Writing a book can be intimidating, but you succeed with the right approach and tools.
Once the general idea, the “what if,” has been decided, an outline can be one of the most important tools a writer can utilize to stay on track. It helps to control ideas and plot points and ensure that all the pieces fit together in a way that makes sense. In the horror genre, the following can be one type of basic outline:
1. Choose a fear factor:
- Supernatural
- Cryptid
- Alien
- Human
2. Follow the key elements of horror
- Fear
- Mystery
- Suspense
- Surprise
3. Set tone and predictive phrasing
4. Insert a plot twist
5. Twists and turns
- Survive-let the protagonist suffer
- Search- Truth? Identity?
- Scare-kill your darlings
6. Save the secrets for the proper placement in story-to move it along, create a change, and conclude.
An outline also allows the writer to track how much they have written and how much work they still need to do to complete the book. With an overview, writers can easily stay on track with their writing goals.
Outlining helps writers make changes to the story as they go along and keep track of ideas and plot points, making it easier for the writer to stay organized. With this tool, a writer can create compelling stories that readers will enjoy while helping them stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed by writing a larger piece of fiction.
Next post, “Protagonists”