1-2-3 Writing Blog: Let's Talk About Story Outlining
Photo courtesy of Manoj kumar kasirajan @manoj25
Each blog contains 1 idea, 2 quotes, and 3 questions to ponder.
1 WRITING IDEA
Imagine standing in a kitchen, the air thick with sizzling garlic and fragrant herbs. You feel a surge of excitement. Tonight's meal will be a masterpiece.
You glance at the countertop and see an array of fresh vegetables, plump meats, and a rainbow of spices. But before you can start cooking, you need to get organized. With a deep breath, you lay out each ingredient, inspecting them like a jeweler examining precious gems.
You slide on the chef’s hat, and the world around you falls away. You're in the zone, moving with grace as you braise, steam, and blanch your way to perfection. It's as if each menu item speaks to you, telling you how it wants to be prepared.
As a writer, you know that creativity is much like cooking. You need to have a full palette of ideas before creating something truly magical.
Outlining is like organizing your ingredients – it helps you identify juicy elements and arrange them in a delicious way.
By using both a macro and micro 3-act framework, you can bake scenes and chapters that are as fulfilling as a perfectly cooked meal. For instance: What is the catalyst event setting your characters in motion? What conflicts will they face? And most importantly, How will they overcome them?
When you think in terms of beginning, middle, and end, it can unleash creativity like Julia Child whipping up a masterful Boeuf Bourguignon.
2 WRITING QUOTES
“The beginning isn’t simply the first in a series of events, but the originating event of all that follows. The middle isn’t just the next event, but the story’s central struggle. And the ending isn’t just the last event, but the culminating event.”
“The scariest moment is always just before you start. ”
3 Writing Questions
How do you approach writing a chapter?
What are your proven practices for writing faster?
How does the structure of your chapters fit into your overall story structure?
What if a trip to the Amazon resulted in an amazing discovery?
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About Me
Hey, I’m Brian. Born a Tar Heel but now a Virginian, I’m a father of five and the husband of one amazing lady. My family has a thing for Golden Retrievers. Given the right circumstances, I can do a smooth moonwalk on a slick kitchen floor. I’ve also written a book called The Jungle Within.