Writing a book, need some help?

Question

Ok i have read Q+A from a few people also writing a book and people keep mentioning outlines, something i tried to do. Can somebody give me a little help? i really dont know much about making outlines with this type of thing. Is there a website that showsan example or something?

Answer 1

Here is what I do sometimes, though not usually so "properly" lol

*

1. Characters
* * * 1. Character One
* * * * * A. Looks
* * * * * B. Personality
* * * * * C. Special quirks, past turmoil and anything else relevant
* * * 2. Character Two...etc
2. Setting
* * * 1. Main setting of the story
* * * 2. Other places of importance...etc.
3. Plot
* * * 1.. How does the plot bring the characters together
* * * 2. Character romances/relationships
* * * * * * 1. Characters One & Two
* * * 3. Character conflicts in the plot
* * * * * * 1.. Which characters and why
* * 2. What sequence does the plot take place
* * * 1. Beginning
* * * * * * 1. Plot idea
* * * * * * 2. Plot idea
* * * * * * 3. Plot idea...etc
* * * 2. Climax of the story
* * * * * 1. Plot ideas/how characters are affected by events in the plot
* * * 3. How the story has changed the characters
* * * * * 1. Examples of personality changes
* * * * * 2. Examples of physical changes
* * * 4. End of the story

Answer 2

You don't need to prepare an outline in order to write a book. Every writer is different. Some writers just pick up a pencil or sit at a keyboard and start writing. It's surprising what they come up with. The secret to writing a book is to just start writing. It'll come to you as you go along.

Answer 3

You shouldn't need an outline. Just write what you want. Everyone says planning it all out is better, but just write it or type it down, make your corrections, add/chop off words, and you should be good to go. It's really simple.

Answer 4

An outline is just a page or so, a synopsis of the book.

Check out this group:

http://critters.org/

This a a writer's workshop for speculative fiction- so if your book is not horror, Sci-fi or fantasy, they will not be able to help you- but this is FREE help if you are writing in the genre

Answer 5

tell the story in your head, then use blank sheets of paper to "plot" it out, i mean like use regular white paper but write on it some short information only and lay this out on your bed to form the "outline"

Answer 6

YOu outlined in school didn't you!

I. This happens
1.And this
2.and this
a. also this
b. that
c. the other
3. Plus this
II THEN WE...
1. Do this
2. That
3. The other.

Answer 7

i think just type or write your story and maybe on a back of a book they show people who published call them or go on a website they have and ask them

Answer 8

Search the Yahoo Groups for writers groups and you will find a ton of information.

Answer 9

follow the natural line of the story, the explosions (situations where the characters are forced to make decisions), conflicts and the actions taken to resolve those conflicts.