Plotting Outlines: To Do Or Not To Do
Plotting is the activity of describing your work in a summarized form, used primarily as a way to outline it before starting the actual writing process. This process is almost always a necessity for long commissioned pieces (particularly books and novels), but is also highly useful for regular forms of writing, such as reports, essays and reviews. In many ways, I find it just as valuable as using a good grammar software, making the whole job of writing an easier proposition.
The Benefits Of Plotting An Outline
For commissioned writers, especially those tasked to create books, novels or manuscripts, an outline brings along a number of benefits.
- It allows you to refine the presentation of your work early on in the process, saving you from countless hours spent rewriting.
- It provides a rough summary of the full work that both the writer and the editor can use as a basis for early revisions and planning.
- It streamlines the writing process, making it possible to concentrate on the actual writing, instead of having to innovate right while you’re in the middle of it.
The Argument Against Plotting Outlines
Yet, not all writers plot outlines. In fact, many writers I know are more inclined to dive right in, choosing to begin the writing process without much preparation and forethought.
Plotting outlines is a largely structured organizational skill, which is quite a departure from the more creative craft that actual writing is. As such, many writers struggle through them, with others finding the process a bit of a chore.
Should You Or Should You Not?
Each writer is different and works best in their own unique way. While I personally would recommend everyone use outlining as a process to streamline the writing, others may be able to produce their best (though, not necessarily most efficient) work without it.