How Long Have You Outlined

[ylekot43]

I almost always write out the first act and then go to my beat sheet if I still like the concept.

I need to do this to get a feel for my characters...their voices...their issues.

Its kinda like the scene on the front lawn from step-brothers where they awkwardly feel each other out.

After I spit that out...If i still want to write the script, then I do some planning.

Part of it is also because I am worried I will waste a ton of time preparing and then not like the story once I get going. I have to LOVE my characters to keep going.

[Ulysses]

There's no doubt you need to plan (outline) a complex story.

There's equally no doubt that a writer needs to stay involved if he wants to create something alive.

A writer needs to feel to make his audience feel. Or they will call him on magician's tricks. In a Syd Field way, structure can kill content, can lead to a paint-by-number script, which makes the story predictable.

A script has to be, in a way, personal. That defies the simple rationality of an outline. It's the surprise element, the wonder garden of a complex world, that enters here.

[Charisma]

Here Here, Ulysses!

My outline is stream of consc. first draft. Mull over at end of writing day and roll thoughts around before return to keyboard. Bed (no not that) on road, etc. So, 1st draft is actually my outline.

Makes for an intense re-write process but that's when the script gets on or gets off. Kinda like a double A ball player. This is when you'll know if it's capable of making it in the big leagues. Or not. But for me I'd rather 'tune' a script that's constructed, re-write and polish, than slave over pages that are not script, write a first draft, second and a polish. Just my personal feel. I do see that a 'true' outline can pay dividends on the technical aspects. Which are part and parcel of being a pro. BC