How To Write An Outline Of Your Novel ✨📖 PREPTOBER 2023

[@HeartBreathings]

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!

[@joannaholden943]

So excited for this! Sitting down with the preptober planner this weekend to do some fun outlining ❤

[@ghostyplans]

I LOVE long videos! Especially with how deeply in depth you go! It’s so helpful!! ❤

[@quartkneek3670]

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.

[@LisaParkesWildheart]

Thank you so much ❤

[@tomaria100]

Sarra, my project is a book of three fairytales I decided to unite within a story-frame. Yikes! I can't get this right.

[@DeepSeaManta]

As a writer, your primary audience is yourself. Write your story, your way. The book belongs to you, not the readers. When you embrace that you’ll find greater inspiration and freedom. It’s your work, your ideas, and your story. Let your audience come to your authentic voice, not the other way around.

[@WorkingTowardsImprovement]

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!

[@HeartBreathings]

I hope you love them!

[@davedsilva]

Good on you for leaving a nice comment. I hope one day your book writing dreams come true.

[@Avionne_Parris]

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 :-)

[@DyranHunter]

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.

[@SarahMcAshan]

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.

[@MagnetMagicGirl]

Yes! There aren't enough resources on YT for this!

[@Roxie3378]

Yes agreed!!! 💯❤

[@lindaweedmark6025]

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! 😅

[@abbywhite2935]

Trying to plot a serial, so would love a video on your outlining process!

[@cynthialovesbooks]

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.

[@sovereign_soul_2024]

OUTLINING - MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PART OF THE PROCESS!!

[@KittyBGaming]

Finally! Someone explains story structure in a way my lil ADHD mind can understand… roughly! I’ve spent hours searching and trying to understand but the way you explain and show examples are so helpful! Off topic, every time you say “piece”, I can’t help but imagine a puzzle piece 🧩 Edit: people have also struggled to teach me because they just repeat the same thing and give me a picture of the mountains and say I need things like an inciting incident but they never answer my why questions like “why is it important? What are examples? How could I do that?”

[@staceyshillingburg7966]

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.

[@HeartBreathings]

haha, I love it. Do you outline at all after you've finished your draft? Or how do your edits work?

[@staceyshillingburg7966]

@@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 ☺️

[@marie-claireallington851]

What a relief! I've had a terrible day today - not writing related - and this really just grounded me - Thanks :)

[@HeartBreathings]

I'm sorry to hear that :( Hopefully your day gets better!

[@marie-claireallington851]

Thank you @@HeartBreathings

[@mmemonarch]

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!

[@Arinrine]

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.

[@lexybaginsky]

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

[@pamdwriter]

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

[@LisaParkesWildheart]

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!

[@nodailyactivist]

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.

[@brittanyterotta1766]

Please do video on plotting serials!! Thank you so much for all you do 🙏💗

[@AlexVeeGee]

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.

[@fralou_sind_kreativ]

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

[@pietruszkapietruszkowa9713]

YES, please, share with us how you outline a series :)

[@JennatheSoulWriter]

As always you're right on point with the advice and guidance. Thank you for being such clarity for so many!

[@Jesse.Walkinshaw]

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 !🤩

[@authorannettepalmer]

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. 💜

[@SuzanneKelmanAuthor]

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 :-)

[@LaLavender25]

Yes!!!! Been waiting for this!!!!❤❤❤

[@michellederoche-johnson9977]

Loooooooooooooove this!! And YES, I would love to peek over your shoulder as you plan out a serialized project!!

[@AslErdemOge]

you are gonna make me cry thank you for the pep talk

[@thefilipinojoe]

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.

[@jazminej9664]

Loved everything about this video and found it to be extremely helpful. Thank you for posting this video and will definitely be coming back to rewatch.

[@carolsikes5069]

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.

[@Moonsnailthegreat]

Ok this helped me so much! Idk if it’s just bc I’m a visual learner and presenting it in this format and writing my ideas down like this helped a lot rather then doing bullet points, or bc I’m very chaotic and everything is everywhere and this helped me compile everything. But like thx😋

[@pagesofkelly]

❤️ 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.

[@writingwithjllinn]

This was so incredibly helpful to see the thinking process with the outline process!

[@jackienicholson2990]

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.

[@syenite]

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.

[@DyranHunter]

Ooooh! Sarra! I LOVE the design on your shirt! It's SO autumn-y!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! It's from Piper & Ivy!

[@Drawn_By_Lix]

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

[@QueenViolet]

Yes. I would love to see a Video on how to plot a serial.

[@shelfunstable]

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!

[@HeartBreathings]

You are so welcome!

[@AphroditeLee]

Outlining is my fave part as well!

[@miaramck6746]

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.

[@charleighann7366]

As usual another great video. Please, share how you outline a series. I can't wait.

[@emacarvalho7889]

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

[@AntiNovelist]

Another BEST breakdown ever!!! You have really stepped us through the process of "workshopping" the material. THANK YOU!!! Keeep rocking it!!

[@ivad.1341]

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 👍❤️

[@lisabader44]

I absolutely love the idea of the index card binder. I just ordered one for myself 😊

[@amygoloby]

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!

[@cloeebee6259]

I binge watched your entire preptober series yesterday after coming across this video by chance. I’ve had an idea for my first story for years and have never put anything on paper. Less than 24 hours later and I’m sat here with ten full to the brim index cards with ideas diverging left right and centre and now planning on taking part in November’s challenge. Thank you.

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh my gosh that's so exciting!!!!

[@tblackthorne]

Serial serial serial please!!! I want to post on REAM and get going there soon. Would LOVE this and any ideas you have for serialized plotting/posting.... I wasn't around for the witch's key live rounds. will this be significantly different? Also, different povs in this serial? do you plot for all of them in this?

[@msmwriter]

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!

[@MiaJones-Gray]

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.

[@cozycat93]

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!

[@deannaburns9665]

I'm working on a series and trying to figure everything out. I'd love to see how you plot out your series!

[@RemonaGreen]

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.😀

[@mariekerooijmans]

I’m outlining my 4th novel. Thanks for sharing your process and the pep talk. I needed that! ❤

[@laurahalonen6781]

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.

[@HeartBreathings]

This comment brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for your lovely words. I believe in you!

[@candicejenee-soulcadence5040]

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.

[@Runsonespresso]

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!

[@SennaCrow]

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.

[@kenzie6776]

This was so incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for sharing this information! The stress of being perfect has been such a struggle but this has allowed me to breathe.

[@ewes824]

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

[@jackienicholson2990]

I get stuck on the voice of the fictional book. Do I want the book to be a serious, life-or-death battle for the main character? Do I want the book to take on a lighter feel-good, just another day in a little town, this is my life? Do I want to be dramatic, the typical I was falsely accused of a hideous crime. The MC and Antagonist can fit into either world. This is were your videos help me most.

[@skylare8268]

This video is fantastic and helped me so much! While watching this video I was able to start forming the structure of the book that’s been stuck in my head for months now. I now feel like I now have a sense of direction. I’m feeling so inspired now ☺️ thank you!!

[@HeartBreathings]

So excited to hear this!!

[@SennaCrow]

Also, I use a Four Act Structure. I like describing plot as a pressure meter.

[@Menopause.Reinvented]

Thank you Sarra, such great explanation! Roll on Nano 📚✍ 💥

[@knottyneedle]

Yes, I would love a 'series' writing video or two. I would also like more info on how you set up your plotting notebook.

[@TheEbonyMystique]

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.

[@desertbebe7331]

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. ❤

[@BruceWayne15325]

Thank you so much for sharing. It's always fun to see how other authors plan and write. My writing has improved drastically by watching KZbinrs such as yourself explain their process. I always take bits and pieces that stand out to me and try working it into my own process to see if it helps. You're awesome!

[@roseandrope]

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!

[@ErinReviews]

Thank you for this!! I’ve decided to start my very first attempt at writing a book

[@nikkihyson1431]

Would love a video on how you're plotting this as a serial!

[@endlessly4everafter]

This was so helpful! It really helped me realize how much I already know about my story, and to structure it better! Thank you for the great video!

[@luisaah5707]

I like the note cards and the brainstorming ideas. Everything else is very overwhelming as you mentioned I can't have it too rigid. When I get stuck the notecard/brainstorming will be super useful. Thanks ❤😊

[@JeremyCouture]

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.

[@curiouslykaylee]

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).

[@juliemt1117]

Thank you for this! I am writing my first script for my comic book - But all the other forms I used were waaaay to hard for me as a beginner 😅 I felt super overwhelmed, even thought I was getting verry familar with the thre act structure.

[@juptievhix3201]

This is the first video of yours I’ve ever watched, not only was it very helpful Im absolutely loving the community I’m seeing in ur comment section. You’ve created a very tight knit base which isn’t something I see often on this side of KZbin 💝

[@medusa3592]

I was just about to tackle your first act beats. This video will surely help. Thanks! 😊👍

[@ouryarnwhirled]

I'm very interested in learning how to plot a series. Love the way you explain things. Thanks Sarra!

[@JessicaNWheeler]

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!

[@HeartBreathings]

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.

[@JessicaNWheeler]

@@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 😀

[@princessteach]

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

[@thekatsmeow1144]

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!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@HeartBreathings]

This makes my day thank you!

[@michellem7225]

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!

[@joannereadsandwrite]

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.

[@wolfiegames1829]

I enjoyed this video and look forward to more on this topic. Outlining is what I'm interested in. Thank you it was great.

[@sorginak257]

A lot to process but this video is just wonderfully inspiring. Thanks so much !! xx

[@dramariliamendez]

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!

[@HeartBreathings]

So happy it's helpful!!

[@nicholewatson8452]

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.

[@kimlauder6899]

Wow, thank you so much. This was an awesome informative and thought provoking video ❤

[@thexfilez2450]

Thanks for the video, this was really helpful. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. The fact this video is 45 mins long and it didn't seem like it was scripted gives me an idea of the knowledge you have on the subject off the top of your head. Thanks again.

[@noop5_plans]

This was so unbelievably helpful! I have watched you do Nano for a couple of years and I always think it would be a fun competition. This year I am deciding to try it out for my first time! I’m not naturally a writer, so this was very helpful to keep working on what plot I have so far. Thank you so much!

[@HeartBreathings]

So exciting!!! Keep me updated on how it's going!

[@HeatherDeweyPettet]

All of this is great! I love all of your advice for us!

[@SIMulatedSara]

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!

[@HeartBreathings]

So true!

[@YvonneA60]

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❤

[@HeartBreathings]

This is awesome to hear!!;

[@johnparnham5945]

I have never outlined before but I am planning to change my writing method in the near future. So, I will begin after the book I am writing now. I prefer to work on the laptop instead of handwritten notes

[@aprildoucette9552]

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!