When I’m in between projects and not actually putting words on paper, I like to do a lot of research into how a novel gets written. Watching videos and reading articles about the writing process keeps me connected to the basics of fiction writing and pushes me to get moving on my next project. It’s my way of recharging when I finish a novel. Even though I’ve been writing (and learning about writing) for over 25 years now and most of what I come across during these recharge phases is advice I already know, it helps me get back to what Natalie Goldberg (and originally, Buddhism) calls Beginner’s Mind, where true creativity is born. And, inevitably, I come across something I don’t already know or a way of thinking about fiction that inspires me to look at my own process in a new way.
Now, I should say upfront that even though I LOVE doing all this research, it rarely changes my own process in concrete, tangible ways. But I know for a fact that it changes my process in intangible ways. All this great info sinks into my subconscious and comes out as I write without my even realizing it until later. My first novels (written many, many, many…sigh…years ago) were nowhere near as well-structured as the ones I’m writing now, and my whole experience of writing is smoother, in part because I have subconsciously incorporated these tenants into my process.
One of my favorite things to research during my writing downtime is how to outline a novel. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I don’t outline (or rather, I outline as I go). Yes, I can hear your question through the computer screen: if I don’t outline, then why do I research how to outline? For the reason I stated above: even if I don’t use the methods directly, they get into my head and influence me as I write, and when you’re pantsing it, having a great sense of plotting in your subconscious is vitally important. Every time I read/watch something on outlining, those ideas set into my brain more deeply, where they can be called upon when I need them later.
Before I start, I have a brief disclaimer: if there is one thing I’ve learned in my writing career beyond all doubt, it is that there is no one way to write. Everyone has different ways of writing, of creating, of imagining, and of course, of outlining. Try these out and modify them and find the method that works for you, or don’t use any method at all. THERE IS NO WRONG WAY as long as your novel gets written.
To that end, here are my favorite YouTube videos on outlining your novel:
How to Outline a Novel in 10 Different Ways
This is a wonderful overview of a bunch of different ways to outline, covering everything from the Hero’s Journey to the Snowflake Method to Plot Points to one I hadn’t even heard of called Dent’s Master Plot Formula. It clearly explains each method and tells you its origins, as well as discussing what it’s useful for writing. If you’re new to outlining, I highly recommend this video. It’ll get you up to speed and send you off with many ideas of what might work for you. And he mentions my way of outlining at the end, which I didn’t even know had a name: Writing Into The Dark.
How to Outline Your Novel Part 1: Brainstorm Your Premise
by Chris Fox
Author Chris Fox uses an outlining method of his own design that goes by the acronym SALES (setting, antagonist, lead, ending scene, starting scene). This video is the first of four, and it is by far the most helpful of the series. I found his break down how to build a premise before you even begin to outline a refreshing change from videos that start off after you have an idea in place. Fox leads you through finding the important cornerstones of your idea so you can create your best outline and, by extension, your best novel.
How I Outline! [3 Acts : 9 Blocks : 27 Chapters]
By Katytastic
I adore vlogger/writer/book reviewer Katytastic. She’s organized and informative in every one of her videos, and this one is no exception. In it, she breaks down her own way of outlining, using a variation on the Three Act Structure. She also has a longer video about outlining in Scrivener using this process here.
How to Outline Your Novel
By Jenna Moreci
Vlogger/author Jenna Moreci has many wonderful videos about writing, and you should check them all out, but this one focuses on her personal outlining process. She uses note cards and color coding to organize her ideas, preferring a more physical approach when it comes to her initial plotting. As she says, this works particularly well for people who remember things by engaging their whole body.
How to Outline Your Novel
By Kim Chance
Author Kim Chance uses Post It notes and a white board to organize her outlines, which she explains in this video. As she mentions, this works best if you write non-linearly. She also talks about the GMC’s (Goal/Motivation/Conflict) of character creation from a book by Debra Dixon, which I’d not heard of before. If you want more info on GMC, check it out here. (Note: I have not read this book, but I plan to!)
Should You Outline? (So You Wanna Be A Writer #3)
By Scott Sigler
In this video, author Scott Sigler explores whether or not an author even should outline. He uses examples from famous writers and talks about which genres need to be outlined and which don’t. If, after watching all of the above videos, you’re still unsure about this whole outline endeavor, this video should help answer some questions for you.
And here’s a short bonus video, because no one can ever get enough Margaret Atwood:
Margaret Atwood’s Creative Process
By Big Think
Have you seen any life-changing videos about outlining? Please share them in the comments!