Sheet music

March 24, 2015

A good story outline is like sheet music. When you read it, you should be able to understand the whole story. That’s not the same as truly experiencing the work, of course. Just because you know where the notes go doesn’t mean you can feel the ebb and flow, nor experience the unique connection that only the intersection of author and reader can birth.

But when you’re playing a song, it’s nice to know where the notes go, even if you plan on riffing off them once you get started. The guideline is useful, even when it’s ignored.

So if you want to write, I say you should outline first. Extensively. Outline until you know every step you need to take, to the point where the actual writing becomes less an act of creation, and more about breathing life into the music already in front of you.