Outlines: Mark's Resource Roundup

Pirates used them, Nicholas Cage used them, even Indiana Jones used them. I’m talking about treasure maps. Without the map, the treasure may never be found. So, it is with screenplays, without a map to guide you, you may never find the hidden treasure of your story.

Many writers, myself included, like to write a “vomit” draft, then outline off that. It’s like Flannery O'Connor said, “I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say.” This is fine when writing a spec, but when you land a gig, producers and studios want to know where you’re heading before you begin the actual script.

Learn to map out your story first. Who knows what hidden gems await.

Keep writing,

Mark

Resource Links:

Screenwriting 101: Everything You Know About Outlining is Wrong

The 8 Major Plot Points

How to Outline a Screenplay

Parting Thought:

“The more work you put in your outline and getting the skeleton of your story right, the easier the process is later.” ― Drew Goddard