A Goodreads user
asked
Matthew FitzSimmons:
The plot of "Short Drop" is so complex, how did you outline it and keep all straight? I'm a first time author and have a problem in outlining a simple a linear novel.I'd love to know your outline secrets. (Please don't tell me you didn't use one.)
Matthew FitzSimmons
So I'll tell you my approach, but I think everyone has to find a method that works for them so take it with a grain of sand.
I worked from an Excel spreadsheet so that at a glance I could see chapters, POV, major plot points, characters featured in the chapter etc. That gave me a top down view that helped me notice if I was going too long without checking in with a certain character or plot point. I think Excel is optional, (I'm just comfortable with it) and there are lots of solutions but having a way to see the big picture was critical for me.
Beyond that, I'm what I'd call a "road trip outliner." What I mean by that is, I knew where I was starting and knew where I was ending. Beyond that I had several major stops (plot points/events) mapped out along the way but didn't always know how I was going to get from one to the other. I always left room for detours when I inevitably discovered a more interesting route as I wrote. And that was critical for me, the story became more complex as I went along as I kept finding ways to "raise the stakes" in the story and for the characters. When I began, the story wasn't nearly as complex or interesting as it became as I wrote/redrafted/edited.
So to sum up, I'd say that it's easier for me to plot if I know what I'm writing toward. Once I know that then it's about finding the most interesting way to get there.
Good luck with your writing!
I worked from an Excel spreadsheet so that at a glance I could see chapters, POV, major plot points, characters featured in the chapter etc. That gave me a top down view that helped me notice if I was going too long without checking in with a certain character or plot point. I think Excel is optional, (I'm just comfortable with it) and there are lots of solutions but having a way to see the big picture was critical for me.
Beyond that, I'm what I'd call a "road trip outliner." What I mean by that is, I knew where I was starting and knew where I was ending. Beyond that I had several major stops (plot points/events) mapped out along the way but didn't always know how I was going to get from one to the other. I always left room for detours when I inevitably discovered a more interesting route as I wrote. And that was critical for me, the story became more complex as I went along as I kept finding ways to "raise the stakes" in the story and for the characters. When I began, the story wasn't nearly as complex or interesting as it became as I wrote/redrafted/edited.
So to sum up, I'd say that it's easier for me to plot if I know what I'm writing toward. Once I know that then it's about finding the most interesting way to get there.
Good luck with your writing!
More Answered Questions
Roleta Meredith
asked
Matthew FitzSimmons:
How can I find Book Club Discussion questions for "The Short Drop"? Our club read the book. I am to lead the discussion on Monday night (Dec. 12, 2016) I need help. The books we have read have either had the questions in the back of the book or we were able to find them on line. HELP!!!!! BTW--Great Book, hope this becomes a movie!
Kirk
asked
Matthew FitzSimmons:
First, awesome book! I found your book thru the Kindle First program and I'm glad I did. The plot had me hooked from the start. The thing I like the most is that Gibson Vaughn is an average, flawed guy and not some big, bad never makes mistakes hero. So, where did you get the idea for his character? And, how hard is it to stay in character if he differs from you?
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