Spider Bubble Outline

I am happy to report that I found the spider bubble method of outlining fun, easy and helpful (see photo). I must confess that the picture represents my second attempt. My first attempt didn’t work quite right. I did it all in one color and used all lines. In my second attempt I realized using different colors for the levels was helpful in following the ideas. I used the bubbles for the main plot ideas and the spider legs coming off of them for supporting ideas.

 Prior to doing the outline I felt like I didn’t know what to write next for the book. Now as I peruse my spider bubble results I see many choices. I can pick a bubble and start writing. I don’t have to write in linear order. I can piece it all together later. I can change my mind and add new bubbles or delete one. I can also add or delete spider legs as I need to.

 So what’s next, you may ask? Be still. Float my mind. Ask my writing Angels for inspiration and write down whatever comes. Have conversations in my mind with my characters. Listen to what they say to me. Make notes on the spot if I hear from them during the day (or night). This is how I am working to write my first draft of Izzy B’s notebook.

 The rewriting will be a whole new ball game. I keep hearing that “writing is re-writing”… First things first, though. Pick a bubble and write… 

Angel Blessings, Susan