resistance

[marycrawford]

Every time I'm stuck in the middle of a story, I say "next time I will learn to outline". Because if I could outline, if I could outline PROPERLY, then I would have a plan. And if I had a plan, then I would be able to stick to it. (This is the point where the gods begin to laugh.)

Instead I'm stuck in the middle of a story again, and trying to come to terms with the idea that maybe outlining isn't how my brain works. But it's so frustrating! Because I want to know what happens next, but the person who knows what happens next is stubbornly not telling me. She's the worst.

Comments

[killabeez]

I don't know if it helps at all, but...for me, outlining can either help me make it over the finish line, or (maybe more frequently) be the kiss of death. For years now, I've been stuck in this place where, if I don't outline? Story doesn't happen. But just as often, if not more often, if I DO outline...story doesn't happen, because I've already answered all the questions. It's a real conundrum.

[torch]

Yes, this! This is why I can't really outline -- then I've already told the story, and it dies. (it's dead to me, she said coldly) I try to jot down a few notes at the end of the document if it seems important, so I can stay two steps ahead, that's all.

[marycrawford]

it's dead to me, she said coldly

heee. I feel like I'm in the dark about a lot of this stuff, so every bit of perspective is helpful. Two steps ahead is about what I do now, I think - I have some notes on major things that Must Happen but often get stymied on how to get there.

[killabeez]

{{{{}}}}

I suspect, and don't quote me, that this is what rewrites are for. :D (too bad I almost never do that...)

[marycrawford]

I think I'm still (very slowly and mulishly) figuring out what does and doesn't work for me, so yes that is helpful, thank you! Just as a data point of "it can work but it can also have unintended side effects". I think I keep wanting to surprise myself (so no outline) but then also get hung up on plot stuff that would work so much better if I DID have an outline, sigh.

It's a real conundrum.
It is! I really hope you find your way out of it, because being stuck is No Fun. And I want you to have all the fun writing. <3