To Outline or Not Outline, that is the question—with apologies to the Bard himself, William Shakespeare.
I first met outlining in Mrs. Watkins’ sixth grade geography class. I hated it then, I hate it now. I’m what people sometimes call a “Seat-of-the-Pantser. In other words, I start writing a book and follow the story to see where it’s going. That was as true for my first book, Until Proven Guilty, as it is now. In other words, I had no idea Anne Corley was a goner until … well … she was. That outcome was as much of a surprise to me as it was to my readers.
Early on in my writing career, another area writer, someone who wrote fantasy, and I ended up appearing at the same events. He was an outliner; I was not. The two of us often debated the pros and cons of outlining in public. We were contemporaries. At the time he was much more well known than I was, but over the years I lost track of him because, with the exception of the Harry Potter books, I’m not all that keen on fantasy. At this point I have no idea if he’s still writing. However, at age 82, not only am I still writing, I recently signed a contract to deliver two more books. I’ll be fully employed until I hit 85!
What brought all this up today? I recently heard from a reader who had just finished reading The Girl From Devil’s Lake. He wanted to know why Marliss ends up dying at the end of the book and wondered if I had just run out of material for her character. The answer to that is, “No, I hadn’t run out of material.” Marliss had inserted herself in the investigation from the outset. Although she was incredibly annoying, she was also smart. In the end, she got too close to finding the bad guy and suffered the inevitable consequences.
Did I know it was coming before it happened? No, I did not. I may be the writer, but the truth is, as far as the stories are concerned, I’m just along for the ride along with all my readers.
So today’s blog will be short but sweet. As of yesterday I crossed the halfway point in Unnamed Joanna #22. I’m not sure how it’ll end, but I do know what’s in the next two chapters, and I need to get after them.
By the way, I know there were some challenges with last week’s post. It went out earlier than it was supposed to, and, in that version, it wasn’t possible to access the comments. If that happens again, please visit my website, jajanceauthor.com and click on the word blog in the upper right hand corner of the page. If you bookmark that address and your copy doesn’t come through in the future, you’ll be able to get right back to it.
Now it’s time to make breakfast and then get my nose to the writing grindstone. As Evie Busk would say, “If it is to be it is up to me.”—outline or no outline.
The way you explain your writing style, I think, is why I find it so enjoyable. Your characters are alive to you and they are to me as well. When I’m reading your books I find myself taken into the world you paint. Please don’t ever change. I’ll be looking forward to the books in process and also the ones you’ve signed the contract for.
Thank you so much for entertaining my brain!
I detest obviously scripted works. Recent Ian Rankin, for example. Writers should learn more about their characters as they write about them. Just like life.
I don’t write books, so outlines are not a part of my life, but I remember in high school, I hated doing them.
Blessing to you and Bill.
I appreciate that you are a fellow “seat of the pantser”. Seems to be working for you!
I just take one day at a time, mostly, because as a “retired” person who dog-sits, I can’t make a lot of future plans for my own self.
Life is funny. Plans change. Going with the flow is good as long as it’s a positive flow!
Well, enough of my life plan.
I sure enjoy your books. Can’t wait!!!
I am like you, my mysteries happen as I write and sometimes the characters surprise me.
I don’t know how you do it…I’m 78 years this week and am on my sixth book ( although I started in 2020). I enjoy reading or listening to your books and look forward to the next two?.
Sincerely,
Diane M McPhee
Whatever your method is it works. Your books are riveting and unfold perfectly. I have to admit I was shocked when Marliss met her unfortunate end. I can only imagine how you as the writer felt! Looking for ward to the new books.
Thrilling news on new Joanna Brady book you are working on. Congratulations on your new contract. It made my day.
The books with Ann Corley in them were the best books I’ve read. Why? Because I love surprises. Thanks for writing them.
Marliss was such a mean mean person – I won’t miss her, myself. If she was an alive human that would make me feel guilty, but as it is I can enjoy the sensation.
Ceci
Yep…. I remember having to do outlines in school and I, too, hated them. It seemed I’d have to have my entire story, paper, etc, all written out in my head before I even knew what was happening. Now, if I could have written my outline at the END of such project!
Life doesn’t have an outline. The end is coming, but we don’t always know how or when. I attended 12 years of Catholic School. Sometimes when I asked a question in religion class, the answer was, “It’s a mystery.” My husband attended eight years of CS and used this quote often jokingly as an adult.
Thank you for your work. Looking forward to reading it.
Your Friday blog never fails to amuse us, Judy. I was an outline fan in high school and it still works for me. Sometimes my daily routine doesn’t always go as outlined, especially since my husband has dementia now, but I deal with it.
Your writing style is so interesting! Glad to hear there are more books ahead!
Love your mom’s sayings. When is your next book coming out–I am in need of a Jance book!!
I was having lunch today with five other women and we got talking books. I mentioned you and one of the women said “she is a slow writer.” My sister and I were upset as we thought she meant your books were slow reading. We both piped up with “what do you mean.” Her response was that she wished you would speed up in writing your books as it’s been awhile since one has come out. We both let her know that you do have a personal life also and don’t just “pump them out.”
No outline, absolutely no problem! Your writing is your readers gift.
Thank you ?