I had to pick between a detailed outline and just writing blind for a new story

I went with the outline and it killed all the fun, making the first chapter feel like a chore. My main character, a baker in Seattle, felt totally flat because I'd planned every move. What's a better way to plan without sucking the life out of the idea?

3 comments

3 Comments

nancybailey1mo ago

That "sketch the big plot points" idea reminds me of a quote about building a roadmap but letting yourself wander.

samjohnson1mo ago

Ugh, I feel that. I tried to plan a whole kitchen remodel down to the last cabinet once and it made starting the actual work feel awful. Maybe just sketch the big plot points and let your baker surprise you in between?

anderson.david22d ago

That "let your baker surprise you" part hits hard. I've found if you plot out the three or four major beats you need to hit, then leave the rest loose, you actually end up with better stuff. Like with writing, you know your character has to get from point A to point B for the big scene, but how they get there can be half the fun. Same with baking a cake - you know you need the batter and the frosting, but messing up the layers can lead to a better tasting trifle. Locking down every detail just kills any chance for happy accidents.