Outlining and Process

Every writer has their own way of writing. Outlining vs pantsing, knowing every detail to writing to see what happens. There is no right way to write, and it's up to every writer to find the process that works for them. In this section, you'll learn different techniques and ways of writing, from developing ideas, to outlining, to how to handle sequels.

Story Ideas and Brainstorming

• Know Your Genre Before You Start
• Should You Write What's Hot?
• Four Tips on Adding a New Twist to an Old Plot
• Coming Up With Story Ideas
• Myra McEntire: On Brainstorming 
• Coming Up With Ideas 
• Donna Galanti on How to Stay Inspired and Keep Writing 

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Story Outlines

• Crafting Outlines That Work for You
• Outlining a First Draft
• Outlining Without Outlining
• A Plot Template to Keep you on Target
• Revising Your Outlines to Make the Writing Easier
• Planning Your Novel 

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The Process

• Finding Your Writing Process
• Learning From Other Authors
• Reevaluating Your Writing Process
• Understanding Your Own Writing Process
• Using Layers
• Writing Your First Novel
• Execution or Idea. Which Comes First?
• Writing Yourself Into a Corner
• Juggling Multiple Novels at Once
• Finding Your Writing Process
• Lisa Shearin on Why Looking at the “Big Picture” Can Be Bad 
• Nathan Bransford: How I Write
• Leslie Langtry on Pantser and Proud of it
• Author Aprilynne Pike on How to Write a Book
• Gini Koch on Process

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Sequel and Trilogies

• When to Start a Sequel 
• Writing Trilogies
• Writing Sequels
• Things to Remember in a Sequel
• Handling Back Story in a Sequel

• View all articles on Sequels
• View all articles on Trilogies

Writing a Series

• Revising a Series 
• Plotting Multibook Goals
• Dealing With Back Story in a Series
• Cathy Clamp on Keeping Your Series Fresh

• View all articles on Series