A Goodreads user
asked
Matthew FitzSimmons:
The plot of "Short Drop" is so complex, how did you outline it and keep all straight? I'm a first time author and have a problem in outlining a simple a linear novel.I'd love to know your outline secrets. (Please don't tell me you didn't use one.)
Matthew FitzSimmons
So I'll tell you my approach, but I think everyone has to find a method that works for them so take it with a grain of sand.
I worked from an Excel spreadsheet so that at a glance I could see chapters, POV, major plot points, characters featured in the chapter etc. That gave me a top down view that helped me notice if I was going too long without checking in with a certain character or plot point. I think Excel is optional, (I'm just comfortable with it) and there are lots of solutions but having a way to see the big picture was critical for me.
Beyond that, I'm what I'd call a "road trip outliner." What I mean by that is, I knew where I was starting and knew where I was ending. Beyond that I had several major stops (plot points/events) mapped out along the way but didn't always know how I was going to get from one to the other. I always left room for detours when I inevitably discovered a more interesting route as I wrote. And that was critical for me, the story became more complex as I went along as I kept finding ways to "raise the stakes" in the story and for the characters. When I began, the story wasn't nearly as complex or interesting as it became as I wrote/redrafted/edited.
So to sum up, I'd say that it's easier for me to plot if I know what I'm writing toward. Once I know that then it's about finding the most interesting way to get there.
Good luck with your writing!
I worked from an Excel spreadsheet so that at a glance I could see chapters, POV, major plot points, characters featured in the chapter etc. That gave me a top down view that helped me notice if I was going too long without checking in with a certain character or plot point. I think Excel is optional, (I'm just comfortable with it) and there are lots of solutions but having a way to see the big picture was critical for me.
Beyond that, I'm what I'd call a "road trip outliner." What I mean by that is, I knew where I was starting and knew where I was ending. Beyond that I had several major stops (plot points/events) mapped out along the way but didn't always know how I was going to get from one to the other. I always left room for detours when I inevitably discovered a more interesting route as I wrote. And that was critical for me, the story became more complex as I went along as I kept finding ways to "raise the stakes" in the story and for the characters. When I began, the story wasn't nearly as complex or interesting as it became as I wrote/redrafted/edited.
So to sum up, I'd say that it's easier for me to plot if I know what I'm writing toward. Once I know that then it's about finding the most interesting way to get there.
Good luck with your writing!
More Answered Questions
Jayden Hunter
asked
Matthew FitzSimmons:
I was wondering if you'd published this originally yourself and Thomas and Mercer picked you up? Because I swear I saw this on the on the best sellers list before December 1st, or am I dreaming that? Do you mind sharing a little bit about that experience? Thank you.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more