Radhia Ismael Gundry
Radhia Ismael Gundry asked Katherine Macdonald:

When do you do your in-depth character profiles? First? After the bones of the outline are finished? Along the way?

Katherine Macdonald I do really simple outlines alongside the plan, just letting me know who the character is, who they care about, and what they want. The rest develops with the story.

If you over-outline, it becomes easy to obsess with little details that aren't actually important. We don't need to know about their favourite mug or childhood pet or extended family unless it comes up. (Legit things I have factored into past outlines and then been like, "it's for character!" when told to cut it. Spoilers, it was not.)
Katherine Macdonald I do really simple outlines alongside the plan, just letting me know who the character is, who they care about, and what they want. The rest develops with the story.

If you over-outline, it becomes easy to obsess with little details that aren't actually important. We don't need to know about their favourite mug or childhood pet or extended family unless it comes up. (Legit things I have factored into past outlines and then been like, "it's for character!" when told to cut it. Spoilers, it was not.)

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