Written by
Sharon Bone
Central Methodist University
Introduction
We all have been there at
some point in time, sitting in class and the English teacher writes the dreaded
words on the black board, “essay due next week” just before the bell rings,
indicating class has concluded! Your
head says “oh shit” as you scramble for an idea. You can feel your heart pounding away as if
the instructor just declared a state of emergency called a DEADLINE and you
aren’t quite sure how to respond. What
is it about this process that can make a person’s flight or fight response go
into overdrive? At some point, during your research, you might
have discovered your topic if it wasn’t already formulated for you. Researching a topic is easy enough, time
consuming perhaps, but relatively painless.
With those steps behind you, it is time to compile your outline. Oh, that outline, with its topics and subtopics.
This is the framework of which a paper
is supposed to be built upon, like a foundation for a newly constructed house,
concrete and solid. It isn’t the outline
that should matter so much, because using one is a personal preference. What should matter most, is the discipline
that comes from exercising the skills of writing and finding the inspiration to
do so.
Discussion
Is an outline imperative to writing a great
piece? What would happen if you chose
not to make an outline; and instead decided to throw caution to the wind, and
just began writing? Would your writing
piece fail because you failed to use an outline? Much emphasis has been placed on the outline and
whether it has been completed, or not. Sometimes
writers fret at the thought of struggling with this part of the writing process. This topic has been debated. It is surprising that, for as many writers
there are that choose to forego the outline, there are other writers that find
solace in being fully immersed in the planning step. Each side has a name. Those that do not use
an outline are referred to as “pantsers” as they tend to ride by the seat of
their pants. Those that choose to use an
outline are referred to as “plotters.”
Pantsers
Some authors don’t use an
outline at all. Salman Rushdie author
of “The
Satanic Verses’, ‘Fury’ and ‘Midnight’s Children’ describes his
writing process as simply an ongoing continuation of writing. Rushdie states that “each book has to teach
you how to write it, but there’s often an important moment of discovery” (as
cited in Livings, 2005, para. 75). This
indicates that an outline is not always necessary, writing is fluid and ever
changing like a river. Rushdie goes on
to explain that “you almost always discover that the book you’re writing is not
the book you set out to write” (as cited in Livings, 2005, para. 78). Like
Rushdie, Stephen King also chooses to forego the outline step of the writing
process. King does admit to keeping
notes and files on characters and plots to help keep them straight. Although not stated as eloquently as Rushdie,
in speaking about drafting and revision, King (2006) similarly states, “every
book is different each time you revise it” (Lehmann-Haupt & Rich, 2006,
para. 83). Kurt Vonnegut’s approach to writing was like
Rushdie’s, in that an outline was seldom used.
Robin Stratton, author, publicist and writing coach also skips the outline
as she prefers to write in a free flow pattern.
Some journalists do not use
an outline as they prefer to work off a few note fragments or
tape
recordings taken in haste. One such man
is Zurain Z. Imam, former fashion journalist for
‘Harper’s
Bazaar’ magazine, ‘The Express Tribune,’ as well as a freelance journalist. Iman stated, “I have never written an outline
in my life, I don’t think” (Z. Imam, personal communication, 1/24/2020). Some journalists use at least a fragment of
an outline but not consistently. Michael
Luo, domestic correspondent and investigative journalist for the ‘New York
Times’ describes his writing process as eclectic, using a traditional
outline for some big research projects that can last months, to a mere few
notes for projects that take little time. It makes sense, from an organizational
standpoint, to use an outline for some long-standing projects, especially for reporters
who could have many projects going at the same time. Devoting the time to constructing an outline is
most likely not needed for small projects because they are not as complex.
Plotters
There are other authors who cannot forgo the
outline, J.K. Rowling, author of the ‘Harry Potter’ series, is a fine
example of just such an author. Each
novel and series created, uses an elaborate plan on a table, some of which are
kept locked away for safe keeping until needed, these plots and details can
take years to plan. In speaking of her
latest novel ‘Lethal White’, Rowling states,
“I plan a lot. This particular novel’s plan comprises a vast, colour-coded
table, showing all the suspects, using blue ink for clues and red ink for red
herrings” (as cited in Pulse, 2018, para 7). John
Grisham, author of over thirty novels including “A Time To Kill,” and “The
Firm,” is also a plotter. Grisham will
not draft any work until he has invested a considerable amount of time getting
to know his characters. Grisham adopted
outlining after completing his first novel and having three hundred pages that
were deemed worthless. As Grisham explains,
“I've learned that the
more time I spend on the outline the easier the book is to write" (as
cited in Rajan, 2014, para. 3). Considering that it took Rowling five years in
the planning phase of the Harry Potter series, planning out every detail was warranted. It would have been impossible to keep plot threads
straight, after all, a completely alternate world was created. Taking into consideration that Grisham has a
goal to write a novel per year, it would be necessary to use an outline to
prevent characters and plot details of multiple novel infusing.
Writing process
In describing his writing
process, Rushdie says “when I wrote ‘The Satanic Verses,’ I had hundreds
of pages before I wrote the scene that is now the beginning of the novel” (as
cited in Livings, 2005, para. 76). According to Kurt Vonnegut Jr. author of
numerous novels and short stories, including “Slaughterhouse-Five” and “Mother
Night,” writers must be taught how to write, and one of the best places to
start is through a creative writing course. Vonnegut stated, “a creative writing course
provides experienced editors for inspired amateurs” (1999, para. 11). When we surround ourselves with others who
are striving towards the same writing goals, we receive advice on our work. Most of the advice, which is sought after, should
be greatly appreciated as it is an investment of time and energy of the reader/s.
In speaking about the importance of peer
reviews, Robin Stratton, author of several novels including “Some Have Gone and
Some Remain” and “Of Zen and Men” explains that, it is important to have
an open mind when asking for feedback. This is an important point to consider in
maintaining emotional detachment and preventing bias to one’s writing. Stratton further explains, “seeking feedback
on your writing is the best thing you can do, but just as important is offering
feedback…we don’t see the weaknesses in our writing until we see it in someone
else’s” (as cited in Futterman, 2018. Para 5).
Peer reviews are an integral component in learning how to write effectively
because of the reciprocity of feedback.
It is not enough to learn in
school how to write. Often learning can
be expounded, by engaging in extracurricular activities. According to Rushdie, his father would make
him write extra assignments after school.
Although the extra writing seemed frivolous at the time, once Rushdie
reached high school, he was able to write fluently. Vonnegut insisted that ideas lurking deep
within a person must be pulled out of them, much like undergoing a bronchoscopy.
Those ideas deep within, are only given life
through practicing the act of writing itself.
Vonnegut further explains that “the primary act of practicing any art,
whether well or badly is that it enables one’s soul to grow” (Vonnegut, 1999,
para. 20). In speaking about the writing
process, Imam admits to being somewhat of a procrastinator and states, “if
there is an assignment due in a week, I literally will wait until the sixth day
to begin” (Z. Imam, personal communication, 1/24/2020). Imam believes that it was the discipline
learned, while working for a newspaper with a definite deadline, which helped
to keep that habit in check.
Having a routine that allows
you the time to practice your writing is important. In speaking about the routine that he uses,
Rushdie states “what I do for hours, every day of my life is sit in a room by
myself. When I stop for the day, I try
to have some notion of where I want to pick up” (as cited in Livings, 2005.
para 110.). King also chooses to write
daily and explains “I used to write 2000 words a day, but now I am down to a
paltry 1000” (as cited in Lehmann-Haupt & Rich 2006, para 71). In talking about his writing process, King will
often work on two projects at the same time, this allows him to break from one project,
and offers a fresh perspective on another. In speaking about her writing routine,
Stratton explains “sometimes I’ll head into the dining room at 4 in the
afternoon and write for an hour, then write while I eat, and then write for an
hour or so afterwards” (as cited in Futterman, 2018. para 6). According to Rowling, life is very busy, and
you might not be able to set aside hours of time aside dedicated to writing,
therefore, you must take advantage of the fifteen minutes here and there. Grisham also has a daily routine of which he states,
“write at least one page
every day, without fail. If you’re trying to write a book, and you’re not
writing at least one page a day, then the book is not going to get written” (as
cited in Rajan, 2014, para. 4). Devoting time daily to any craft, results in
a polished product, which is executed seemingly effortlessly.
Inspiration
The inspiration to write can
come from anything including, circumstances requiring money; living conditions;
or in wanting to help other people. Rushdie
finds inspiration from family, life experiences, editing and revision. Gathering inspiration from life experiences,
fiction novels and movies, King constantly has ideas churning in his head for
writing projects. Vonnegut was inspired
to write from being financially challenged, with many mouths to feed. In speaking about inspiration, Stratton
believes that taking a writing class or workshop is the best way to go for
camaraderie and reciprocal feedback. Stratton suggests, “writers are inspired when
they are in the company of other writers, the energy and enthusiasm makes them
want to go home and write” (as cited in Futterman, 2018, para. 5). Imam states he is inspired by, “bravery,
resilience, and integrity especially among the underprivileged, suffering, the
abused and the survivors who have an inspiring story to tell” (Z. Imam,
personal communication, 1/24/2020). Imam
now writes about social issues, primarily affecting women and children
including acid burn victims, and women’s rights in Karachi, Pakistan. Luo finds his inspiration from other
non-fiction writing and his editors, whom he found himself trying to please
when he first began his writing career, he now has found purpose in his writing
by making his articles people based. Luo
explains, “My brother said though, that through my writing, I was giving
dignity to people’s lives, I like that” (as cited in Schuelten, 2011 para 59.). Rowling’s inspiration was found in having
to provide for her daughter as a single mother. Inspiration is an important catalyst for writers
to have, like an ingredient for a recipe, without which the product would not come
to fruition.
Conclusion
Whether
an outline is used or not will not necessarily measure the greatness of the
finished written product. It is strictly
up to you, if you choose to take the time and thought to either plan an outline
or to skip it. Writing is personal,
therefore, no one else needs to know if an outline was used or not. It makes sense to follow an outline for some
projects such as academic theses, research essays, and novel series spanning
years, and not so much for other projects, such as poetry, creative, and reporting.
Although talent and aptitude must be
present within the writer, like any other talent, it must be developed and
nurtured for mastery to occur. Almost
anyone can become a great writer, or at least conquer their writing assignment,
with enough skill, discipline and inspiration.
References
Futterman, A. (October 21, 2018) Robin Stratton: How I
write. The writer’s magazine.
Retrieved from https://www.writermag.com/writing-inspiration/author-interviews/robin-stratton-write/
Lehmann-Haupt, C. & Rich, N. (Fall, 2006) Stephen
King, the art of fiction. The Paris Review,
(189). Retrieved from https://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/5653/stephen-king-the-art-of-fiction-no-189-stephen-king
Livings, J. (Summer, 2005). Salman Rushdie, the art of fiction. The Paris Review, (186). Retrieved from https://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/5531/salman-rushdie-the-art-of-fiction-no-186-salman-rushdie
Pulse, M. (Feb 5, 2018) J.K Rowling reveals her
writing process and it’ll make you go oh. Bookstr.
Retrieved from https://bookstr.com/article/j-k-rowling-reveals-her-writing-process-and-itll-make-you-go-oh/
Rajan, C.S. (June
2, 2014) 5 writing lessons from John Grisham.
Writing Tip Oasis. Retrieved
from https://writingtipsoasis.com/5-writing-lessons-from-john-grisham/
Schuelten, K. (Oct
17, 2011) Why I write: Q and A. With seven Times journalists. The Learning
Network, teaching & Learning With The New York Times. Retrieved from https://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/17/why-i-write-q-and-a-with-seven-times-journalists/
Vonnegut, K.
(May 24, 1999) Despite tough guys, life is not the only school for real
novelists. New York Times On The Web,
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