There are great mysteries in this life. Who shot JFK? How were the pyramids built? What happened to George Lucas? And what does this have to do with you planning your story? I admit it: I waste way too much of my life puzzling over the conundrum of George Lucas. There’s a lot to think about when it […]
January 8, 2016 by 37 Comments Outlining Your NovelWhat Should Your Book Outline Look Like? [Free Download]
Are you trying to figure out the best way to create your book outline? Ever wish you could gain a little insight into how other authors work through their outlines? Ever since writing my book Outlining Your Novel, I’ve gotten all kinds of requests from authors who want to see a full example of what my […]
October 21, 2015 by 44 Comments Outlining Your NovelThinking About Outlining Your Novel? One Pantser’s Story
I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer. I’ve been at this business professionally for over a decade now, and every single one of my manuscripts–published or not–has been written one scene at a time, with no more guideline than a general knowledge of structure. For years, Katie and I have been on the opposite ends of the spectrum […]
July 31, 2015 by 7 Comments NewsFor All My German Readers! Announcing Outlining Your Novel in German
Tired of reading boring ol’ English? Would you rather read about outlining your novel in German? Well, then today’s the day! I’m excited to announce the German translation (thanks to Nicola Bock!) of my book Outlining Your Novel, now available on all major digital platforms. If you’re a German speaker who would prefer to read the […]
June 12, 2015 by 45 Comments Outlining Your NovelScared of Plot? How One Author Embraced Story Structure Without Sacrificing Creativity
I was never a believer in plotting. “Me?” I’d say. “I’m too right brain.” Years back, I attended Squaw Valley Community of Writers, and was one of only two writers fortunate to be assigned to Robert Stone for my one-to-one. He told me my writing was beautiful, but that it needed a story to serve. […]
April 12, 2015 by 94 Comments Outlining Your NovelMy Writing Process, Pt. 1 of 2: How I Use Scrivener to Outline My Novels
My writing process is a continually evolving thing. Not only does every new story require a slightly different approach–and not only am I constantly learning and refining–but sometimes a new tool comes along and completely revolutizes the whole system. That’s what the writing software Scrivener has done for my writing process this past year. For […]
June 20, 2014 by 51 Comments Outlining Your Novel6 Ways to Outline Your Novel Faster
Here are six ways to outline your novel faster and more effectively. 1. Start With Your Character’s GMC–Goal, Motivation, and Conflict Nailing down your protagonist’s goal, motivation, and conflict (or GMC) is the first step in writing your outline. Solid plot foundations are built on what your protagonist wants, why it’s important, and what’s in the […]
April 24, 2014 by 2 Comments NewsOutlining Your Novel Audio Book Now Available
Over the winter, I’ve been working closely with narrator Sonja Field to create an Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success audio book—and I’m pleased to announce, it’s now available for sale on Amazon, iTunes, and Audible. And, even better, if you sign up for 30-day trial with Audible, you can grab the download for free! […]
November 17, 2013 by 39 Comments Outlining Your NovelHow to Write an Awesome Book: 25 Key Elements for Success
Millions of words have been strung together on the subject of how to write an awesome book. A book is always going to be a tremendous undertaking that can feel more than a little complicated sometimes. But what if you simplify the process to just twenty-five ingredients? Previously, I wrote a post about the Top […]
September 11, 2013 by 3 Comments Structuring Your NovelDon’t Like Outlining? Here’s How You Can Still Ace Story Structure
Today, I’m guest posting on The Other Side of the Story, with a post titled “Don’t Like Outlining? How to Structure if You’re a Pantser” Here’s an excerpt: Writers often equate the idea of structuring with that of outlining or plotting. As such, it doesn’t offer much surface appeal to discovery writers or “pantsers” (i.e., those who prefer to write “by […]
