Does the index card thing really work?

Question

When outlining a novel, does the process where you list events or characters, etc..on numerous index cards really help? I've had it suggested to me before, but I've never tried it....I know what works for one person may not work for another and you have to find out what works for you, but I just wanted to know your opinions on this. THanks!

Kiara

Answer 1

that system works well for being able to get a rough layout of your story as you write things change and usually the story takes on a life of its own thereby changing thing especially the sequence of events the cards hell you move around events and happenings to make sense of them before you start rewriting the new way in which your story has changed directions

Answer 2

I've done it for book reports way back when I was in school and index cards were all we had, not computers with hypertext capabilities. You could do the outline on a computer just as easily now, since the main point of the file cards is the ability to rearrange them to suit different points of view. Create them in order as you come to them (the way they used to always list the "cast of characters" in a Perry Mason story), and then rearrange them to write your outline of their overall relationship to the plot.

Same with events or scenes. You can do the "index card thing" in virtual reality, and save the trees it would take to make those cards.

Answer 3

Note cards work since they're the info you need in a nice condensed form but, it might help them work if you repeat (out loud) the info that's on them.
Even though it seems a bit odd (and it'll give your roomie a good laugh) repeating info out loud actually helps it stay fresh in your mind.