Avoid Writer’s Block. An outline
helps me break down the story into manageable parts and to see the story from
beginning to end. Little by little, I know I can complete the manuscript
without feeling so overwhelmed that I completely give up.
More comprehensive coverage of a
topic. When I write biographies, I add every major event to the outline so I
won’t overlook or eliminate an important issue. In my dual biography, HAPPY
BIRTHDAY: THE STORY OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR SONG, I wanted to relate how
the two Hill sisters’ parents influenced their work. I also wanted to showcase
the impact of the song on national and international levels. Just a line or two
on my outline allowed me to quickly determine that I included these elements.
Writer motivation. Earlier, I discussed
how an outline helps develop character motivation. It also offers emotional
advantages. When the outline is staring back at me, I am more motivated to
write, since I don’t have to sweat bullets in trying to figure out what the
character will do next or what obstacle pops us to hinder his/her efforts. This
is already thought out and all I have to do is write the scene. For me, the
outline makes my work so much easier and simpler. Easy and simple win. I know
what to write next, and all I have to do is figure out how to write it.
Call
for submissions for Young Writers:
"It's All Write!" Teen Short Story Contest. Restrictions: Open to Grades 6-12. Genre: Short story, and
flash fiction, unpublished. Prize: 1st Place $250, 2nd Place $150,
3rd Place $100.
Deadline: February 24
Submission
guidelines at http://www.aadl.org/events/itsallwrite
Call for submissions for
Adult Writers:
PER DIEM PRESS will publish a single chapbook of poetry
in early 2017, eight 4” X 5”pages, saddle-stitched, with a cardstock cover. The
poet will receive $1,000 and copies. Poets of every stripe are encouraged to
submit eightish pages of previously unpublished poetry in English to Per Diem
Press, 912 Cole Street #331, San Francisco California 94117. Submissions need
to be received by February 28, 2017. All rights, of course, will be retained by the poet.
Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+
children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK.
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