How To Write An Outline Of Your Novel ✨📖 PREPTOBER 2023
Outlining and plotting a novel is such a huge topic, and there is a lot that goes into figuring out your own writing process when it comes to this. Even though this video is 45 minutes, I still feel like I’m barely scratching the surface. In the comments, let me know where you’re still getting stuck.
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0:00 How To Outline
1:59 Encouragement
5:12 Prepare To Outline
7:45 Start With Big Picture
15:53 Brainstorm
24:06 Mindmap Each Part
26:22 Putting It All Together
30:35 Story Beats
36:48 Summary Of Outlining
43:25 Final Thoughts
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About Me: My name is Sarra Cannon, and I've been indie publishing since 2010. In that time, I have published 27 books and sold over one million copies.
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A long video on a possible outlining process! I know there's still more to cover on this topic, but please let me know if this was helpful and where you still feel stuck or need help!
So excited for this! Sitting down with the preptober planner this weekend to do some fun outlining ❤
I LOVE long videos! Especially with how deeply in depth you go! It’s so helpful!! ❤
Do you have a link for that clear binder/folder for the note cards? The rings weren't working for me, coz like you said you only get a brief snapshot at a time. I've been keeping my cards together with a rubber band and laying them out on the desk/table but I think that folder system to flip through like a book would work better for me. Thanks.
Thank you so much ❤
Sarra, my project is a book of three fairytales I decided to unite within a story-frame. Yikes! I can't get this right.
I’ve been following for awhile. I don’t think I’ve commented ever. Not even remotely a writer but honestly just love listening to you talk. You’re very motivational and you put in such hard work in caring for your community. I believe I found you from a planner video and had no idea you were an author. I got your books on kindle and I’m excited to try reading them. Not my normal genre. Good luck with your book writing this November!
I hope you love them!
Oh, I think it would be cool to see a video covering plotting differences between a regular novel and a serial! Also, I love that James Scott Bell book on the Mirror Moment (Write Your Novel From the Middle). Very useful, good to see it shouted out! Finally, the aesthetics of your presentation are always flawless--you are so thoughtful.
Yes! There aren't enough resources on YT for this!
Yes agreed!!! 💯❤
Please do the serial outlining video, Sarra! I write YA portal fantasy with mixed race MCs (since I'm mixed) in serial form and I LOVE your outlining style so I'd love to see how you apply these techniques to the serial format. Hoping you (and Evie) have a speedy recovery :-)
A loud yes please to the structuring of the serialized novel. I just discovered I've been struggling so hard because my novel actually needs to be a series a few weeks before NaNo! 🥵❤ P.S. detailed plotter here! 😅
What a relief! I've had a terrible day today - not writing related - and this really just grounded me - Thanks :)
I'm sorry to hear that :( Hopefully your day gets better!
Thank you @@HeartBreathings
I just want to say thank you sooooo much and you have no idea how inspirational, life changing, and helpful your videos have been to gaining momentum on my WIP. You are amazing!!!! ❤❤❤❤
This makes my day thank you!
Trying to plot a serial, so would love a video on your outlining process!
This was such an amazing help for me! I outlined my three books yesterday and it read just flowing! Got me out of major writers block, thank you so much!
I super don't outline but I love seeing and hearing your joy in your process and it's also interesting and fun to see other writers process.
haha, I love it. Do you outline at all after you've finished your draft? Or how do your edits work?
@@HeartBreathings no I never outline. I tried to do beats once after I finished a manuscript and I did not care for it 😂 I actually do your old editing steps and modify as needed ☺️
this has been super helpful as someone who is just getting into writing for the first time! Thank you so much for teaching us so well!
So happy it's helpful!!
Thanks Sarra. This is super helpful and gives me confidence in my writing. I am writing a cozy mystery series and would love to learn more about series plotting. The Preptober planner is awesome. I love it. You are so generous with your materials. I think I am a Panser. This is my first Nano Wrimo. So excited to be here!
You made my day and then some when you mentioned writing (this?) as a serial! I grew up watching serialized tv and fell in love with my genre, but I've realized (much to my frustration, among many other uncomfortable emotions) that, while watching the genre gives you an excellent sense of expectations and tropes etc. it is a far cry from having any foundation for writing such stories. Thank you SO MUCH! 💖💗 33:03
I'm more of a pantser with some plotting sprinkled in. I love watching plotting and outlining videos to get tips that I could incorporate into my process. I tend to rattle a story around in my head until I get the overall plot down and then I start writing the movie I see in my mind. I love your videos and they are always so helpful.
YES, please, share with us how you outline a series :)
Yay! Love your plotting videos! I still watch your How To Plot A Novel series when ever I plot a new story. Can't wait for thr 2.0 next year! I would also love to see that serial plotting video you mentioned, as I'm considering writing a serial in the future.
thank you for all the time and the heartblood you put into this. Even for me, a total pantser, this is interesting to watch and gives me some ideas to try out. But most of all I just love to watch your passion and joy for your work. That's infecting and motivating in itself! Love from Germany
One cool thing that you mentioned is that we can tweak the process according to our own needs and i find that is the most important part to me. i'm not that big of an outliner myself but i struggle a lot with memorie issues. Those outlining, plotting, brainstorming videos help me a ton with that, since it gives me just the structure i need to write down and organize all the thougths i have throughout writing. like, i'll have an awsome idea and then struggle to remember it halfway through but now i know i can trust my wiki to remind of it for myself, so i'm basically building all those pieces a i write and not before it.
Please do video on plotting serials!! Thank you so much for all you do 🙏💗
Hurray. Just what I needed for today. I'm trying to make something of the messy ideas I have in my head and finally write that novel.
Outlining is my fave part as well!
Hi Sarra, I'm a Planster :) Your videos really help me to try new things and figure out even more what is the best way for me tow write. So thanks a lot!!! :D Sending you love and creative vibes and wishing you a wonderful Preptober
OUTLINING - MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PART OF THE PROCESS!!
Ooooh! Sarra! I LOVE the design on your shirt! It's SO autumn-y!
Thank you! It's from Piper & Ivy!
This video was so helpful! I was starting to feel doubt and stuck, but this video saved me and helped me feel inspired to continue writing.
Im so happy I found you!
Amen on the pep talk. It’s all about getting started towards achieving the goal. With huge goals, such as writing a novel, we definitely need to make a good plan that we feel will successfully work for us in taking us from where we’re at to where we want to be. Once we figure out the best way for us to accomplish our goal, we need to start the journey and no longer focus on how huge and difficult the goal is, but enjoy each step, knowing and trusting that we’re on the best path to succeed in achieving the goal. Also, when it comes to huge goals it’s important to be wholly committed to succeeding, as in if I don’t succeed, I’m going to die trying. If we’re not that committed then we might not follow through when the going gets tough or when we discover that instead of taking one month to achieve the goal it takes one year, or possibly ten.
Thank you for this! It showed up at the perfect time; I am deep in the outlining weeds for this year's nano novel and your outlining process videos have been so helpful for me this month!
You are so welcome!
Yes. I would love to see a Video on how to plot a serial.
this helped so much!!!!!!!!!!
Yes!!!! Been waiting for this!!!!❤❤❤
Super helpful thank you!
If any of you are writing YA that use Save The Cat theres a new version of the book called Save The Cat Writes A Young Adult Novel too!
I've been a bit hesitant to pick that one up, just because Jessica Brody writes mostly contemporary standalones. Maybe I'll pick it up at some point, though! I don't actually use Save The Cat myself, so far, but I still can pull some inspiration from the books.
@@HeartBreathings Yeah I know from your videos that you don't use the Save The Cat Method. The intention behind that comment was mainly for anybody that does use the method to know there is a new version if the book if they weren't already aware. I know we have a lot of YA authors in the group 😀
All of this is great! I love all of your advice for us!
Loooooooooooooove this!! And YES, I would love to peek over your shoulder as you plan out a serialized project!!
Thank you, Sarra, I am in the midst of writing my 12th novel and still always learn something from you with your videos. I used to be a pantser but now I am always under a deadline, so I was kind of forced to plot which makes the process of the actual writing less stressful. But as I still enjoy discovery writing I have a couple of projects on the side that aren't under contract I am just pantsing for the fun of it. Good luck with Nanno :-)
As always you're right on point with the advice and guidance. Thank you for being such clarity for so many!
Thank you!
I would love to see how you plot a serial. I’m a panster usually, but only because I tend do most of the plotting in my head as I’m writing. So I’ll only plot a few days ahead, except I usually know my climax, but not always. Sounds risky but it works for me. Your videos are super helpful though. 💜
Thank you for these videos. I have a couple of story ideas but I wasn’t sure how to get them started, these are so helpful
This was so incredibly helpful to see the thinking process with the outline process!
❤️ Love it! I'm trying your method of story outlining on the wall as I go through the final self-edits of the first book in my series. Thank you for motivating and inspiring all of us.
I absolutely love the idea of the index card binder. I just ordered one for myself 😊
I was just about to tackle your first act beats. This video will surely help. Thanks! 😊👍
45 minutes was not too long. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I will be referring back to it. I'm kind of still searching for my process, but I know I'm definitely not a pantser. I don't want to get to the middle and be lost. I'm too lazy to work my way out of it. lol Thanks for another great video!
A lot to process but this video is just wonderfully inspiring. Thanks so much !! xx
I'm with you with 4 part structure! Adam Skelter uses 24 plot point, 4 act structure. I don't normally like to go as granular as that, but I like the way he conceptualizes it. Unfortunately, he deleted all his social media, but his interviews with film courage are still on youtube.
I'm very interested in learning how to plot a series. Love the way you explain things. Thanks Sarra!
Would love a video on how you're plotting this as a serial!
I enjoyed this video and look forward to more on this topic. Outlining is what I'm interested in. Thank you it was great.
Plotter here. STC has helped me a ton to keep going and making a progress. I like to see what's ahead and write to it, it's rewarding that way
Thank you Sarra, such great explanation! Roll on Nano 📚✍ 💥
I've been trying to figure out my writing for so long... I'm in so much overwhelm. Thank you so much for this video!
I'm going to try the first part of planning out the three major parts of the story. I tend to just write and let it flow. But sometimes I get stuck on the next direction.
So excited for this one !! Outlining is aways my favourite thing to do. When I have nothing to do I'll choose a random story idea and outline it for fun so this was awesome !🤩
Another BEST breakdown ever!!! You have really stepped us through the process of "workshopping" the material. THANK YOU!!! Keeep rocking it!!
I actually cheered outloud when you said you were switching to calling it 4 acts!! Having 2 same size acts labeled both 2 just bugged the heck out of me, so I've been calling it 4 acts for ages - plus found some cool info on 4 acts and how to work with them.
I’m outlining my 4th novel. Thanks for sharing your process and the pep talk. I needed that! ❤
I love all your videos and Facebook updates. Please consider reviving your How To Write a Series, series. It was so useful, and as you have grown I can see you may have more advice.
Definetly interested learning how to plot a serial! Your Preptober videos are so helpful! I've never finished Nano, but finally, finally I am preparing properly and feel like I have a good shot! Thanks so much for sharing so much of your knowledge!
I would love to see a video on planning a serial!!
Great video as always Sarra! I'm knee deep in my outline right now. I'm leaving for vacation a week from today, so I'm trying to get as much done before I leave as possible. I won't have internet while I'm on my trip so I won't have access to any of my digital stuff. I am taking your preptober planner with me though, so I'm still hoping to get stuff done!
I am absolutely still trying to figure things out with the plotting side of writing, coming from a diehard pantaser to realizing I get too frustrated and stuck with out a plan so I trying to find my happy medium, something where I still get to make it up along the way but still have some structure. and thank you for the lovely video
I'm a "Plantser" I give myself a rough outline, something to keep my on the rails, but just enough so that I know when I'm changing trainlines where I may not want to, so I can put myself back on the right track.
This is amazing. I would love to see what you are doing different for serial
this is the first time i've actually undertoon how outlining using the three (four) act structure actually works! thank you so much
As usual another great video. Please, share how you outline a series. I can't wait.
This video was EXACTLY what I needed to figure out my story. Thank you so much! I feel more confident than ever that I will win NaNo this year (for the first time).
Im happy that i came across your videos. Ive been going off mostly the plot set up described in "save the cat, writes a novel" and this feels like the same set up, but done in more broader strokes at a time and i feel like that will really help when i first start out with the plotting/story idea, then agter i get that down, I can narrow things down/add details that go along with the 15 beats of plot in the book. Very helpful and I plan to watch your world building video next!!
This was great!
Thank you for the video. am mostly a plotter but I am a pantser to a certain degree. I am not super organized so this works for me.😀
Hello from Denton! Great video. I am just getting started with writing and I so appreciate the pep talk before the educational content. I have been both excited and overwhelmed. Your video helped this newbie so much :) THANK YOU!!
Yes, a video on plotting a serial would be much appreciated.
I'm still trying to figure it all out! I have several ideas, just need to start plotting them out. Thank you for all the helpful videos and tools!
I am a bit of both, but going to try plotting this time. I tend to get stuck. I would love a video on outlining a serial.
I used to be a pantser, and then I had a horrible accident and my ability to look at a screen for long periods of time and my ability to sit in a computer chair deteriorated and I had to force myself to learn dictation so I could write w/o looking at a screen a lot and write while laying down. And oh WOW did I learn that dictation necessitates at least a *little* planning! And I quite like it! I did not think I would enjoy plotting/planning, but it's made for less stressful and frustrating edits and it's made the dictation process so much easier. I love planning and outlining now after 20 years of being a die hard pantser! I just found your channel and am loving it, thanks for all the resources, videos, and advice.
Well, I 'm just starting my first novel , so I'm just trying things out . Those years of me not writing anything "artsy" were really hard on me for a while but now I got my mojo back . So I'm exploring new ways of writing and I LOVE IT
Yes, I would like a serial structure video, please😁
Antother exellent video! Enjoying your preptober series so much! I'm a mix between a plotter and a pantser, with more of a focus on characters than plot. I would love if you shared your process on outlining a series. That would truly be helpful! You break down everything in an easy to understand way that doesn't make the art of writing feel so intimidating! Thank you for that and for your continued teachings!
This is so helpful to see your process. I've read a lot of books on outlining/plotting and I get overwhelmed. I'm a color-coded kind of gal, so using different cards, washi tapes, mind mapping etc., is how my mind operates. Thanks!
I am definitely interested in how you plot a serial. The next project I'm working on I'd like to make it a serialized collection.
I love this video!!!! It was soooo helpful to me for the book I'm working on and I was a little stuck on what to do next and this just lit me up in the best way on what I should do to pull everything together. Thank YOU Sarra!!!!!!! Sidenote: Yes, I would LOVE to see how to plot a serialized story.
This really simplified the process for me. I do hope you do the serial novel plotting because I am currently working on a series. Thanks!
The black pen you have, I love those. I've been using them for a while for my main black ink pen. Sometimes they get damaged and leak, but those are still my fav for that color ink.
Great video! I'm going to try organizing my cards in your index card file thingie! I'm in my second book of my series and I keep finding myself getting stuck. I am going to switch to this 4-Act structure and see if that helps too. I'm traditionally a pantser altho I am enamored by the plotting process and have been trying new things to become more of a plantser? lol
Also, I use a Four Act Structure. I like describing plot as a pressure meter.
I'm planning always with Microsoft Excel and Liquid Story Binder. I focus on characters instead of structure, so my outlining process is very different. Thank you for sharing yours 👍❤️
Yes, I would love a 'series' writing video or two. I would also like more info on how you set up your plotting notebook.
Thank you. Seeing your process is helping me a ton. I play it in the background as I work my way through my own story. P.S. I decided a while ago to start calling it a 4-part structure as well, then I usually use Dan Harmon's story circle to generally structure each part.
Yes please show us the difference. I’m noodling a serial type project also and can see where there would have to be some pacing adjustments. Thank you for sharing your craft and processes. Always inspired by your content. ❤
I love this video! I feel like I have a pretty good process for how I outline, and it's more similar to yours than not. But I love, love, love seeing how others outline and plot! It's a juicy little look into someone's brain, like seeing what's in their planner, purse, or how they organize their desk. Thanks for the video, and I hope you and Evie feel better soon. Better to get sick now rather than during Spooktacular or NaNo!
So true!
I would love to see you do examples of plot vs. scenes.
Super super helpful.. I am absolutely stuck in weaving the story through flashbacks. It’s very overwhelming.. this has helped 🎉
Thank you for this super helpful video. The pep talk was much needed and the analogy of the car journey really stuck a chord with me. To the extent it kicked me out of my overwhelm and I had the most productive couple of hours planning that I have had in ages. Now feeling more positive about my Nano project. So thank you❤
This is awesome to hear!!;
I've never fully grasped the concept of Act 1, etc. when it comes to plotting - my plotting style is very different what or who can be seen, heard, touched, smelled or tasted - bringing forth the 5 senses helps me (personally) with emersion -- and this process helps me calm down during a seizure
Great refresher and summary how to plot! It felt like a fast 45 minutes!
Thank you so much!
This video is SUPER helpful. I have ASD and I've got a story buzzing in my head for the past year but not sure how to make it "blend well"? It kinda just looks like an elementary student wrote it half the time.
You have great book titles
I'm working on a series and trying to figure everything out. I'd love to see how you plot out your series!
So thankfull that this world holds you inside of it! I am writing a really different kind of book, a memoir of how I fell in love with gardening and it changed my whole look on the future hopes for us in this planet. I have now faith that planting will heal us and the planet. This is a story that really wants to be told in joy and funny excamples. But until this video, I could not grasp HOW. Now I have the first time a grounded feeling that the book will happen and it is possible to make the first draft this nanowrimo. How cool! You are changing the world for better. Thank you.
This comment brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for your lovely words. I believe in you!