HOW TO OUTLINE A NOVEL EASILY *part 2* | outlining the FIRST HALF of a novel

[@Kidgangforever]

dude. I watched your first video on how to outline. And from following those simple steps you gave, i was able to naturally do what you have suggested in this video.. and I have a killer outline and have started to really fill in the story(within hours of watching your first video, while taking care of kids, no less, and I give you the credit for making it so simple! so powerful!) THANK YOU SO MUCH! Have I mentioned, I LOOOOOOVE YOU?

[@meganmaclaine]

hahaha you are too sweet! So glad they've been helpful!

[@WritingsOfASpicyMind]

I've been watching Authortubers for years. I just stumbled on your channel and man, you're making me understand things I've been struggling to knock into place for so long. Every time I outline, it feels as though it's the first time somehow - like I'm starting from scratch with no experience. Finding a process has been so hard but your videos are so helpful! Could you maybe do something on outlining multiple pov?

[@meganmaclaine]

I'm so glad to hear that, EJ! I've definitely had that feeling, too, where I'm starting on a new outline and feel like I have no idea what I'm doing again haha. But this approach helped me, and I hope it helps you too!! I can definitely add a video on multiple POVs to my list! I really appreciate the suggestion :)

[@Kidgangforever]

I was just wondering about multiple POVs myself and I hope to find that video as I explore your channel. Thanks again.

[@victorhp1537]

Nice suggestion, Megan! Thanks a lot! 🤩

[@meganmaclaine]

You're so welcome!

[@me_yessik]

This might seem like a kind of vague question, but you mentioned doing multiple versions of your outline… what potential changes do you look for when doing rewrites of your outline?

[@meganmaclaine]

Hi Jesse! Great question. Basically, I try to add more detail with every draft. So if I start with a point on my outline that reads something like, "main character faces an obstacle that moves them closer to the premise," in the second draft I'd ask: what kind of obstacle would move them closer to the premise? From there, maybe my point would become: "main character has conflict with her sister that brings up painful memories." Then in my next draft, I'd ask "what is the conflict about? What painful memories come up?" and go from there. Some points you'll already have a lot of detail for in each draft and some you won't. And of course, you'll want to think about each point in the context of the story as a whole, but that's essentially the process I use. Let me know if that helps!

[@starsandmoonsabove]

Off topic, but you look like Rachel McAdams + Kristen bell!

[@meganmaclaine]

Goodness, well thanks! 😅