In an article for The Writer, S.H. Livernois says there’s another option to the uptight outline and the seat-of-your-pants technique. “A middle ground exists to please both the intricate plotters and the improvisational pantsers,” she says. “This method is customizable, eliminates writer’s block, and stimulates creativity and is made possible by marrying the outline with what seems like its opposite: free-writing.”
So, what does that mean? Livernois explains three steps to her process:
- The Foundation. First, identify your story structure. It can be three-act, hero’s journey, Freytag’s Pyramid, something else, or a mix of these approaches. “Don’t let these structures restrict you; use them to build something unique and unexpected into your story,” Livernois says. “Once you’re satisfied with your framework for the structure of your story, it’s time to improvise.”
- Free-writing. “This is where you break free and write down your ideas, ask questions, wonder what if, brainstorm, and think outside the box,” Livernois writes. Whatever your structure, start at point A and brainstorm your characters and story world, as well as what it will take to get them to point B. Get all your ideas down on paper, and try to work without pressure.
- Pulling it together. “The hard work begins now: transforming the unfiltered contents of your imagination into the first draft of your story, in non-narrative, summarized form,” Livernois explains. While your notes may look messy, you’ve actually organized them into sections. Read through each section, take out what you don’t like, add new elements, and put everything into a logical order. “By the end, your free-writing notes should be streamlined, and a narrative line should surface,” Livernois notes. “Meld this narrative with your predetermined structure from step one, just to make sure everything flows logically from point to point; for example, use it to make sure your midpoint climax doesn’t come too soon or too late.”
Now, you should be ready for your second draft outline. Revise until you’re satisfied. You’re likely to find you have about half the material you need for a full novel, Livernois says. “When you’re ready to write, you’re technically starting the second draft,” she writes. “Your first draft is already on paper.”
