There’s lots of ways to outline and different ways work for different people. Some find outlining doesn’t work for them at all, others have a fluctuating outline.

I have found I need some type of framework to keep me focused when I write. Especially since I’ve started fast drafting and I don’t have as much time to figure out what I last wrote and think what’s supposed to come next. Those of you who are working moms know that time is almost as precious as chocolate.

How it works:
I break my story into 20 grids on a big piece of butcher paper like in the picture. Each grid represents a chapter. Now, this isn’t set in stone, but it makes me think what’s going to happen first and most importantly how it will all work out in the end.

I number each grid 1-20 in black marker. Then I give each chapter a header like this:
1. MC is in ordinary world. Extraordinary thing happens.
2. MC called to adventure- denies the call
3. MC meets mentor and can no longer deny the call

On the bottom of the grid I write Setting:_______. This keeps my characters from hanging out in the school cafeteria chapter after chapter. I find setting such a great writing tool, so I like to vary it and think of places I’ve not seen in other books.

Then in the big chunk of space provided, I insert sticky notes. They are color coordinated like this:
Green- main plot
Pink- romantic subplot
Yellow- secondary subplot (for me it’s a family situation)
Blue- my antagonist (he’s got his own evil agenda going on)

I write what happens during the chapter for each of these onto the papers and stick them into place. I like the sticky notes because they come on and off easily since changes do happen as I write. They also give me a quick visual where the subplots are showing up.

And that’s it! This outline works for me because it keeps me from rambling off on some wild tangent (as I like to do), it forces me to think of the story as a whole, it’s easy to change, and it’s a great visual for what’s happening in my story.

Do you outline? If you do, what tips do you have to share?

A while back, I blogged about getting your idea. So now that you’ve got the idea, the next step is to daydream some more. Love it. I mean, what profession tells you to stare off into space and let your mind wander? Seriously.

Next is shopping!

Here’s my writer’s shopping list:

1. Very cool journal- big enough to jot all my notes and ideas into for this book. I like to splurge on this one. For my current WIP, I’m using a journal I bought at the gift shop of a French castle. It’s got this cool medieval hard cover. Very inspirational.
2. Big piece of butcher paper- I get this from school
3. Colored sticky notes- blue, pink, yellow and purple (you can choose any ones you like)
4. Pens and pencils- they must be the fun kind. I got a heart and a star one.
5. Music- I go to I-tunes. Since my current WIP is set in Asia, I bought a bunch of Asian tunes for my i-pod.
6. Treats- dark chocolate (of course!) and coffee (must be caffeinated for me!)
7. Magazines- I get the old ones from the library that they are giving away

Next time, I’ll go into detail on what I do with all this stuff.

So, how about you? What’s on your writer’s shopping list?

Yep. I’ve started a new project. And I’m excited. No, actually, my fingers are tingling with anticipation to write it. In fact, I’m so excited all I can think is why in the world am I blogging when I could be writing IT!

Kidding, I love my blogging buddies. You guys keep me going.

So here’s the thing. It’s not an easy to choose what project you will write about. You’ve heard the stuff, like write what you love, pull it from the heart and all that. It’s true. Absolutely.

But (there’s a but)—

You also need to keep in mind the market, the books that have been recently published or are soon to be published when you are selecting what you’re going to write.

I had three book ideas I thought were pretty good. One that my sister loved, one that my husband loved and another that had been nagging in the back of my mind for 2 years but I couldn’t formulate a gripping enough plot (yeah, I like gripping).
Here’s the lowdown:
1. Idea #1- Great idea and I was pumped to write it. I wrote a synopsis, came up with my one line hook, and even webbed out my characters and started to get to know them. But then I researched the market on this idea. And just this year, a book, quite similar to my topic was released. Too similar, I decided. So I shelved it for later. When I’m famous. (giggle)

2. Idea #2- For this one, I decided to research it first. And there’s nothing on the market that I can find. It’s a cute idea but I wasn’t tingling, itching, biting at the bit to write it. (going back to needing to love it here). I shelved it.

3. Idea #3- This one has been haunting me for two years now, but I didn’t have a good enough plot. And then on one of my runs, it hit me. The perfect plot to go with my perfect characters and story. It won’t be easy to write. I’ll be pushed more than I’ve ever had to push myself, but the story needs to be written. Oh, and I did research this one too and it’s good to go. Crossing fingers!

I’m not ready to spill the beans on the plot yet, but I can tell you it’s a multicultural paranormal.

Have you ever had a similar experience as this? Do tell!

I wrote on the MiG blog about how to make your writing presentation go smoothly. Check it out!

You see, yesterday, I presented at our Korea chapter’s SCBWI meeting on using technology to help you network and promote yourself as a writer. We had such a great time sharing ideas.

But the most important thing I emphasized to the group is my old saying I like to tell my students:

Luck= preparation + opportunity.

In writer language, it means: go and write the most amazing, fantastic novel and then when you see an agent post on twitter or a blog that they are excepting submissions in the very genre that you write, you’re ready to seize that opportunity.

So call luck, call it good fortune, call it whatever you like. But I like to call it Prepared for the Opportunity.

So if you had Writer’s Luck, what would be your One Wish?

By the way, I thought the book above Just One Wish by Janette Rallison was fitting for this post. Excellent and halarious story dealing with tough issues. Recommended.

Remember when I said I had some ideas for a new project? And I was waiting to finish my revisions before I started it? I’ve been good. I finished (yeah!) and now I’ve given myself permission to write something new.

Party time!

So with two kids, a job, my gourmet meals (note sarcastic tone here), attempts at (semi) clean clothing and house, I have to find time to write.

And for me it’s usually early in the morning. Like really early. It has to be totally dark. I sit with my laptop on the couch and plug in my headphones. That’s when I can enter my world. You know, that place in your head where your characters live and try to survive.

Now for brainstorming and second drafts, I don’t have to have the dark and the no interruptions. But that first draft is special.

How about you? Can you write first drafts amidst flying Barbie dolls, fifty questions, laundry piles and phone calls?

I’m curious.

Photo by Denys Kurbato