A note on this issue's theme...
utlining
and plotting are words that strike fear into many new writers, even though they
already unconsciously do the work. In this issue we have a number of
articles offering different approaches, including two reviews of computer
programs created to help the writer. The others offer personal approaches
from very detailed work to single page outlines.
You might find something here that helps you in the work of creating the backbone of a story. However, as with everything else in writing, some suggestions will be helpful and other will not. There may be some little gem of advice in an article that otherwise doesn't suit you at all. I hope that you at least enjoy reading through them.