: Re: How much planning should go on before beginning writing? I really want to begin my first novel, but I'm just not sure how clear of an outline I should have before I start. Is a detailed

@Pope4766717

Vote Up Vote Down

As others have said, more or less, nothing is actually "necessary". Rules are there to be broken, well, maybe. But they are certainly not there to be followed slavishly.

Most important for (almost?) all stories are your characters. Flesh them out. Maybe... write their detailed biographies. Including stuff that never will feature in your novel. Because it gives them background, it puts flesh on the (fictitious) bones.

And then (and that's what I've read again and again (and again!) being said by any number of famous writers) your characters may surprise you, doing things you wouldn't have expected.

So... plan. As a rough sketch. And then write, and see if what you write is actually going where you though it would.

But find you own way. Which may require some experimentation.

(0)

Login to post a comment!