Do you use an outline?

Joined: 29 May 2008 Posts: 23

How many writers today actually use and outline in its true form? I do not believe there are many writers that really do anymore. I believe when writers have been writing for so long that they actually start organizing an outline without even realizing it.

I no longer use a written outline at all. Before I start writing I do my research and during that process my outline is formulated in my head.

So, how many of you actually write down an outline before you begin writing?

Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 11

Well, so I'm the first to participate in your poll. I have a feeling the ratio will change as more people participate.

For me, it is easier and faster for me to write it all out than to create an outline and then work from the outline. To me, an outline is an unnecessary, tedious, cumbersome step. Then again, writing is something that has always come easily to me, it's more intuitive to me than it is for most.

Nothing wrong with outlines, I know people who can't write without one, I just work better without.

Joined: 06 Aug 2008 Posts: 6

The only time I would use an outline would be in putting together something that involved a lot of different sections. With essays or articles I kind of have an outline that I follow in my head - kind of blank outline that works with all articles/essays.

Joined: 04 Jun 2008 Posts: 8

I have been writing for a while now and it is been a very long time back that I used an outline for my writings. It was during my school days that I strictly followed up with the outlines, of course continued it only limiting it for my final exams as it was a must. But, other than that I never really needed to have an outline.