Putting the Epic in the Mundane

Who likes outlines?!

Not me. Not in the slightest. Imagine... having to write out every little detail of what happens in boring bullet points which make it sound like a history book instead of an epic novel full of exciting stuff! *stop for breath* For example, my first outline for Freeborn and Freegiven:

- The four freeborn meet up in Farjag’s home, Paelglade; Farjag is reluctant, Ogel is angry, Flashel is sardonic, and Nitiren remains silent.

- Farjag leaves to think, and is set upon by a Containment troop, and is nearly killed before a dark shape barrels through and rescues him.

- His rescuer is a shieldsfell named Rogchaen, who tells Farjag that he is a part of a outlaw band. Thoer came to them seeking help, but all refused save him. Rogchaen convinces Farjag to seek for the Darkstone.

-The five set out, Rogchaen guiding them to the Hope-chamber, renamed Arcpeak, by the Titan-mage.

I don't know about you... but doesn't seem all that exciting to me. And notice how the entire middle half of the book (the whole journey there, in fact) is conveniently glossed over in about half a sentence? That's my problem with outlining, I tend to leave out anything besides main plot points, which of course, makes for a very boring and regimented story. There's no subplots, not character development, no sense of what the story will feel like... etc.

So, I came up with my very own way of beating the Outline blues: *drumroll* 

The Story Planner

Basically, I do away with the full length sentences, replacing them with key words, phrases and quote which not only highlight each point in the story, but help bring out the 'essence' of the story. In other words: an outline gives you the plot, a story planner gives you the essence. Now, the story planner only works if you know what you're talking about. If you have no idea what the story will be about, then the story planner is not much good. But if you think of it like a selection of key words which will help you remember the plot later on, then it works perfectly. Observe:

3. An Uninvited Party
     a. Unwanted Guests
     b. Reluctant Meeting
4. Catalyst
     a. Farjag leaves

     b. Capture and rescue
     c. Rogchaen
5. Oldest of Foes…
     a. Running…
     b. Cornered…
     c. Last two standing
6. Reluctance
     a. Return to Paelglade
     b. Unacceptance
     c. The Convincing
7. Beginning
     a. Final Start
     b. The only way in…
     c. The Sinkfells
8. Denizens of the Deep
     a. Arc-scorpion
     b. Vorpal-Snake
9. The Gates
     a. Laerdren
     b. The Gates
     c. Phoenix-fire
10. Dead land
     a. In the stronghold of thy enemies…
     b. Shadows in the realm of Shadow
     c. Hope in sight

Basically, preliminary 'chapter' or section titles, followed by two to four 'parts.' Of course, some sections will take longer than one chapter, and some shorter. But notice how now there is a sense of story. Now I have a middle, 'journey' part, not just five words saying 'They go on a journey." In this particular part of the story planner I used more general keywords, but later on I had quotes, and (like in Chapter 10), phrases that would help me remember the feeling I was trying to convey.

And the best part? This is way faster than outlining! Now, instead of trying to explain to yourself what's going on, you're only reminding yourself. 

For instance, instead of "Redpaw and Crestlen fight Bladesfell, narrowly escaping with their lives," (which is rather boring), I might just put "Bladesfell!" Simpler, and give a little more of the actual feeling you will want to convey in the final copy.

I find story planning more fun, faster, and immensely helpful in deciding and remembering the eventual feel I want in my final work. As with everything I like doing, it puts a touch the final epicness in the mundane beginnings. And that's what I'm all about. :P

Now, the downsides of story planning. Obviously, its minimalistic. You might have trouble remembering what exactly you intended by saying "The time shall come..." Someone reading your planner will probably be fairly confused as to what's going on. But that's ok. It's supposed to remind you, and if it does, then it works. If it doesn't then ignore everything I've just written. :P

Wow, it feels like I've written a chapter...

What do you think? What do you use to help make outline more enjoyable and better suited to your tastes?