kxmode
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Joined: 14 Oct 2007
Gender: Male
Posts: 2,613
Location: In your neighborhood, knocking on your door. :)
18 May 2010, 3:14 am
I started writing a story in July of last year. I was up to page 28 and then everything just died; as if the facet of inspiration ended. Was it writer's block? Perhaps, but I think it was probably more akin to trying to write a full story without a strong outline. I reached a part in the story and didn't know how to proceed. Without any clear direction I put the story down and haven't worked on it for the last seven months.
Recently I found a great blog entry about creating outlines. This coupled with a chapter summary overview of the first six Harry Potter books has, I think, helped me move my story forward. Based on the blog's advice I reworked a portion of the story I had already written into a quick section, chapter and scene outline. I was also able to flesh out 16 chapters total with an epilogue. My goal is to have between 17-20 pages per chapter with a 5-6 page epilogue, giving me a healthy 326 page book (with the option of adding additional chapters and pages).
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Chapter 1: Sabor and Rezen (17-20 pp)
Scene 1: Cycle Seven.
A: Sabor and Rezen wake in their dorm.
B: Dress in their uniform.
C: They notice they’re behind schedule and run to the military quad.
D: They get lost, and are directed to the right location: the south spire Timehh.
E: Scanned by peers before entering training spire.
Scene 2: The first class: leadership.
A: The class is introduced to their teacher Skrit.
B: Skrit kills tardy students.
C: Skrit teaches students about a rare mineral they need to survive.
D: Skrit shows the face of their enemies.
E: It is explained why they are the enemy.
Scene 3: Break time on the quad.
A: The quad is filled with many students.
B: Sabor and Rezen discuss their day of training and the seven years they’ve trained.
C: Both express a desire to leave their home, but for different reasons.
D: A noise announces break time is over and the next class is ready.
Chapter 2: (17-20 pp)
...
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The great thing about this is if I'm not happy with the structure I can quickly move stuff around, or omit things or add things I feel are missing, without having to do a complete rewrite. I remember those in my college composition classes; they sucked!
I think perhaps if anyone is suffering from writer's block you might want to try this method. 
18 May 2010, 6:16 am
kxmode
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Joined: 14 Oct 2007
Gender: Male
Posts: 2,613
Location: In your neighborhood, knocking on your door. :)
18 May 2010, 11:41 am
