User blog comment:Zathronas/Author's Advice:The Outline Part 2/@comment-10380701-20140211145244/@comment-24218038-20140211153438

It differs greatly from writer to writer. Here's how I do it.

I start by writing my main plot with a chronological timeline of discovery. What I mean is that my protagonist finds out the main plot gradually through the story. I add when and how he discover it.

The sub plot are added in chronological order too. Each subplot has to add something to the story, like introduction of a character by example. Then I write how it relates to the main plot and any other sub plot.

Now, by the end of my plot list, I revise it all to assure myself that it makes sense. Then I work on the plot holes. I try and find any plot holes and plug them up.

I'm a systematic kind of guy so I have a very clinical approach to an outline. I know other writers build their plot list while writing their story. I tried it once and the problem was that if you make a mistake, it might cause you several chapters worth of rewrites.