Recently, on one of the yahoo writing groups which I am of member of, there was a discussion about whether it was necessary to outline or not before beginning a story. The questioner then wanted to know, if the writer did outline, what method was used. How detailed it needed to be. What was the difference between an outline and a synopsis? Etc...etc...etc.

Asking questions are great. I’m not trying to discourage that in any way—that’s how we learn and grow. But can I just say if there is one thing I have learned over the years, every writer has their own technique. What works for one person, does not mean it will work for the next. You, as an artist, need to find what works best for you. Be it a lunar calendar, diorama, software program, a storyboard, or maybe no outline at all, and that's okay. And if you’re one of those people who can’t write without a map, then all right, play around with a few ideas until you find your perfect method.

So for today, I won’t reveal my writing technique. Try to figure out for yourself what works best for you. Imitating someone else's system will not benefit you in any way.

When people discover I write, they often ask "Where do your story ideas come from?" For me, that is a hard question to answer. Usually a specific scene will pop into my head. Sometimes when reading (historical lore) or maybe while listening to music. My stories are character driven. I visualize a character in a similar situation as the song or history scenario suggests. Once I have visualized the scene, I develop the characters, building a story around them as I go.

Sounds simple, huh? It's not. I have tried to write outlines and plot out my stories, but it is a huge waste of time for me. I don't stick to them. I'm very much a "fly by the seat on my pants" type of writer. Although I have tried to change this. I have taken plotting class after plotting class and read multiple books, alas to no avail. I have now embraced the fact I'm a pantser. (But I'm not so chaotic in my everyday life!)

Years ago I read The Forest for the Trees it's an advice book for writer's written by an editor, Betsy Lerner. If you haven't read it, I suggest you do. It's great.

Not only does she give advice, but she breaks down writer's personalities. One of things she suggests is: "In many ways writers are scared by their ambitious hearts. Just as they are often accused of exposing others, they often fear being exposed themselves. To be a writer, to come out of the closet, is to announce that you are different in some way."

As my family can attest, this statement fits me to a tee. I absolutely hate letting anyone know that I write. Or for that matter, allowing others to read my work. Ms. Lerner goes on to say that writing is a risky business in so much as is requires you to isolate yourself from others, run the risk of rejection from family, friends, publishers and eventually critics, while so few writers succeed to actual publication. She also wrote, if you can't give up, if hearing how impossible the odds are only makes you want it more, it doesn't really matter. What's important is that you create.

You can read Ms. Lerner's blog here:
The Forest for the Trees