Note cards, it's not you. It's me.

Note cards and I have officially made up. After years of ill will between us, we are on the road to reconciliation. And I have Mr. Bickham and his book Scene and Structure to thank. While meeting with my writers group last Tuesday, I discovered some serious structural issues that needed addressing in my YA sci-fi. Hence, a Wednesday trip to Barnes and Noble to purchase Scene and Structure.

Mr. Bickham is a fan of note cards. In fact, he wants you to have a note card for every scene in your book that discusses the scene goal, conflict, and disaster. He also expects a card for every sequel--those strings that connect your scenes. Well, if you read this post, you know about my previous aversion to all things research. Including note cards.

On Thursday, I made a trip to Walmart and grudgingly tossed a few packages of note cards into my shopping cart. I would give Mr. Bickham's method a shot. One shot, to be exact. At home, I pulled up my WIP, played Gilmore Girls lightly in the background, and broke open the cards.

At first, I stared from blank note card to manuscript to card again (repeat process). But then I actually used my pencil. As I wrote down certain elements--scene goal, conflict twists, disaster--the scene cemented in my mind. I even made a few tweaks to raise the stakes, adjust pace, etc. The next card was easier to fill out.

Now, nearly a week later, I have a thick stack of scenes/sequels and a solid grasp on my story. Yay for note cards! They are welcome in my shopping cart any day.

What about you? Do you outline before you write? After or during? Are there any particular books on the craft you recommend?