Outlining A Book

I've been thinking of helpful topics that I can write about for anyone who is interested in writing a book or getting published.  I thought about writing about how I outline a story.  And then I ran across a blog entry written by the talented Jaye Wells that lays out how she outlines a book.  It turns out we're very similar.  In fact, she does such a fine job of telling you how she does it that I really don't have much to add.

So, go to Jaye's blog to read a great example of how to outline a book.
Jaye Wells: Outline Schmoutline

Differences: change poster board to large blank wall for me
Difference: add a few more colors (usually 5-7 colors) as I try to keep track of how often certain main characters appear, where the fight scenes are, and where the sex is.

Plotting is heavy into balance and pacing.

Once I'm done with outlining a book on the wall, I move it over to the computer where I create an outline I can easily reference when I'm writing.  It's a series of extremely short notes that helps me remember where I'm headed with each story.

Here is an example of the outline that I created for Dayhunter:

Mira and Tristan hunt in London

            Encounter Nightshade & witch

Group (Mira, Danaus, Tristan) leave for Coven – Venice

            Discuss power use at Themis

            Mira promises to protect D.

Mira and Danaus find Naturi at Coven

Danaus sees Mira’s scars

Speak with Valerio & Gwen

Coven

Alex tells of ashes in U.K.

            Sees elf

            Mira attempts to attack Elders

            Coven needs time to consider

Speaks with Alex & Vasili

            Great Awakening

            Machu Picchu/Fey

Mira & Danaus at Torcello

            Danaus bckgrd           

            Mira bckgrd

**The red font indicates a fight scene. **

If you've read the book, you know there's a lot in the book that doesn't appear in the outline.  The notes are brief.  I just need enough to jog loose my memory of what I had planned for that particular scene in the book.  Most people who saw the outline wouldn't understand it and in many ways, the outline changes as I go.  

The outline is not carved in stone.

It is there to act as a guide to keep you moving forward.  It helps you stay focused and give direction when you are encountering some writer's block.  If a brilliant idea hits you while you're working, feel free to tweak the plot.  Characters are constantly surprising writers with the new directions they want to take.  You have to be willing to tackle the unexpected with your characters.  For me, some of my best stuff has come from things that I didn't originally plan.