The Easy Part is Over
The first five lessons of the Writers Master Class by James Patterson are pretty basic, except that you get his insight which is pretty valuable. If you have ever taken a writing class then these will be familiar to you. Rather than list the lessons for you I will simply provide the link to the Master ClassLessons 6 and 7 are about outlining and James Patterson provides his outline to "Honeymoon". One may argue that if you see one outline, you have seen them all, but one must remember this man has made a lot of money writing, so he may have some material worth studying.
The Outline is fascinating, but more to the point is the outline development. His key mantra here is "tell the story". So here I sit looking at a book I am pretty much familiar with, the one I am writing, not his. I have a sort of outline, but after seeing the one he has for "Honeymoon" I can see that if I take the time to develop a really good outline then the book will be better.
Jonas WatcherThe Case of the Jade Dragon
Outline by Gene Poschman
Chapter 1 - The Tale of a Dragon
Jonas Watcher is returning home from New Orleans by train. He meets an elderly Chinese gentleman and his daughter. They are later accosted by ruffians and Jonas dispatches them efficiently. The elderly gentleman is impressed and asks Jonas' occupation. He is interested in the fact that Jonas is a private detective. His daughter is concerned in her father's interest.
Chapter 2 - An Impolite Invitation
Jonas is in his office...
"Honeymoon" seems to have over a hundred chapters, so I guess I am just getting started. James Patterson says he can be working an outline for a month or more. I have most of the story in place and I will continue to report on my progress with the class, so there may be some disjointed posts, but I will keep them as logical as possible.
Gene Poschman
How wonderful to see the Dragon Gate! I know that corner well.
ReplyDeleteI have been looking for ideas for the cover of the book, unfortunately, that image is too modern for 1930.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting . I found it interesting. Sounds like a good tale well told.
ReplyDeleteLeon, thanks for reading and commenting.
DeleteGene Poschman
Ironically or not, the outline has already changed from the titles of chapter one and two to the scenes in chapter one and two. The story is the same, but using what James Peterson recommends I have expanded how I view the chapters and right now I am just into telling the story at its basic form. After I get the outline done, then I will start writing the story.