IF Seal: Should I outline everything at once in detail?
What would be the best way to plot? I have a general outline for each chapter but I only have a flowchart for chapter one. Do I need to do the whole thing before releasing? I was thinking of doing each flowchart before I write the next chapter instead of doing it all at once. But I'm afraid of getting questions on the plot that I won't be able to answer. Would that be beneficial? Obviously it's my choice, I'm just wondering if that's efficient. But I also don't want burnout, maybe 2 at a time or smth like that.
Dear Flowcharting Friend,
This is rather a personal question dependent on your preferences!
I believe you have done a great job in making a general outline first: that is what I would have advised if you'd asked, and what I advise people in general. Interactive writing can be so sprawling by nature that it's a very good idea to have a sense of where you may end up by the end.As for making more detailed charts for the smaller-scale sections such as chapters, it does really depend on how you like to work. Some people prefer to make their chapter-sized plans before writing, whereas others prefer to do it as they go.
I think if your instinct is to do each flowchart as you go, it is worth going for that method!
My personal experience, and what I know of most other writers too, is that things shift around as you write. You may have changed things significantly by the time you reach Chapter 7, say, so if you had prepared a very detailed flowchart in advance you may need to rewrite it which can be less than enjoyable. I do not think there's anything wrong with saying "this hasn't been set in stone yet" to questions that are about late-game plot. Or "this is too spoilery for me to share at this stage".
Equally if you reach Chapter 3 and realise you'd have preferred to plan things in more detail in advance, there's nothing stopping you from switching around and trying different methods!
Good luck, Flowcharting Friend, and I do hope your early chapters go swimmingly!