I was asked today how to outline a work in progress by one of our new mamawriters. With NaNoWriMo on the way, no time like the present to take a time out and discuss the benefits of plotting, and adhering to an outline.
This is not a formula, per se… but some things you can think on. I don't think in terms of outline. I do think in terms of prose — so for me, writing a full synopsis from the get go is the best way to find out what happens along the way to the end.
Identify theme of story (Man vs. man, Man vs. nature, Man vs. self).
Make sure each paragraph has conflict, and that the conflict builds on something that happens previously, and leads toward the ultimate climax. Make sure that you're dropping clues toward your h/h's journey along the way, how they're getting what they wanted in the beginning, & what they want in the middle.
Toward the end, you'll have your climactic scene, where the H/H win, they receive what they ultimately desire, and then your denouement, when all settles into a HEA.
NOW, separate your synopsis into a word doc, where each paragraph is a note toward your plot progression. Give each one a Chapter #, and off you go! You should have about 30-40 or so chapters using this method. You can give yourself wordcount goals, or what have you — and if your plot goes pear shaped, you can figure out how to rein your characters back, or revise the remaining paragraphs later. The best part is, each paragraph is a prompt for the next time you pick up the WIP.
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she? She's just a girl…please!
Footsteps crunched on the gravel-filled dirt.
hand cupped her cheek in an all too familiar way.
the blow, and the lump of granite glanced off him.
With little effort, he peeled it from her fingers.
pin her arms close against her body.