Outline shock – get over it

I’m a huge fan of outlines. With the amount of words I create every day, I’d darn well better be.

I haven’t always been this in love with outlines; in fact for many years I hated them with an insane passion – I was convinced that outlines not only stifled all creativity, but led to the end of civilization as we know it.

So what changed?

I just found that outlining saves time, and by forcing myself to outline, I FINISHED everything I started writing.

Now I create outlines at every stage of any writing project. For long projects, like books, I start with a couple of mind maps. They help me to research. Then I create a couple of outlines as an overview, and write the first chapter. By that time, I know enough to be able to write the competitive analysis, and the sales outline which will go to an agent or editor.

The Problem with Book Outlines – Advice for Authors recommends forgetting that you’re outlining a book, and imagine you’re:

“Drafting a presentation for SxSW, Microsoft TechEd or TED (insert the most appropriate conference here)
Writing the script or talking points for a podcast or video
Preparing a series of blog posts on a subject”

Whatever works.

For short projects, my “outline” is just a list – a list of four or five points I want to cover in an article for example.

If you’re still resisting outlines, give them another try. You’ll be amazed at how much more productive you are.

Write more – the key to your writing success

Yes, you can write more – even if you’re a world-class procrastinator.

Did you know that when you write more, your writing improves? Many of my writing students experience this. They find that when they write more, writing is easier for them – they’re not dominated by their inner editor.

My new writing class, “Write More And Make More Money From Your Writing: Develop A Fast, Fun Productive Writing Process” is based on lessons I developed for my private coaching students to help them to write more, improve their writing, and make more money writing.

If you’re struggling with your writing, the class will help. The techniques you’ll learn in class with help you write fiction, nonfiction, and copy for business.

Discover how you can write more, improve your writing, and sell more of your writing to higher-paying markets.

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