Rave Reviews Book Club’s “SPOTLIGHT” Author, Rochelle Carter!!
As the very first Spotlight author of the Rave Reviews Book Club, it always gives me great pleasure to host a new Spotlight author. The current Spotlight author Rochelle Carter shares her thoughts about the benefits of outlining, a technique I once taught and promoted as a teacher of English and still recommend to writers today. After you’ve absorbed the wisdom of Rochelle’s advice, show her a little love by supporting her on the social media she lists below. And don’t forget to check out her book on Amazon. Better yet, join the group that promotes established, new, or aspiring writers. Stop by the website of Rave Reviews Book Club and say that Rochelle sent you.
How I juggle writing with a screaming toddler
We’ve all got conflicting priorities to juggle; here’s why outlining your book should make you more efficient
Even as I type this blog, my 18 month old is screaming in my face from my lap. She’s tired and teething, and overall not happy with life right now. I’m still typing however, because I have a plan for my writing, and estimated word count I will hit and then I will be all hers again- if she’s not asleep. That’s because I live for outlining my work. Having an outline provides three major benefits:
- Helps you stay focused- even while multi-tasking, having an outline and a general premise for what you are trying to convey will allow you to drop off and pick up as needed.
- Allows you to develop your writing strategy– if you know the end goal for each section in your outline, you are less likely to go off on a tangent and wonder how you got there.
- Makes it easier to get help if necessary– for nonfiction books especially, outlining will allow you to work more effectively with editors. They will be able to see the overall arc of your book and provide directed input, rather than just going with the flow of your writing.
I know as authors we get told repeatedly to write an outline, and yet so many of us forego this simple tool for the sake of the long, treacherous, and blind journey to manuscript completion. After years of starting various books, I finally went back to basics and completed my first book- The Seven Step Guide to Authorpreneurship. I may not be selling millions, but I’ve certainly made the Amazon bestseller lists and won a couple of awards this year. I am a good student, so for my next book I have already started working on my outline… even while the kids run and scream!
Follow Rochelle online! Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Website Amazon
Can’t imagine writing with a toddler on the lap let alone teething. Good post. Thanks, Jennie for hosting
Thanks for stopping by, John. Yes, sounds pretty intense. Rochelle must have great focus!
I’m enjoying following you around on this tour, Rochelle! I really hope you’re enjoying your time in the spotlight! 🙂
Thanks so much, Jenny, for hosting Rochelle today 🙂
Happy to host for RRBC.
I am enjoying reading your wonderful writing tips Rochelle. Enjoy your time in the “spotlight”. Thank you Jennie for hosting.
Always a pleasure, Kathy.
After my friend and I wrote our first novel WITHOUT an outline, I can’t agree more with what you have said. We have the second book outlined and have begun writing it. It is so much less of a headache this time around.
Rebecca: Thanks for giving us a great example of how outlining really helps writers. Your experience can help others. Jennie
Thank you for hosting me Jennie, and thank you everyone for stopping by and supporting. I’m really enjoying the support and twitter mentions. I’ve been telling my authors all week about the RRBC, so hopefully they will all join too.
Thanks again everyone!
You’re welcome, Rochelle. Best of luck in marketing your book!
I really admire your focus, Rochelle! Wow! I agree, an outline is essential – however, my outlines are deliberately sketchy – I’ve never, ever been successful in keeping to a detailed outline – so I don’t waste time with one. Thanks for hosting, Jennie!
My pleasure. Thanks for stopping by, John.
Along with the rest of the “crew” I’m so enjoying this tour! Rochelle, good job! These are beneficial tips that all can benefit from. A screaming toddler while writing? Now that’s something even WonderWoman couldn’t do!
Jennie, thanks for the reminder that you were the first Spotlight Author we had at RRBC! You’re a living legend in these parts then!
You;re right Nonnie, Jennie was the first Spotlight Author. That is groundbreaking news.
Thanks for talking to me before my RRBC podcast interview back then, Shirley. You definitely made me feel welcome!
As a result of being first, I’ve since felt so fortunate, and I have to thank Kathy Treat for inviting me to join. Thanks for founding RRBC, Nonnie. You should be proud of how the club has grown in just one year!