Oh, the outline. The literary tool new writers hate the most. How dare the book gods try to shove us into boxes through tropes and genre-specific frameworks!
But alas, my creative friends, outlines are one of the most useful practices you
can implement to boost your writing. And every time I have run into someone whose creative juices are blocked, I ask one question. “Do you have an outline?”
Their answer 99 percent of the time? “No.”
I then, gently, suggest doing an internet search for an outline template in their genre. This is extremely important for certain genres, such as romance, hero’s journey, and thrillers. For instance, romance books must always have a HEA—happily ever after. If it doesn’t, then it’s not a “bad” book, it’s just not a romance.
Readers of specific genres are ruthless when they critique books listed in their favorite genre that end up being something entirely different. Let’s say you have written a fantasy book with a love story you plan to continue with a sequel. You may think leaving their love story as the cliffhanger will entice readers to buy the next book. But if you list the genre as “romance,” romance readers will be upset with the lack of a HEA and leave a bad review. You always want to cultivate readers who like your genre.
If you are new to writing, you may not know how to classify your book’s genre. That is where social media group think-tanks can help. Join a few writing groups and toss out your synopsis. This is a full description of your book, including spoilers. The masses should give you a good idea which genre to choose.
Now! You have your genre locked down. Time to find your outline template. A simple internet search can give you many options. Then, start filling it out. You will be surprised how this task allows you to see where the holes lie. It’s then just a matter of figuring out how to bridge the gap in those scenes.
Another brilliant function of the outline is the ease of starting and stopping your project. Want to jump ahead because you have a great scene idea? Do it. You won’t lose your place because the path is already set.
Let’s say you are ahead of the game and already have an outline. Or you have started filling in the template per the recommendation above, and you are stuck. Have a round table with some friends or family. Discuss the gap with a writing group. Or…and I know I am going to catch some flack for this…use AI. I’m not telling you to write your book with it, but say you’re writing about a disease that isn’t curable, it’s not contagious or fatal. Or maybe you’re searching for a reason someone is divorcing that isn’t cheating. Toss the prompt in and see what pops out. ::covers ears—waiting for Molotov cocktails to burst through office window::
My last suggestion is to relocate. Feeling stuck in your office while penning your masterpiece? Go to a coffee shop. We must maintain the stereotype, after all. Find a park. People watch. When I cannot sit any longer and stare slack-jawed and glassy-eyed at my screen, I move. I make some food. I exercise. Just pivot. It’ll freshen the senses and inspire results from that gray matter between your ears.
Or you can reach out to us! Ask away. We are always here to answer any and all writing and/or publishing questions.
In summary, quick tips for conquering writer’s block:
· Write an outline using a genre-specific template
· Round table with other writers, friends/family, or do an internet search
· Ask AI
· Relocate. Find a new place to write for a few hours.
Happy writing!
😊
Randi
What do you do to help with writer's block?