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Thirty days from today is my deadline for “Onyx”. I approximate that one-fourth of the total is drafted. There is no outline, but I do have a formative notion of the length and certainly the direction of the story. I seldom write in third person, but the chief character is so steadfastly unlike me that I am forced to write as an omnipotent third party. The first three chapters have already taken me places I did not anticipate, and more detours are likely as we continue to journey together.

No overall outline exists, but a synopsis exists to maintain a focus on the main character’s personal arc. As I write I jot down five or six elements that walk the story forward, then I flesh out the body until I am out of elements. I continue this process, taking necessary breaks and unavoidable breaks from writing.

So very many writers blog or talk about the crucial, all-powerful outline. I tried to give obeisance to these successful writers and their rules. But, for me, writing is far too organic, dynamic, and evolutionary to graph every twist before the journey begins. What works for you? Or, have you yet to find what works? Perhaps you’ve been obeying the greats, too, much to your disappointment. Remember, no one has a secret formula that will work every time. Grow your own method, and share it freely.

-Amanda Salisbury, writer, ShyJot Publications LLC