As you know, I’m peddling my book Seams a Bit Queer, which is on Amazon, and I wanted to talk a little bit about my outlining. As much as I troll fixyourwritinghabits, I do actually outline my original works. Specifically, most of these books are short and set over a very strict short time period such as a few days. Here is a blank outline for a holiday book I’m working on that takes place literally in two days.
Because part of the challenge I set for myself at the start of the summer was to release a book a month from Sept-Dec., I needed a formula. I decided that each book would be about 15-20K, take place over the course of just a few days or maybe a week, and be very easy reads/low conflict. I knew I wanted love stories and I felt, based on my history with fanfic, that if I built a little world I could be comfortable in that I could knock out about 7 chapters per book. Using that, I created the outline for my books that keeps me reigned in so I can continue to whip out the books.
This is a very demanding turnaround. I don’t know that I recommend it. The only reason I’m doing it is because I know I write very quickly and I wanted to challenge myself to see if it was possible for me to do this.
You can see in my outline that I have two ‘scenes’ per chapter, and each scene gets a location. I have a few set locations that I put on a picker wheel and randomize if I find myself stuck in the story. For example, if the wheel lands on the Coffee Shop for the next scene but they’re currently in someone’s apartment, I need to figure out how to get them to the coffee shop. It can be a great way to break up writers block.
I also need to know what time of day it is, and any specific tasks or hints that need to happen in that chapter.
I’m still suffering the plague- sore throat, wracking painful cough, no brains- so I’ve had to adjust my timeline a little. In theory, Vane Attraction would be coming out next week but that’s not going to happen now. It’s good when you’re doing these kinds of projects to remain flexible with yourself. Just because you have a deadline, doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. Hopefully, Vane Attraction will be out by the end of the month, and then Tate’s book (which is one of my favorites).PS: One day I’ll reply to messages, I promise, but gosh I’m sick so it’s probably bed for me right now.