Get Set....Outline

Ok, so you might not have to know EVERYTHING about your NaNoWriMo project. And the use of a 50 point summary outline with raising actions, character profiles, and hours worth of research isn't needed. However, it might be a good idea to have SOMETHING in mind before you start your frantic writing. NaNoWriMo allows writers to have outlines, summaries, character profiles-- ready before the month begins... these items however, cannot be counted in the total word count. NaNoWriMo also suggest to start with new characters and a new story because if you already put time and energy into a story you're not willing to just willy-nilly write on for just the word count *because you're too invested* and if you're trying to write a complete thing in a month your critic needs to be turned off. Again for more 'rules' on NaNoWriMo visit their website. So here some ideas for different stages of 'outlining.'

I have nothing yet...
If you don't have any idea what you want to write about, invest some time searching writing exercises in books and online.
here's a few that I find helpful:

• Write for 10 minutes on I want to write....
• Do a 10 minute exercise that starts with "Where were you last night?"
• Everything changed when...
• Pull out a poem or a paragraph from an author that you enjoy. Read it. now write a time writing on either a phase or the theme or anything that triggers a thoughts and just go with it.

I got an idea...

So you have a snippet. It might be a scene (normally what I start with), character, a setting, or some vague thought, item, or setting. Good let's build on it.

• create 1 sentence that your story is about. take sometime and think about it until you can narrow it down. Example: Puppet attempts to become a real boy. Guy loses girl and goes all out to get her back. Write it down on the top of each page and make sure that the story follows this one sentence.
• Brainstorm-- write out a list or do a web chart to organized your thoughts. This is really helpful for vague ideas or subjects. example: Say you want to write about masks. get a fresh piece of paper and write it in the middle of the paper. draw line and write something about the masks you want to write about like 'history of masks' and then jot down all the details that you already know about the masks you want to write about (when they were made, who made them, what culture are they from.). Another line from the middle and write another broad thing about the masks like 'appearance' and continue doing the web until you have all your know details. Hopefully by writing down everything you already know about this idea you can conjure up elements of the story behind it.
• Do you have a character in mind? Write down everything you know about this person, fill out a character profile (a form that you create or find one of the Internet that tells you the basics about your character's appearance, family status, dreams, goals, background everything you can think of), or do a character chart.

In a character chart is a two column three row grid. at the top write down you main character. on the left column write down these questions one in each box: What does the character want? Why does he want this? (or what's his motivation?) and What's stopping him from getting what he wants? If you can answer all three of these questions you have your complete story. In your revision process, if a scene doesn't deal with any of these three questions... you don't need it (granted for the three question it's more of a does this get your character closer or further from their goal that you want to keep in mind for the scene).

I Know My Story

OK so you know what's your doing. You have your characters and main plot points in mind. So what should you do?

• If your character is doing something you don't know much about (say he's a doctor) you might want to research and stash articles, jargon, and other things about his field or anything else you need to research.
• Write out the whole outline. Either do a report outline or get different colored index cards and color code your characters, scenes, themes, settings, or any other story element you want. I actually have a poster broad with Velcro strips running across it. I then put Velcro strips on the back of my cards and use this as a visual story broad to keep all my facts straight. Having these on note cards make it easier if you want to use flashbacks or rearrange the plot order of events.
• skim through like genera's to get your creative juices flowing, bookmark, websites, writing books, or favorite reading books for inspiration. etc.

Share with us: What's your favorite writing prompt? How do you 'outline' your writing?

Get Ready

1. Sign up with NaNoWriMo site or create your own goal. Write down this goal down somewhere where you can see it daily. Make sure that the goal has:

• a due date (Exp due date is November 30th at 11:59 PM)
• is attainable (50,000 words = roughly a 3.3 pages a day for a month)
• is measurable. (50,000 words)

2. Get the materials you need:

• How do you write? pens, paper, computer, ink, snacks etc.
• Where do you write: set up a space used for writing where you can keep it free from other distractions. Make sure to let family and friends know when you're writing so you won't be disturbed.

3. Set a Plan

• If you lead a busy life it's important to cut out time to focus on your writing. If that means cutting out an hour at the same time each day make sure you schedule it in to your life.
• Also make a plan on how you're going to handle writers' block or any other writing problems.
• Do the math. If you are only planning on writing on the weekends make sure you're hitting the right word count each time you write, or create extra time to dedicate to catching up.

4. Get support!!!

• Visit with other writer friends
• Join online communities that NaNoWriMo offers
• borrow or buy writing books or post inspirational sayings around your writing space
• attend writing groups in your area provided by libraries and other community hubs.
• Have a 'bitch-with-friend' that will listen and understands your writing pains

5. Write!!! As the saying goes 'A writer is someone that writes today.' You can't achieve any of your writing goals if you don't put your sweat and blood into it. So tie and gag your internal critic and let your hand fly across the page. Even if what you write is silly or stupid or doesn't fit into what you're trying to illustrate-- keep going.

Share with us: How do you set yourself up for a new project? Or what type of support or writing method really works for you?

NaNoWriMo is almost here!!!

Yes, that's right, NaNoWriMo starts a week from today. And is NaNoWriMo? National Novel Writing Month were crazed writers attempt to create a piece of writing the length of a novel, 50,000 words in one month. Insane, I know. I first heard about National Novel Writing when I was in college. I happened to be looking through a writing magazine when the ad jump up at me. Since then I've been supporting and promoting this event for all my writing friends. Funny, that this year is the first that I'll serious attempt to do it myself. Last year I did create a November writing goal for myself, which quickly went to the way side in a few days. This time I'm planning on really trying this out. So join me as I arm myself if my trusted pen and paper and support group to attempt something I've yet to accomplish. I'm going to attempt to actually finish a piece of writing longer than 20 pages. I know, scary isn't it?

If you have more questions about NaNoWriMo please visit their website at http://nanowrimo.org/. Of course I you don't have to attempt something so massive as a full novel-- but if you write, use this month to come up with reachable goals for you. Since National Blog Writing Month is also in November, maybe you should start there and attempt to write daily. buy a journal and try to fill it by the end of the month, commit yourself on researching agencies and publishing houses if you have already finished a project. Fool-proof you query and cover letters, research/save for/and sign up for a writing conference this month or in the future -- there's some many wonderful things you can do with this.

Check in with this blog--I'm planning on posting solutions to writer's block and inspirational quotes daily. Happy Writing!