Do you use an outline?

Roguegal · 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?

econwriter5 · Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 29

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.

azaleaeight · Joined: 06 Aug 2008 Posts: 27

[quote="Roguegal"]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?[/quote]

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.

ammulu · 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.

Kitten · Joined: 07 Oct 2008 Posts: 30

I know some long-time writers who still swear by having a semi-solid outline. Sure, it might change along the way, but it gives them something to hold their ideas together.....to remember exactly where they wanted to go with certain things.

azaleaeight · Joined: 06 Aug 2008 Posts: 27

An outline is really a very good way to structure anything that requires it. It's one thing when a person is writing something that doesn't need that degree of structure, but even then an outline can help keep the writer from wandering too far off and going on too long. (I'm a big one for going on for too long, and I have real trouble with that, as people on here may have noticed. ) Smile

There's a difference, though, between an essay like, "How to paint a house" or "How to make your PC run faster" and "The Meaning of Life".

angelicwriter · Joined: 02 Nov 2008 Posts: 8

Yes, I use an outline but it's usually when it's a complex topic or I'm approaching a deadline and want to keep the writing process moving forward as quickly as possible. Having an outline keeps me focused.

justontime · Joined: 08 Oct 2008 Posts: 82

I use an outline, but it may not be recognisable as such to anyone else. Often it will look more like a rather chaotic spider diagram, with notes scribbled around the outside.