Outlining Your Work

Plotters AND Pantsers

#

The writing world loves its labels: you’re either a plotter (plan everything) or a pantser (discover as you go). But most writers know the truth is messier—and more interesting.

Real creativity moves between structure and discovery. You might outline three chapters, write one, realize the structure needs to change, restructure, then write freely again. This iterative dance is the creative process.

ILYS supports this dance—and keeps you in flow through all of it.

Getting Started

#

1. Click Outline on your Dashboard
2. Create a new story or select an existing one
3. Enter Speed Sections—rapid-fire structure creation
4. Add sections: chapters, scenes, beats, whatever units make sense for your work
5. Click any section to start writing—or restructure and add more sections anytime

Speed Sections

#

Speed Sections is where outlining happens. It’s designed to feel fast—you’re capturing structure at the speed of thought.

• Add sections quickly — Type a title and press Enter to create the next one
• Reorder freely — Drag sections to rearrange your structure
• See the big picture — Your entire outline is visible at once, with word counts for each section
• Edit inline — Click the expand chevron on any section to edit its content directly, without starting a full session
• Auto-save with status — Changes save automatically, with clear “Unsaved changes” and “Saved” indicators
• Jump into writing — Click the pen icon to start a full flow session for deeper work

Speed Sections is perfect for quick edits, reorganizing your structure, and making progress without the commitment of a full writing session.

The Iterative Advantage

#

The real power of Outline isn’t just planning before you write—it’s being able to move between modes whenever you need to.

Start with structure, discover in the writing

#

Outline gives you scaffolding. But writing reveals what the scaffold should really look like. When you realize your outline needs to change, you’re one click away from restructuring.

Start with discovery, add structure later

#

Write freely first with “Write Now.” Once you have material, use Speed Sections to organize what emerged into chapters or scenes.

Mix freely

#

There’s no wrong way. Outline a bit, write a bit, restructure, write more. The tools stay with you—and so does your creative momentum.

Never Leave Flow

#

Here’s what makes ILYS different: whether you’re outlining or writing, you’re in a flow state.

• Speed Sections feels fast — You’re capturing structure at the speed of thought, not fighting a rigid interface
• The editor keeps you moving — Forward-only writing prevents the overthinking that breaks flow
• Switching is seamless — No context switching, no breaking your creative momentum

Flow isn’t just for writing. It’s for the entire creative process—structure and discovery, together.

Tips

#

• Start rough — Your first outline doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s a starting point, not a contract.
• Use section titles as prompts — A good title tells you exactly what needs to happen in that section
• Embrace restructuring — The best structure often reveals itself through the writing, not before it
• Use Notes for planning context — Each section can have its own notes for research and reminders (see Your Editor)

When to Use Each Approach

#

The beautiful thing is: you don’t have to choose upfront. Start wherever feels right, and let the project guide you.