How much outlining is too much? Your initial response to that question might be that there is no cap to how much you should outline, I mean the more prepared the better, right? Not necessarily. Over outlining is a thing, and it can lead to problems when getting to work on your piece of writing.
I am currently 30,000 words into the first draft of my novel, but I’d probably be close to finished if had done a better job outlining. My problem was that I planned out each step my plot and characters would take (I know, it doesn’t sound like a problem). But, my outline was so detailed that when my gut would tell me to go another way, my mind wouldn’t allow it. I was stuck on the map I had made before I started writing, and although the blueprint was good, if I followed my intuition the story would turn out better.
Eventually I scrapped the outline and started the project fresh, although keeping my characters and general plot direction in tact. This time I am allowing the plot to flow forward on its own, my characters are making their decisions in the moment rather than a pre-planned route, and because of this everything feels a lot more real. I have a few major plot points in my head, but other than that I am discovering the story as it unfolds.
This might sound like it could end up chaotic and result in a lot of rewriting and editing, but remember I’m talking about over outlining, I’m not saying you shouldn’t outline at all. A rough outline to begin is a great way to get your ideas together and, especially with mystery novels, it can help you plan out your plot points. Outlines are great for planning out the major aspects of your novel, pacing the plot, and checking that your story makes sense. Nothing worse than being halfway through your novel and realizing a big aspect of your story is contradictory, or not believable.
Another reason I like to limit my outlining is because it just makes writing more fun. Knowing everything that is going to happen can get boring, and when things get boring it can be hard to write.
For me a short outline with a lot of room for improvisation is the way to go, however things like the outlining process are subjective and vary from author to author. Try different methods and do what works for you. If you’ve been doing it one way (whether a lot of outlining or a little), and aren’t happy with your results, try switching things up and see how that goes. You might be surprised to find that a method you would have never considered is the one that feels best.
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