In a message dated 7/6/98 6:24:37 PM, you wrote:

Quick question, what does everyone thing of outlines? I mean really sitting

down

and outlining your fic before applying pen to paper (Or fingers to keyboard)

I

know I generly don't as my fic change drasticly from the mental outline I

keep

so I was wondering if anyone does and how well it works? After all, as

someone

pointed out, we are here to impove our skills.

Personally, I can't write without an outline, unless it's a very short story.
^_^;

I basically write out my stories from start to end in the form of an extremely
abbreviated synopsis which covers all the major plot points.  Once that's
done, I go back and work out the transitions between those big plot points,
adjust the pacing, etc.  This way, I won't spring a big plot twist right out
of the blue.  Also, it's a good way of trying out ideas before writing the
actual story itself.

I've found that when writing long stories, quick reference sheets (character
summaries, basic story points, etc.) and timelines are really helpful for
maintaining consistency.   ^_^

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