ROW 80 Writing to a Deadline Part 7: “Writing from the Outline” #2 AKA: OMIGOSH I did it!

Posted on April 9, 2012 | 17 Comments

OMIGOSH I did it!

Okay, I was not a fan of the outline going into this, but now I totally am.  I finished the first draft this weekend, and despite the lack of explosions, I am quite tickled with it.

1.       Read the section of the outline for the scene I was about to write

2.       Check the allotted word count

3.       Write only what the outline told me to (kept me focused)

4.       Go back and make sure I covered everything required in the scene

5.       Check the word count after completing each section

I started to get scared because I was 150 words over in the first two scenes, which is a lot in a 10,000 word piece.  The good thing is, I over-allotted words for my turning point/revelation, and my climax.

In the end, I had 9,240 words.  Yay!  Words to spare.

Now, what is really awesome about this is since I stuck to my outline, I have no extraneous scenes to edit.  Every scene is important to draw the plotline forward.  There are no “Little Darling” scenes that I have to pull my hair out over cutting.  It’s a great place to be.

There are a few scenes that I need to go back and edit before beta-reading.  One I purposely wrote as “tell” because I wasn’t sure how to “show” her walking across a snow bank.  Overall, I am in great shape, and I am happy with the story.

And I cringe to say it— but I never would have finished it that quickly without the outline.

Now— to Edit, Beta Read, and Polish before the submission deadline.

The clock is ticking

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17 responses to “ROW 80 Writing to a Deadline Part 7: “Writing from the Outline” #2 AKA: OMIGOSH I did it!”

  1. Gene Lempp | April 16, 2012 at 5:58 am |

    I go back and forth with outlines, although I can see how it would be more effective in a shorter work. I do outline pretty much everything but tend to pants it a bit in the actual writing. All the best for the coming edits and beta reading – have a great week, Jennifer 🙂

  2. jedimarri | April 15, 2012 at 10:13 pm |

    I’m still fighting against outlines – but I’m glad it worked so well for you! Congrats on all the progress 🙂

  3. KM Huber | April 9, 2012 at 6:41 pm |

    Exactly what I needed to read as I prepare my second draft as a plotter; yes, I am a recovering “oh, words take me wherever you will” writer but never again. Congrats to you; great news!

    Karen

  4. Julie Catherine | April 9, 2012 at 11:55 am |

    Good for you, Jennifer (and you too, Jenny!) – that’s an awesome accomplishment. I have to say that I’m a huge fan of the outline, especially when I’m in “fibro-fog” mode, lol. It really does help to keep you on track of where you’re going in either a novel, or even a short story. Way to go! ~ Julie 🙂

  5. emaginette | April 9, 2012 at 11:01 am |

    I might try it sometime, but I admit I do like doing by the seat of my pants. Then I get to discover the story as its first reader.

    I’m sure this isn’t always appropriate though–word counts. 🙂

  6. Mieke Zamora-Mackay (@MZMackay) | April 9, 2012 at 10:12 am |

    I am so glad to hear that it worked out for you. Good luck with your submission!

  7. writerwendyreid | April 9, 2012 at 9:58 am |

    Good for you Jennifer, I knew you could do it! 🙂

  8. Gloria Richard Author | April 9, 2012 at 7:49 am |

    Good for you, Jennifer! I’m back-and-forth on my outline for my book.

    Plot to a sticking point. Write. The solution hits me. Plot again to next sticking point. Write. The solution hits me.

    Bruised! You’re right. Those outlines are brutal.

  9. kford2007 | April 9, 2012 at 6:24 am |

    Ah, but you are in a much better place than I. The only words that would flow out of me in my re-write could have been written by a 4th grader. Getting there, though. It will be off to betas today. Talk about getting down to the wire.