unfolding
dialogue and actions of the characters. I’m the creator, so I’m supposed to
know where these things come from, but this is why I call it magic. The twists and turns take me as much by surprise as they do my
readers. It fascinates me to watch the story
unfold beneath my fingers, to see the characters grow and change before
my eyes. They begin as two dimensional figures and blossom into beings so real I can almost believe they are alive.
Some might argue this makes my story two-dimensional at the
beginning, but the beauty of editing is I can go back and
flesh out the characters and storyline, or hack and slash as necessary.
This writing method affords me all the creative joy without the
life-sucking, mind-numbing effects of the formal outline. I can’t recommend this method to every writer, though. What works for me might drive another
author to drink or ruin their writing experience. To each their own. As for me, I’m into evolution.
Happy Reading,
Michelle O'Leary
