Logical
sequence is a must in a story. An outline helps me visualize the character’s
motivation, followed by the continuity of the action, all before I start
writing. I figure out the obstacles confronting the protagonist and how s/he
reacts. My mind roams free as I outline with the goal of developing more ideas
than will be needed so I have a choice or if one idea fails to work, I can
select another. Life experiences or bits and pieces of stories I’ve read or
heard inspire me to craft a story that is a reflection of my literary style.
As
I researched and outlined the manuscript for BARRELING OVER NIAGARA FALLS, I needed
to show the motivation for Annie Edson Taylor, a sixty-three-year-old woman who
was not into sports or fitness, to ride a barrel over Niagara Falls. No one had
ever performed this stunt, which offered strong potential for a violent and/or deadly
outcome. Annie seemed to be an extremely unlikely candidate. As I learned more about her meager savings, lack of potential for long-term
employment, and knack for detailed planning, I included this into the outline,
clearly defining WHY she performed the stunt.
Next
came the HOW of the story. How did Annie prepare for the stunt? Pacing is vital
to a picture book. Each page must provide action, something in which the
character does or is done to the character. Illustrators rely on specific
action. Pacing refers to how quickly, or slowly, the action happens. An outline
allows me to see where the action is taking place. As Annie prepared, through a
trial-and-error approach, the pacing slowed. When she rode the barrel over the
Falls, the pacing picked up speed. Even though the pacing increased with the
barrel ride, I didn’t want the scene to play out too quickly in order to keep
the tension high and keep the reader wondering if she would live or die. Pacing
in a story is much like the ever changing ebb and flow of Niagara River and the
Falls—it slows down and speeds up according to the elements involved and is different with every story.
Next week, I’ll
list more reasons why a simple, easy outline helps me be more productive.
Call for
submissions for Young Writers:
Hello Giggles is a
lifestyle website founded in 2011 by writer Molly McAleer, producer Sophia
Rossi and actress Zooey Deschanel. The site is currently seeking young
contributors for its newly launched teen section. The editors are looking for
personal essays, cultural criticism, articles with original reporting, short
fiction, and illustrations. Contributors must be at least 14 years of age.
Hello Giggles attracts over 12 million readers per month
Submission guidelines at http://hellogiggles.com/contact/
Call for
submissions for Adult Writers:
Parents &
Kids Magazine. In addition to the topics below, we also accept
seasonal submissions. So we are always interested in a Valentine's story for
our February issue. Submit seasonal things well in advance. I really don’t
mind looking at your Christmas ideas in May. Really.
JANUARY
Know & Go Guide
FEBRUARY
Heart Health & Women’s Fitness
MARCH
Ultimate Summer Fun Guide
Summer Camp Guide
APRIL
Summer Travel
Pets
Grandparents
MAY
Metro School Guide
JUNE
Birthday Parties
JULY
Maternity and Pediatric Health Guide
AUGUST
Back-to-School
After-School Activities
SEPTEMBER
Sports & Play
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OCTOBER
Halloween & Fall Fun Guide
NOVEMBER
Holidays
DECEMBER
Education
Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+
children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK.
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