From IDEA to FULL OUTLINE! | a writing vlog following Romancing the Beats

[@sarakat3707]

This book doesn't get the credit it deserves, one of the best go-to's for romance novels and romantic sub-plots.

[@mariavalente6304]

I think she just gave me SERIOUS relationship and love advice. For the real world.

[@journeybeyondboarder]

I absolutely love this book so much! This gave me so many good ideas when I was stuck writing my book. And also learned how ACTUALLY to plot and how a kissing book can give you so much satisfaction.

[@KateCavanaugh]

YES! It also gave me better ways to articulate when kissing books/stories DIDN'T work for me. I can almost pinpoint the exact reason now correlated to the beat, which is fun!

[@caesuracrossing5473]

This video convinced me to purchase this book. I've started reading the book and I generated a lot of ideas. Within the first 10 pages.

[@KateCavanaugh]

OMG YAY! That makes me so happy to hear, the exact same thing happened to me. Sending you all the good luck on your ideas! :)

[@Jocrazyface]

I've been using this in partnership with Save the Cat - StC for the external plot and RtB for the internal plot/romance. It took a while to get the hang of it but it's really helped me a lot.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Ooooh, that sounds like a great blend. I'll have to experiment with it, but that makes a lot of sense to me.

[@thecat_iswatching]

I love that when you read from a book, it sounds like I'm being read a quest log

[@elizabethcomfort2214]

I love this book! It has helped me so much with all of my romances. I have a hard time writing a book without some sort of romantic plot. Hayes' book makes it so much easier! Also, I met my husband in college where he was part of a glee club. He asked me out because he needed a date for their end of year formal. It certainly doesn't always work out this way, but it worked out for us!

[@KateCavanaugh]

OMG YESSSSS! Thank you for sharing your story. First off, adorable! Second off, perfect inspiration for this project bahaha.

[@lesliemoiseauthor]

I love it when other writers share their writing process.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Same same same. :)

[@lesliemoiseauthor]

@@KateCavanaugh Mine begins with me sitting with my eyes closed, waiting until my character walks up and shows me how she feels, and what she does next.

[@ElegantMechanic_]

I recently picked up Romancing the Beat after having a dream about a romance plot and subsequently being unable to get it out of my head (my brain keeps writing dialogue when I'm on the treadmill, most inconvenient). I read these books (that I term How To Write A Thing Books) to kind of reassure myself that what I've come up with is roughly in line with what might be expected but I get worried about sticking to them too closely for fear of producing cookie cutter stories. As I never finish anything I should be less worried about the cookie cutter situation and more about just finishing however!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Ahhhh yes, I share your fear!! You worded it perfectly. The plus side of eventually reading so many How To Write A Thing books is that you can piece together what's necessary and also which elements you can break for specific genres. (I still worry about that satisfying to readers vs. cookie cutter spectrum.) But once you figure out the finishing element, you'll be unstoppable!

[@lenandov]

Me, after I read the title of this video: THIS sounds like what I've been hunting for! Me after watching: (reserved)

[@A_Bookish_Obsession]

I can't wait. I love watching people go through the whole process of writing a story.

[@KateCavanaugh]

ME TOO.

[@PhoebeWritesFiction]

Romance is usually only a subplot in my work, but I'd love to read this book!! I've looked at the romance beats before but not read all the details of how they should be executed, and I love the idea of how it can help to develop character misbeliefs and fears as well as the romance.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Oooh yes!! If you end up picking up the book, Phoebe, I'd LOVE to hear how you find using it specifically for subplots!! :)

[@heathermattern]

I’ve been a fan of this book for a long while!! It’s so simple but so wonderful. Glad it’s finally getting the attention of authortubers!

[@KateCavanaugh]

YES! That's a great way to describe it. It's super simple, very intuitive, but incredibly helpful.

[@mangaluver2010]

I was doing a bunch of research for school when you posted this. Gave me a much-needed break and inspiration for a story I'm working on! Usually, I'm like you and tend to be a discovery writer (at least for the first few chapters) but recently with my limited time I've been struggling to sit down and simply draft without knowing where the story was going. I feel that because I don't have much time I can't "waste" what little time I have discovery writing. Thus I've been thinking about outlining, but I've been scared that I'll lose my passion for the story if I do. However, after watching this I feel like giving outlining a shot (since this story has a precise timeline of events) to help my frazzled brain. Basically what I'm saying is, this is what I love about your videos Kate, when you just talk about the writing process. It can be linear, messy, or somewhere in between. It's different for everyone, but that's the fun of it!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Aww, thank you so much for this comment, totally made me smile! I completely understand your desire to change up your usual process since your time is more limited, and I'm excited to hear how it works out for you!!! I've found that certain stories/genres I need a different process, and it's been nice to let myself lean into that too.

[@wickedwonderland9831]

I recently discovered the 7 Point Story Structure and it’s very helpful as it is described on the reedsy blog! It’s a modified version of the three act structure and takes a mirrored approach to plotting

[@snowpanther7076]

I've been loving the 8 Sequence method most commonly used in screen writing for the reason that it divides the story into 8 equal parts so it's easy to tell when my pacing is off

[@johndogwater]

When I was at University a lot of girls felt strongly about reltrungin. It becomes less important once you're out in the real world.

[@Rec426]

Always giving me motivation to working on my wip! It’s always interesting to see you work on different genres since that’s how I see myself as a writer (not professional unfortunately 😅) and I love seeing other writers not just sticking to one thing. You made me think about writing competitions again since I’ve had a break from them for a while. Thanks for the inspiration! Looking forward to more of your videos :)

[@KateCavanaugh]

Oooh yes! When you decide to start entering, I'd love to know which you're going for! :) Also your username is wonderful and how I see myself a lot of the time -- just trying things! :)

[@JordanThatblondegirl]

OMG Fun Greek life things that you can use/should consider: - social sororities & frats have a philanthropy (heart disease, special Olympics, homeless shelter, etc) and most public events are to raise money for that. Greek life wide events can usually go towards another big or local cause. - our school did wet mixers (alcohol is present, typical themed party) and dry mixers (no alcohol allowed, usually an activity or craft) so you could always mix even if you’re sober - some frats have rules for pledges like you must greet all people in a group of brothers before anything, if a girl touches your pin you must propose to her/do a stupid dance/etc - Letter shirts (the official ones with the two or three across your chest) are like a uniform. When you’re in it, there’s a certain way you must behave such as no drinking or drug use or that your hair and make up must also be done - lots of schools have anti-hazing, anti-over drinking, anti-sex assault classes Greek life people MUST ATTEND OR THERE ARE PROBLEMS. People with the common sense to not do those think know they’re important but find them annoying and it’s good for group complaining

[@JordanThatblondegirl]

- if it’s a southern university, sorority chapter can have over 500 sisters, if it’s not a college town it might only have about 90. I’ve seen some frat as small as 10 guys tho - there is always a t shirt for any event and it’s always a fight over the color, printing company, and design - you probably don’t like the fraternity and sorority life faculty coordinator Hope this gives you some fun ideas!!

[@Lara_Ameen]

I’ve definitely heard of this book, but don’t know much about it. Thanks for the great video and good luck with the rest of your story! Also, I love Zelda’s position when you opened the door to your room on her back with her paws up. My Pomsky sleeps like that. So cute. 🥺

[@KateCavanaugh]

OMG your pomsky sounds adorable!! Yes, Zelda's just a little chonkstress who wants attention all the time and it's great bahaha. She's actually laying in her bed, under my desk, as I type this comment out to you! And thank yoU!!

[@herothebard]

I have been plotting a lot of books this month but I didn't get anywhere near any of my goals yet this month. I enjoy some writing books, I haven't found beat books helpful all that much more broad arcs seam to work for me. The arch of the story is these 8 points that you should roughly put into sentences. Or act 1, 2 and 3 each in a paragraph, or the hero's journey which again not a huge fan of just because was originally used as a method to analyze writing so its a little hard for me to wrap my head around how to break out of those cliches. Not that cliches are bad or anything just that sometimes its nice to subvert genre's which are now coincidently genre or sub-genre of their own.

[@AnnaRobbinsWrites]

Thank you for letting us in to your story Kate, this was very helpful! ✨

[@KateCavanaugh]

I'm so glad!! :)

[@cassie_hart]

This was so interesting! I've been wondering about picking up this book, but you've just nudged me to do it lol. I really want to get better at the romance aspects of my plot.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Heck yes!! Pick it up and I hope it works for you! GOOD LUCK! :)

[@TheHexedLibrary]

You demon. How DARE you dog ear that book! :P Also, I laughed far too hard at Two Face. Spicy cheese curls and peanut butter cups is the saddest lunch. But Vin being a hairdresser was cute. I will be putting this book directly into my collection. I neeeeeed it.

[@KateCavanaugh]

I WILL DOG EAR ALL THE BOOKS (that I own) bahaha. And I am very glad, I laughed again when I went to edit the video and knew I needed to keep it in bahaha. DO IT DO IT.

[@TheHexedLibrary]

@@KateCavanaugh I did it. It shall be hauled in my July Takedown =)

[@Emilie-yx9hu]

I am the absolute opposite of a discovery writer, so I’m very excited to see what the brainstorming process looks like for you!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Oooh, I want to hear about your brainstorming process too then!! It's always fun to learn what people with an opposite process do. (I'm sure yours is much more technical than my "throwing up on the page" bahaha.)

[@theresakidd]

Love it! There's also The KDrama Cure by Marie Cole. That one has helped me out a lot with making less flat characters and while making the characters, the plot just shows up.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Oooooooh that sounds so interesting!! Just pulled it up, thank you for the rec!

[@saranova613]

I absolutely love this book, and it's been one I've enjoyed utilizing. Would you ever consider sharing your Scrivener template as a download? I think it would be a massive help!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Oooh yes! I don't 100% know how to do that, but I'll look into it and let you know when it's done!

[@saranova613]

@@KateCavanaugh That's awesome, thanks so much!!

[@saralynn7308]

I have this book but have not read it yet. I was in the middle of drafting a light fantasy romance/adventure and didn't want to wake the perfectionism monster in my brain by analyzing. Pretty sure I bit off more than my writing skills can chew, but I did the first draft anyway. Now, before I do edits, I've been reading editing and craft books and this one is on the list. I'm excited that you mentioned it helps with characterization, because the love interest character seems flat in my book. When I finish the ghostwriting project, I'm really hoping to make the time to dive back into my book. This video made me really excited to go back to it.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Oooh, yes, Sara! I definitely think it will help with that. And I complete relate to writing a story that turns out to be more than I can chew (at first). But I'm also very glad I finished those drafts too. If it's on the page, that means there's something that can be edited. (Or bits of gold I can mine for!) Sending you all the good luck on revisiting it! Also which books on your craft bingeing have you enjoyed the most??

[@saralynn7308]

@@KateCavanaugh "Bingeing" is overstating for sure. :P I have a stack waiting and am currently reading /Self-Editing for Fiction Writers/.

[@ngtskynebula]

This was so fun! I'll look into this book. Thanks, Kate!

[@KateCavanaugh]

YAY! You're welcome! :)

[@pucksandpaperbacks]

This story sounds so good!! I love diving into the complexities of characters.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Same same same! And thank you! :)

[@ChristinaCBooth]

Ahhh, I feel like this is the video I've been waiting for! I love Hayes's book, but I've struggled to follow it in the past because my brain balks at structure, lol. But seeing you go through it has made understanding it that much easier. Thank you SO much for this video!

[@KateCavanaugh]

OMG your comment makes me SO happy. This is the first structure book that's sort of "clicked" for me (and it still took a couple tries of going through it), so I hope you can have that A-HA moment soon too! :)

[@AbiofPellinor]

Do I write romance? No. Was this still super entertaining and helpful? Yep!

[@ivanadel-vechio3797]

I absolutely adore your videos. They always manage to motivate me and inspire me. Thank you so much !!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Awww thank you so much!! I appreciate hearing that! :)

[@PattyEverAfter]

Omg, Can u try writing the book now to: She Sat He Stood by Ginger Hansen? I've been meaning to try something similar myself. Love that book.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Ooooh, I'd never heard of this before but I'll have to check it out! The main review talking about "no more bobble heads" kills me, because that's absolutely what my characters are. ALL THE NODDING. I always have to go in later and fix it bahaha. Thank you for the rec!!

[@sabrarose1197]

Kate is reconstructing the famous office where magic happens!!! 😄

[@KateCavanaugh]

Yesssssssss, I'm moving it all around!

[@StephanieWhitson]

I recently purchased this book and I love the layout and length of this book.

[@KateCavanaugh]

RIGHT!? I hope you enjoy it! I think it's even more valuable in the re-reads too!

[@StephanieWhitson]

@@KateCavanaugh I love re reading craft books because there’s always something you miss the first time through.

[@heatherkirchhoffwritesya]

I need to check this book out!

[@reginaduke7451]

You have moved your turquoise desk. Are you using it for sewing now? I love the vlogs where you discuss your writing progress. Hearts and hugs!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Thanks Regina!! YES, I had been using it for sewing. I also just don't know where to put it right now since I kind of like the more ~open~ vibe near the window. Hmmmm.

[@SuperMar10GalaxyBro]

Appreciate the recommendation and congrats 🎈🎉 keep us posted!

[@KateCavanaugh]

THANK YOU and will do! :)

[@SuperMar10GalaxyBro]

@@KateCavanaugh 🙌 📣😃

[@katekat4522]

This is so awesome, Kate!!!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@courtneyfetters1989]

Save the cat hasn't clicked for me yet but it worth a shot to try out Gwen's style of it.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Totally feel you on that. Romancing the Beat helped me to better understand/implement Save the Cat, so I hope it works for you too!

[@BandAssassignNinja]

With the romancing the beat scrivener file, you have to import it as a theme.

[@taz2906]

I just bought Romancing the Beat and so this video comes with very good timing

[@KateCavanaugh]

OOOoh yay! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!

[@taz2906]

@@KateCavanaugh thanks! I cant wait for it to come in the mail :D

[@Iwasonceanonionwithnolayers]

Using this book to plot out my first romantic subplot

[@KateCavanaugh]

Ahhh yay! GOOD LUCK!

[@stonescorpio]

Ngl, this video is a great ad for that book. XD

[@markphillips7538]

Do you have any templates you'd recommend for books with multiple POVs? I'm working on a paranormal mystery and after the discovery draft am having issues pulling it all together.

[@PenumbraMineMMWard]

yay for puppy cam!

[@KateCavanaugh]

🐶🐶

[@ckat13]

I keep forgetting there is an author with my aunt's exact name (Gwen Hayes). She isn't an author but it's weird every time :P

[@KateCavanaugh]

Bahaha! That is very strange/fun. I know when I search up my fellow authortuber (Jessica Williamson), a music artist always tries to come up first.

[@Amy_Mi6]

The best part of waking up, is Cheetos Puffs in your cup 🎶😄

[@KateCavanaugh]

LOOOOOL YES.

[@EmmaBennetAuthor]

I’d never heard of a discovery draft!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Ooooh, happy to introduce you to a new phrase!!

[@charlesbrentner4611]

Do you have a blank copy of your Template that a person can download?

[@Amy_Mi6]

The 2-Face bit 😆 ... I feel like you must have been a really fun 5 year old lol

[@KateCavanaugh]

Bahahaha. Your comments are killing me! I'm sure my parents thought so. 😂

[@Amy_Mi6]

@@KateCavanaugh 😄💜

[@AoifeMysthart]

Download didn’t work for me either.

[@johntubbs6617]

Check out the 9 Narrative beats on the net, juggle them in the scenes etc

[@KateCavanaugh]

I'm very curious about this, but did just have a giggle because a couple other comments mentioned "the 7 point story structure" and "8 sequence method" and now here you are with 9 narrative beats! We'll eventually get all the numbers covered bahaha. Will totally check it out, thanks for the rec!

[@johntubbs6617]

I forgot to add - I just found this link about 2a week ago - so still new to this info - none of my 100 plus carft books have anything close to this explanation etc - why ?? this is the basic building blocks of Fiction ...why is this a big secret??? Could be why writing is so hard to , not knowing this - Gook Luck all.

[@johntubbs6617]

I could be wrong - but if you master all the info in these books and the 9 narrative Beats as well - you will own it as a writer - it's all about structure even on the beat level.

[@moab9587]

Does anyone in the comments know if scrivener works on MacBook Air m1 (2020)?

[@ramahpalmer7089]

Yes it does.

[@emiliarose4598]

Works on my 2015 one so most definitely!

[@Amy_Mi6]

😃😃😃

[@KateCavanaugh]

:D :D :D

[@zibbernautinbookspace]

main charcterssss

[@emilyrln]

"Why would someone agree to this?" Uh, free food, cute girls? 😅

[@AuthorZaraHoffman]

The Scrivener template is no longer downloadable because of how she hosts it and/or it's an old version that's incompatible with the newest versions of Scrivener. I can't remember.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Okay, thank you, that's what I thought!! A bit of a bummer but totally a freebie so no big deal. And now that I know how to make my own template, I realize it's a very quick process bahahaha.

[@AuthorZaraHoffman]

@@KateCavanaugh Yeah! I make my own templates :) And I forgot to mention that I LOVE Romancing the Beat but I don't really reference it (or any other outlining method) as I'm outlining. I've kind of absorbed and mixed all of them at this point.

[@lakeshagadson357]

we should read 📖 books 📚 together