I like having several irons in the fire, it’s what I’m used to and I thrive on multi-tasking. Craft your premise. This is the first time I’ve approached NaNoWriMo feeling comfortable with my “plan.” Which is what, you ask? Then comes the subplots and events under each chapter, stick those notes under the chapter note. The benefit of using index cards is that you can look at the overall structure and see if all the actions and characters are working the way you want … Their chief allure: interchangeability. All I can do is stay about 24-hours ahead of the “old” stuff. (I also believe in our Constitution – Don’t Tread on my Rights, Yo). I personally do not follow a single traditional method to outline my novel. For example, killing a character or revealing a secret. Novel Outlining Options. You can either just full out free write your novel then go back in and break it down into scenes, or you can start with how you want to end with your story and work backwards. Here's the video I mention in the video. Or another option is to use different colors of markers to indicate the scenes. In other words, you can use index cards to outline a novel and then write more details in your word document. A detailed outline can be of any number of pages. Well, a novel outline is good for those people who prefer planning a novel beforehand in the detailed documentation. Creating an Outline with Index Cards By georgelthomas on 11 Jul 2017 • (4) All you need to create your outline are 60 index cards, a pen or a marker of some sort and a large space in which to spread out the cards. Index cards to the rescue. ... "Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters … You gotta figure out which method fits best for you. I went out and bought a pack of index cards with four colors. This document’s length can vary from 1-page to a comprehensive visual mind map that includes diagrams to show the connections between ideas and information. However, he now knew exactly where the novel … It meant a bit of work to reshuffle and rewrite chapters. Write a one-line synopsis of each specific scene that you think should be in your story, one scene per card. Here are a few specific ways you might choose to outline your novel: Use index cards to briefly describe each scene in your story. Get out a pack of index cards, write the name of each character on the correct number of cards, and if you’d like, on a few extras — I’ll make eighteen for Elsie … Post was not sent - check your email addresses! But then last year, at the Hawaii Writer's Conference, I attended bestselling author William Bernhardt's outlining seminar. See more ideas about writing a … A detailed process is written below. Outlining your novel with index cards is a lot of work, but it also makes a lot of sense. Many authors prefer writing 18 to 20 pages on novel outlining using more than 2 methods. Index Cards Not only are index cards a classic school supply – they’re also an excellent aid for novelists. However, the primary structure to arrange the card is: Another way is to arrange all the events and subplot cards on the board first and then adding the cards for the chapters. I will add and change scenes as I write because I don’t like to outline fully, I like my characters to “speak” to me as I write, but I think using this method of outlining will REALLY help me as I go through the process and will likely help me not get AS stuck. I will be a NaNoWriMo Rebel because why not? Pantsers do not consider plotting the novel, which answers the third question. Red for danger: War, fight, conflicts, disagreements, negative twists like death and so on. The method is for outlining novel subplots or scenes using index cards. (Pst – you can find me on the NaNoWriMo website under the username: take2max!). 14 Comments; So you like stories, hm..? I can be snark-a-licious, but only when provoked or when confronted with ignorant, ill-informed knuckleheads. Let me tell you a really tragic story then – a tale of passionate quest and heartbreaking despair! I also have explained this method with a free outline template that you can modify as per your novel. This 1-page outline will save us a lot of time and will make every novelist save time from thinking this and that during the writing phase, which is another tedious process (taking so much of our time). Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Maybe Truth or Tradition can help. I’ve been blogging (on and off, mostly off) for…. Organize Your Novel with Excel–This is a good way to look at a chapter or novel to see how your point of view, plot and other elements balance in a visual lay-out. Your pacing is uneven throughout the novel outline. Making a Narrative Outline Determine the opening scene. Navigating an Escape Room – Did We Do It? How to Outline a Novel: 60 Index Cards Method Posted by Margaret Dilloway September 6, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized Tags: outlining a novel , Writers Resources , writing I used to be very against outlining books– novels– because I thought they had to be PURE and free-flowing and not sticking to any … I personally write chapter names first. I get bored. Act I is pink, Act II, part one, is light blue, Act II, part two is yellow, and Act III is baby green. 1. Formatting an ebook: Microsoft Word Video Tutorial. Also follow me on Instagram, because life is more fun with pictures. (I use the door of my wardrobe) First, stick all the chapter cards on the board. I like to flit from project-to-project. Feel free to use different colors for different themes or parts of the book. When I watched Sarra’s video, a light bulb went off over my head. You can also physically move the note cards around to change where scene land. Now, first, write the chapter names (tentative) on blue cards. It doesn’t give me an exact view of my story, but it definitely gives me enough to start writing. Step 6: Move Forward. Pink for love interests: Proposals, crush on someone, romantic scene, first kiss or love confessions. Outlining a novel before starting the actual novel is the best way to avoid plotholes. Even though you are more comfortable with your laptop or PC, sometimes pen and paper notes are more helpful. I don’t really create the entire outline, I kind of go with the flow while adding some notes under chapter title. But laying the cards out and then writing in my beginning scenes and my ending scenes, at least, my ending as it plays in my head now, that could, and likely will, change as I get closer to the end, and then sticking scenes that pop into my head into the puzzle as they come to me, REALLY helped me. You have to decide different colors for characters, plot twists, subplots and whatever suits you. Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat! I’m going to reach my 50,000 word count working on a variety of projects. While writing each chapter, make sure you scan your index cards and documented outlines to avoid errors. Now you can proceed with the first draft. They had an idea they adored, and maybe … Now you can proceed with the first draft. Just a short description of what happens in the scene (the action) 2) Lay … Green for positive events: Success, conflict resolution, friendships or happy events like protagonist delivered a baby or something like that. If you think you want to add some more scenes in the chapter, reflect those changes in the index card outline as well as a documented outline. Plotting your novel. For example, you can also use a pile of cards to write down character sheets and info, setting ideas and names of places, random bits of dialogue that … Take that notecard an… And my plan when I get stuck is to move on to another writing project. A scene doesn’t work where you think it should? How to Outline a Novel (With Worksheet + Template) 14 Remarkable Comments. Remember, color codes are important. I am a medical assistant and when you juggle 40+ patients a week, scheduling them for testing, appointments, preparing a short synapsis of why they are coming in and comorbidities for my doctor and mid-level, answering phone calls and returning phone calls, addressing messages from my co-workers about patients, covering for other medical assistants when they’re out and all the miscellaneous work, I’m never caught up. You can do another way around, like making cards for primary events and then adding chapter cards at last. Scan the hierarchy of events that you made with the cards, do you see anything missing? This next bit is pure fun. He said he couldn't teach us the poetry of writing, … When I watched Sarra’s video, a light bulb went off over my head. How To Make a Step Outline: Scene Cards. Count out index cards, one per scene, and divide them into character piles. If you use the handy-dandy index card system to write your novel outline. 1) Write, on separate cards, the scenes you know are going to be in your story. My novel is … Jun 5, 2013 - I used to be very against outlining books-- novels-- because I thought they had to be PURE and free-flowing and not sticking to any formula. proposes using index cards to get a handle on what he sees as a movie’s 40 major beats (10 each in acts 1, 2A, 2B, and 3), while other screenwriters simply use them to keep track of the … I hope this was as helpful to you as it was to me. If you are going to introduce any love scene in the chapter, use the color code. But for plotters or people who for sure know they are going to miss a scene or subplot in the novel, should consider outlining a novel. It is a document that includes important information about the novel’s structure, characters, plot, and more. Hello! Here’s one way to use Index Cards to create your outline…. They allow us to map out our novel one card at a time, then sequence them in the order that makes the most sense. Second, put the main points of your outline onto note cards in order. (I’ve lost track, quite honestly). I squeeze in family time and blogging in between all of that. However, they use some sort of basic planning to get their novel ready. However, there still are some points worth considering on this method. Break Out the Index Cards. For the starter pack, you are gonna need, different colors of cards or sticky notes. Similarly, for plot twists and wars. That’s certainly a better description than what I typically ascribe to it. When using index cards for outlining, some writers get detailed with their cards, making one for each scene. Once you’ve placed all the plot cards you can on the timeline, take a step back and admire your hard work. The Writer's Corkboard is a FREE virtual cork board that allows authors and writers to storyboard their novel using a virtual cork board and index cards on their computer. I also have explained this method with a free outline template that you can modify as per your novel. To create a line break while typing within an index card, hold the “alt” or “option” key then press “enter.” Adding & Rearranging Index Cards. After that, make cards for each event in the chapter. Imagine you’re a rock climber looking up at a tall cliff, for instance. When I get an idea for a novel, I spend many hours imagining it and jotting down ideas. A sneak peek of my step outline … As I heard someone describe the middle of your novel once – it’s the creamy, gooey filling of a delicious éclair. Enjoy! For example, the Protagonist’s entry, his/her motives, a fight scene, a sudden twist in a plot, subplots and any other detail you wanna add. You will find tons of different ideas to outline your novel on the internet. And side note: breaking up Act II into two parts makes a lot of sense to me, as well. I believe in Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Writing Well. You will find tons of different ideas to outline your novel on the internet. Are all of my index cards filled out? You’ve just created the outline for your novel. This single idea allowed him to successfully create a novel outline. So I’m used to juggling several things at once and I think that’s why I get bored with one project. It is a great writing tool for organizing chapters, scenes, acts, etc. Aug 7, 2016 - Index cards to outline a young adult novel like #harrypotter, #twilight, and the #hungergames. I’m a mom to two young men – Blake (28) and Brandon (25). When you’re done, you should have around 40 cards (i.e 40 scenes), 10 in each row, give or take a card. This step is to check if you have created any plotholes by mistake. Either way, keep those spare cards safe, just in case. Without a novel outline before, I took a lot of months before I finish my novel versus to 30 days of my recent 2 novels this year. A good way to find … Once upon a time, there was somebody who wanted to write a novel. Because you might forget to make cards for some events in the previous steps or maybe you want to add more subplots. Get a big table or a board on which you are going to stick the cards. Using index cards to outline your novel is a great first step. But I recommend using markers, cards, and a board to arrange the cards. Because I’m not going to pretend I won’t get stuck. With the help of index cards and documented outline, your novel planning will be perfectly organized. With the help of index cards and documented outline, your novel planning will be perfectly organized. There is two way you can do this. Either way, you will have a clear picture of the flow of the novel. Now its time to fill the cards up. Read more about my experiences as a medical assistant here. A perk of this method is that you can shuffle the cards easily if you need to rearrange scenes. Not even close. This is the underlying idea for your story. You gotta figure out which method fits best for you. Required fields are marked *, © Have you decided on your card colors yet? I will. With the index cards, it’s easy to find out errors. Multi-purpose: while this particular post is about outlining scenes of your novel with the cards, you can easily use them for anything else you need to work out. Have questions? The Reverse Outline. Your email address will not be published. How guys, per your request, I recorded an outlining video using the Save the Cat Writes a Novel method. Pressing “enter” or “return” on your keyboard while typing within an index card will save the synopsis you’ve written. Nope. I hope you will find something helpful out of this method. How to proceed with an Index card novel outlining. Like, I have my own method. These days I use (virtual) index cards to create a detailed outline of my novel before I put pen to paper to create a first draft. You can even do this digitally with note card applications (like the Cardboard Novels … If you’re writing a book – fiction or non-fiction, try this. How to write a novel outline: With Detail outlining template, Your email address will not be published. Outlining your novel with index cards is a lot of work, but it also makes a lot of sense. 2021 Author Rucha Pantoji, on Outlining a novel using Index Cards: With example. Flush out the details a bit, but keep each scene on one note/card. Blue color for chapters. I don’t necessarily break the rules, but I definitely bend the rules. A narrative outline can … Podcast: If the Government Said They Would Give You $1500 to Get the COVID Vaccine – Would You. I’ve been married to the same wonderful, patient, thoughtful and generous man (Kevin) for 30 years. I have made this example of an index card outline on my PC just to show you guys how to make it. First write out a full outline in a document. "Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Writing Well". However, if I come up with something new, I write it down in the notes. Many writers ask questions like ‘how long an outline should be?’, ‘what is the best way to get the best outline ready?’, or ‘Is it important to have an outline?’. This method, according to me, could take a bit longer time. It’s up to you what colors you want to use for which activity. *wink*. What is the index card novel outlining method? Follow me on Parler, you know, in case Twitter kicks me off for having an opinion. Very easy to use. sherry_soule says: March 5, 2015 at 2:45 pm A novel outline template is almost like the framework of a novel. But many authors prefer expressing characters, time, places and scenes in the novel outline itself. Why index cards? Why not? Step 4: Convert the index card flow into a detailed document outline, Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window). Place each idea or scene on its own index card. But for plotters or people who for sure know they are going to miss a scene or subplot in the novel, should consider outlining a novel. Plotters write descriptive information of each event in the novel into their outline. Outlining your novel with index cards is a lot of work, but it also makes a lot of sense. Take a character stack, blank side up, and start writing one sentence descriptions of scenes you want to write involving that character, one per card. Organized writing for writers: 10 ways and tips. Don’t let the naysayers fool you: a story outline is the closest thing to a “get out of jail free” card in the long game of novel-writing. Plot Your Novel With Index Cards. Because he would then be able to spread these out on the floor, shuffle the order around, remove some and add new events into the mix. Anyway, I’m excited about this “puzzle” approach to outlining and I’m very thankful to Sarra Cannon for sharing her knowledge with us. (Okay, I really spend the majority of my “down” time watching YouTube videos or searching prompts and writing short stories to post). My name is Karen and welcome! Whether you choose to use paper index cards, Scrivener’s corkboard, or another medium, scene cards are a staple of the writing process. Color codes are for a better understanding of an outline. That’s probably a blank spot in the novel which you gotta find out, and eventually, you will. The traditional back to school methods are always helpful for writers. However, for novel writers, cards are an even more powerful tool. Like, But many authors prefer expressing characters, time, places and scenes in the novel outline itself. Physically moving (or dragging and dropping) your scene cards also adds a tactile element to plotting. I graduated from college with a B.S in Technical Writing – so I’m a wordy know-it-all, as well as a minor in creative writing – so don’t always believe what I write. The name pretty much tells everything about the method. When I watched Sarra’s video, a light bulb went off over my head. That’s pretty much how I approach life, I bend rules. I … In a screenplay, this structure is pretty strictly followed given that films need to be a certain length, but there’s more room to play in a novel. *ahem*. how many years…? In such cases, you gotta rearrange the cards based on the flow of the story. Time invested in a story outline is foresight gained for your novel. Not only will it help you establish your novel’s story, it can also motivate you to start writing and get those creative juices flowing. I work full time in a healthcare clinic – it’s my “day” job. I’m used to never finishing something completely as my day job is never ending and I’m NEVER caught up, it’s just the nature of the beast, so to speak. Congratulations. I understand my writing self more now. In this blog, I am gonna talk about the Index card outlining method. Get yourself a stack of index cards. The reverse outline works sort of in a backward method. 5 Reasons to choose a pen name for authors. God is NOT responsible for bad things happening. Write the name of the viewpoint character on one side of each of their notecards. I went out and bought a pack of index cards with four colors. Act I is pink, Act II, part one, is light blue, Act II, part two is yellow, and Act III is baby green. When you put these note cards on your cork board, you’ll see how the story flows. Yellow cards for subplots in a novel. And I hope you’re as ready as you can be for NaNoWriMo because, Blogfam, it’s nearly here! Whether that’s blogging, journaling, writing short stories, or writing anything, really, and then I can get back to my novel with fresh eyes. I hope you did. Novel outline is good for those people who prefer planning a novel outline.., for instance sense to me free outline template that you think it should moving or... Cards are an even more powerful tool m not going to be in your word document my “ day job! While writing each chapter, stick all the plot cards you can shuffle the cards I. 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