I really don’t know why I bother writing an outline (well, aside from the fact that my editor is now insisting that I do them). My muse loves the whole idea of an outline, gets very involved in writing them…then completely ignores them when it comes time to actually write the story. Well, not completely ignore–there are still some vague resemblances between the current story and its outline, even if its only character names. lol.
I have to say, I’m in total awe of writers who manage to do detailed story plotlines/outlines before they’ve actually written a word, and who then manage to stick to it when writing. Me, I tend to write several chapters first, then outline (because I have to more than I want to), then I proceed writing basically ignoring said outline. Still, I guess the actual process of having to actually think about the story does seem to clarify things in my mind, even if I later ignore that outline and go in a totally different direction. It also has the added benefit of giving the muse additional time think of even more wicked things to do to my characters. 
And at least I have something to fall back on if the muse suddenly refuses to play.
Which is a long winded way of saying Bound to Shadows ( Riley 8 ) is not going where it is supposed to go, and that my muse is having great fun piling even more crap on poor old Riley’s shoulders. Just as well they breed dhampires tough 
December 9th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Hi,outline or not…you’re writing is wonderful. I love Riley. I hope you make it a nice long series!
Thanks so much.
December 9th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Oh, I hear ya n this. I’m a pantser, myself. My “outline” is the beginning and end. The middle is completely made up along the way ( – :
It would be nive to be able to write a synopsis and then an outline and just “fill it in” nice and quick, but that seems to suck all the creativity out to me.
You’re an awesome writer, so you’re doing just fine.
December 11th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Poor Riley love it pile on top of her she can take it and it makes for great drama. Outlines are hard to stick to on occasion.
December 11th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Poor Riley love it pile on top of her she can take it and it makes for great drama.