When writing a novel or a short story, do you think its best to write out an outline before starting it or just winging it as you go?
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Desiderata will be exploring Europe soon
ANSWERS: 13
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I find that when I wing it I end up with a better story
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No, I reckon it's much better to simply prevaricate and ask questions on answerbag!
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I wing it, but then end up editing it about a million times.
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You need a general outline, so you at least know who your characters are and how the story is going to progress. It makes it much easier to flesh out the story if you have some sort of map for where you intend to go.
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Maybe for a novel, it would be a good idea to have an outline do you don't go off on a plot tangent. I've only written short dramas (fan fiction mostly) and found an outline isn't necessary. I just act it out in my mind and write down what happens and who says what.
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I recommend using an outline.
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I just wing it but I edit a bunch matters what kind of writer you are
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I've never used an outline in my life; I'm terrified that someone will steal it and take all my ideas ;P I'me pretty ridiculous that way lol. But I definately DO NOT suggest winging it as you go. Have a general idea on where this story is going: this character will show up, and they react this way, which makes them do this, and the antagonist reacts that way, and this is how the battle goes, this is who dies and who lives, and this is how it ends. Or something like that. As long as you can remember the plot, I don't think you need an outline. But know what's going on, otherwise your reader won't. Cheers!
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It would be best to wing it. Most books that I have read have been winged by its author.
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i wing it. it works better for me.
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Have an outline of the major events, then wing the plot to get to that main event, and then BOOM, you can decide whether you want to change the detail of the outline, or stick with it.
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I think it is most important to do which ever will support you in getting from point A to point B... The concept for the story...to publishing successfully! Since Dante's Secret is based upon a repetitive dream I had, the concept was pretty much mapped out in my head to start. But, of course, I had to flesh it out. I had to figure out exactly HOW to get my characters and the supposed, hopeful reader to step on the path and take the journey! The first book, just spun its self along. I started it, it died in the water for a couple of years, then I suddenly hit the flow and couldn't stop writing, everything was mostly golden. The second book in the series has been a bit harder, some chapters are in the flow and others, I'm struggling though...I feel unsure as to what the ending will be on the second book...and while there is a third book already started too...it takes place in the present day, while the first two are set in the 1500 - 1600 time frame. I WISH I had an outline for book two! I would LOVE to have a "map" of what's supposed to happen here!
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Try both, different things work for different people. You just have to find out how you like to work!!
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