on Fiction University:

A strong narrative drive is critical to keeping readers hooked.

Like pretty much everyone these days, I have a lot going on in my life. I get distracted, and then I forget things, and that leads to unhappiness in a variety of ways. Making lists helps keep me focused and prevents me from forgetting things (as much, let’s be honest here).

This carries over into my writing.

It’s also a reason I love outlining.

Wait, hang on! Before you pantsers and anti-outliners click away, this isn’t about outlining (per se). It’s about a tool to help writers keep their stories moving forward. It’s about crafting a strong narrative drive, and it doesn’t have to happen in the first draft if that’s not your thing.

I use this tool throughout my entire drafting process. It helps me focus my outlining and brainstorming sessions, it guides me during the first draft, and then it helps me spot weak areas and tighten the story in subsequent drafts. It’s also my go-to tool when I start revisions, and I make it part of my editorial map.

So yeah, super handy.