In my article at ProWritingTips.com, I laid out five basic reasons for writing an outline before launching into fiction writing. While these particular tips were tailored for fiction, they were in no way meant to be a definitive guide to outlining. I left out a great deal of detail like how long or in depth an outline should be. Honestly, the article was selfishly tailored towards novels, as my novel is my highest priority.

The wonder that is fiction is drawn from the lack of exact solutions. There is no surefire, one-size-fits-all solution to writing fiction. Attempting to create one would at best leave the creative process hobbled and stifled, and at worst would kill it outright. The bit about a hundred monkeys with a hundred typewriters is pure hogwash.

But, writers do use tools. There are different tools for different projects. There are different tools for different points within the same project. Typically, the writer isn’t even limited to just one tool at any given moment.

The solution that I’ve found works best for me, is to keep myself open to as many tools as possible. After all, my primary goal is to become the best that I can at writing. I have a desire, so strong that it borders on sin, to craft stories in which the reader cannot turn away from. It’s an addiction, and if I can find a better high, I’m likely going to look at it. And I’m likely going to look at it here, or at ProWritingTips.

However, when addressing the topic of tools, the sheer selection means that any instruction on the art of writing will invariable A) leave something out, B) list a method that isn’t exactly applicable with a writer’s current situation, and C) list a method which has several alternatives.

With option B, there isn’t much I can do for you. However, with options A and C, I urge you to speak up. We are, after all, a community. I’m just doing my part to add tools to your writer’s tool chest.