I don't know if I just psyched myself into thinking outlining is hard, or if outlining is hard.

I'm sure it's easy for some other people. But the truth is, I don't really know where I want this story to go. Not yet. That's why I'm Prepping. I had a pretty good idea of some scenes I wanted to include, but I'm not facile at creating conflict and drama - mainly because I go out of my way to avoid conflict and drama in life. I'm allergic to the stuff. That's why I'm not active on Facebook or Tweeter.

But a story needs it. Unless you're writing experimental postmodernist drivel that only other postmodernists want to read.

Actually, the hard part was working on the required assignment for 15 minutes. Beginning, climax, end... those are pretty quick things to type in. Had to do a bit more brainstorming to flesh them out a bit.

The calendar part took more time - a lot more time. Because the story is set in the future, I had to not only work out the timeline of the story, but the timeline of events that took us from 21st century Earth to a future that doesn't even use the same numbering system for years, and involves multiple planets and a plausible transportation system between them.

Not the first time I've done it, though.