The Role of Outlining in Writing a First Draft: Strategies and Insights
Every writer has their own unique process for creating the first draft of a manuscript. Some swear by outlining while others prefer to dive straight into the storytelling. In this article, we explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of outlining, drawing from the experiences of experienced authors and ghostwriters.
Understanding Different Writing Styles
Jeremy mentions that the writing process is different for everyone, and that outlining might only be useful if it helps clarify the vision of your story. This is a common sentiment, as many writers argue that the best way to write is to simply start and keep going, without overthinking the structure.
However, many authors and publishers strongly recommend outlining, as it serves as a roadmap for your main character's journey. Without it, you might find yourself wandering as ideas come to you, leading to a lot of rewriting and deleting during the editing phase. As one ghostwriter puts it, an outline can save you a significant amount of time and hassle, as it helps in writing a more coherent story.
Personal Experiences with Outlining
A decade ago, this ghostwriter began taking on assignments for fiction novels, often without an outline. Initially, they would use notes, songs, and poems to flesh out their stories, crafting them as they went. This approach worked well, but slowing results in less writing per day. Around 12 years ago, a client requested an outline, and the experience was eye-opening. The author found that with an outline, they could write about 10,000 words a day, whereas without one, the daily output dropped to about 3–5,000 words. This difference was due to the time saved from not imagining and planning the world and characters in advance.
The author also discovered another significant benefit: their middle sections improved dramatically. Many writers find it challenging to develop compelling middle sections, but with an outline, these sections could be crafted more smoothly. This improvement was particularly noticeable, as middles are often compared to "wastelands of empty space" filled with only minor details like insects and grubs. The outline provided a clear guide, making the writing process more enjoyable and productive.
Choosing the Right Approach
The choice between outlining and not outlining ultimately depends on personal preference and the nature of the project. For some, an outline is a necessary tool to ensure a flow and coherence in their writing. For others, it might be a hindrance, obstructing their creative flow. It is important for writers to experiment and find what works best for them.
Additional Tips for Writing a First Draft
During the writing process, there are several other important factors to consider. For instance, finding reliable alpha-readers and beta-readers is crucial to receiving feedback before the manuscript goes through the editing process. These readers can help you identify any potential flaws in your story and suggest improvements. Additionally, having a team of editors and proofreaders is essential for ensuring the manuscript is polished and ready for publication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while outlining may not be necessary for everyone, it can be a valuable tool for others wishing to ensure their writing is coherent and well-structured. The key is to find the approach that works best for you. Whichever method you choose, the most important thing is to start writing and keep going. Whether you outline or not, the journey of writing your first draft is a unique and rewarding process.
Whether you decide to map out your manuscript or not, remember the advice from experienced writers: start and keep going. Begin with an outline, a description, a list of cool verbs, or whatever helps you kickstart your story. Once you start, it's easier to stay in the flow and continue until you've completed your manuscript.
By following these insights and advice, you'll be well on your way to creating a compelling and well-structured first draft.