By Patrick Davy

In my previous works of fiction, I never write an outline to serve as a writing road map. I usually have a semblance of the plot in my head. That allowed me to write the story and tweak the plot as I go along.

I am now working on a suspense novel in which I have to keep track of many actions and important moments in the story. To make sure I do not forget any of the details of the plot, I decided to write an outline for the story.

After writing the outline, I must admit that I am now a fan of outlining. It gives me a clearer picture of the plot. I am more organized. It keeps me on track. I am recommending outlining stories before you start writing them.

You can write a story outline on continuous sheets of paper or on individual note cards. Either way you choose to outline, your stories must have three distinct sections - begin, middle, and end. During your outlining exercise, you might find yourself erasing and rewriting sections of text or moving around note cards until you are satisfied with the direction in which your story will go.

Although you will spend much time outlining your stories, you must be willing to insert and delete plot points, or go in the direction characters (especially protagonists) want you to go. In other words, ideas might come to mind, as you write, that were absent when you were outlining. If these ideas enhance or clarify the plot, do not hesitate to include them in the stories.