How to Outline Your Fantasy Novel (The Hourglass Method)

[@Jed_Herne]

*There's a slight typo at 16:57 (the word 'that' is repeated twice). If you would like me to help you build your own fantasy novel outline, join my 7-week Fantasy Outlining Bootcamp: bit.ly/jeds-outlining-program

[@WitherITB]

You worry about a single typo(word)?

[@wasikancb]

I went into the comments to see why there's a word censored lol, so thanks for telling.

[@mewmewmewmewmewmewmewbirb]

This is soo helpful because I am doing nanowrimo but not writing the story only the outline. I was a bit stuck on how to outlined this as the is verrrry fantasy, I mean like the main characters are literally mythical creatures sooooo… THANKS!😅

[@aweetodd]

What stage in our writing should we apply? Maybe I'm just making excuses cause I'm nervous about it, but I feel like I need to have a certain threshold of my story done so I don't waste the opportunity.

[@SteelRainz1]

​@aweetodd I honestly feel the same way. If I had to guess though based on this video, I think if you have the "dump all your ideas down" part as well as a general idea of your main characters and world then you could be ready. I personally don't feel ready because I've done way more world building and don't even know the point of the story just yet so I'll jump on the next train. I know how I want to write things, just haven't decided on the what. Good luck!

[@emojicoolman56]

The way I look at it is that your outline is the skeleton and the story is the body. A skeleton provides the shape for a body so that it doesn't fall apart but without a pumping heart and organs, a skeleton is kinda useless.

[@leonmitas]

Unless you are a Necromancer of course

[@crix_h3eadshotgg992]

@@leonmitasdead trees animated by the pumping heart of story

[@ArifRWinandar]

Outline is the pencil sketch before the ink and paint

[@nickv1212]

I'll stick to octopi. They have no skeletons and 3 hearts.

[@The_Trident_Master]

I LITERALLY just realized that I needed a better outline because I kept writing myself into corners and then this came out. Perfect timing!

[@goopysubject]

Although this is a 40 minute ad, it is the best ad I've ever seen. It's so helpful, so insightful and definitely effective. The only reason why I won't subcribe to your program is because I don't write in english. But oh do I wish it was in Brazilian portuguese lol Now seriously, I love how you tackle writing, so respectfully towards everyone's different styles and needs. I find it very easy to get upset when watching videos on writing, because they often make me feel like I have no clue what I'm doing and I should probably just give up. Your videos, always reassure me at the same time that they inform me on so many new perspectives on writing. Thank you so much for your work!

[@38.thachthaolehuynh20]

I think you convinced me to start to outline my story in the 1st 2 minutes. After this, I'll learn more about outlining

[@caiandrew4924]

Just finished a draft 0, complete with a paragraph or so for every chapter. Will use this video to sharpen it.

[@unicorntomboy9736]

I am far more of a pantser, so I don't do much outlining at all, and is very bare bones. To me, the first draft somewhat acts as the outline for me. I do like the idea of a guiding principles document though, I might make one myself.

[@caiandrew4924]

@@unicorntomboy9736 Try it on one of your smaller upcoming projects! See if the process mends well to your existing schedule.

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@caiandrew4924 I only have one project, which is my gothic fantasy novel. I feel like Jed's guide isn't very pantser friendly, and only caters to writers who are more so plotters/planners

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@caiandrew4924 I am 90% done with my first draft, so I am very far into it right now. I am going to try to try far more outlining for when I start work on the second draft i.e major rewrite draft, where every single element of my book will be greatly refined and polished more

[@PhoenixCrown]

Ideas are cheap 12:00. I'm an entrepreneur (and fantasy writer), and I learned this lesson in business. I find it fascinating when I come across someone who is afraid to share some product or business idea because someone might steal it! First, if it's that easy to steal, there isn't much value in it--someone else will think of it sooner or later. Second, ideas are a dime a dozen--it's those who EXECUTE on their ideas, who envision a better product or a great story and then build towards it day in and day out for months or years, those are the people who create a better world for us all =)

[@Makememesandmore]

Words well spoken. Now I'm not worried that I've told almost every comment I've written this past week about my magic system lol

[@PhoenixCrown]

Really helpful, Jed! I love how you describe story as a holistic entity where everything works together. Especially a fan of your triangle of story. My working theme is "Fight not the other side but those above who divide." My world is one where a few nations have all the magic and life, and a few people within control all of it. My characters are at varying levels of society, and we see how the Divide affects and is perceived by each. My plot involves the characters realizing that world is contrived, and the haves benefit from the suffering of the have nots, a worldview change.

[@auburncryptd6318]

I like that! Pls tell me when u publish it

[@Makememesandmore]

My story is called "Light and Shadows" and my premise is "how far would you be willing to go to get what you want?" My favourite part of my magic system is the Shadow. Everyone's got a Shadow. Shadows are basically the worst version of yourself and they WILL do anything to get you to do what they want

[@PhoenixCrown]

@@Makememesandmore Sounds awesome!

[@T-Sharp]

This structure helped me a lot just listening to it and laying my story out. I struggled trying to write because i would obsess over details with nothing but an idea of where I was going. I have ADHD, so I'm not typically great with structure, but this really helps break down the whole thing into chunks that help me not only keep focus but understand what in my book needs work. Just watching this video helped me lay out my progression far easier and develop my characters beyond something that was really bland. I have great appreciation for this video and the many others you have on here, Jed.

[@Alura1111]

I love how you provide a power point and examples in your videos. Informative, as always.

[@XVendevion]

Yoooooo nice video, as well as congrats on hitting 100K subs, its been a pleasure to be on this fantasy story writing journey with you :D

[@noahrice3362]

Man... I will definitely be rewatching this at least 3 more times this week. Maybe I'll be able to get somewhere with this? But I guess I got essays to write first. ughh... It's always cool and inspiring to listen to this though. I really feel like I'm getting somewhere, and I'm seriously thinking about just grabbing a notebook and getting straight into it. I definitely will once I get the chance. Thanks again, Jed. I needed something like this to start my day.

[@captainuseless2120]

A fellow college student? I feel you there. Trying so hard to make progress with my novel, but life wants to make things difficult

[@Makememesandmore]

@@captainuseless2120 I've just started GCSE's and I'm procrastinating on my homework to get this done lmao

[@captainuseless2120]

@@Makememesandmore Same bro. But it is quite satisfying to actually make progress. Even if you've got to do catch up work.

[@Makememesandmore]

@@captainuseless2120 Yeah, last night I was watching one of his videos and then remembered about my homework and went and did my maths homework lol

[@j.g.1418]

Next video please: 1st Person vs 3rd Person Close vs 3rd Person Omniscient | Combination of both 1st Person and 3rd Person Close Good? how do you make it work?

[@FarooqKhanx-mk5jv]

Woe 🎉 congratulations on 100k subs

[@Auscher]

Jed, this is so effective for someone like me. Thanks man! I’m still struggling to get a move on, with my story rn. But I think that I’ll make a proper outline now. It’s a little sad, as I’m already on the works of it. But I’ll get through it ig. And congrats about the 100k, you deserved it man!

[@Chudi2000]

Same, I’m 10,000 words in, but at least we can revise with the insights from this video. You’ve got this 💪

[@Auscher]

@@Chudi2000 I’m currently starting over with to my book. I was about 20.000 words in, but it didn’t make much sense. So I’m overdoing it

[@Chudi2000]

@@Auscher That’s a shame, but the work you’ve already put in will still be useful for telling your story, even if the story ends up completely different. Your experience will help you avoid more mistakes as you move forward.

[@Auscher]

@@Chudi2000 Thanks man, and you too. Happy writing

[@captainuseless2120]

@@AuscherI feel that. Sometimes I’ve written a ton of content that just ended up in the trash bin. It’s demoralizing at first, but helps you to really learn and do better. So just keep on trucking!

[@TheJadedFilmMaker]

so many ads 😢

[@Nassaldromus]

Yes!!! Like those free webinars whose sole purpose is to show how much you need the paid program.

[@kitty.miracle]

Use KZbin revanced

[@Chudi2000]

I can’t enroll in your class because I’m writing a capepunk story, so I’m grateful that you put so much useful info on this platform. Congrats on 100k subs, I hope you get many more. Your books and videos have revolutionized my storytelling approach.

[@MeganGuoin]

As someone who's gotten pretty good at writing a handful of scenes with no idea where to go next, but still wanting to write a complete story, I can't wait to try your outline template! So many people advise making an outline, but no one ever really says how. Thank you for making this video going through the steps, it means a lot to us beginners. (Edit) I have now completed a general outline and I'm very motivated to write. Thanks again!

[@FlyingJay-qh2xw]

This video is amazing! Parts I didn't know needed refined got refined. Story elements I struggled with finally made sense, and I finally feel super motivated to write. I especially love the 9-point outline of the plot.

[@michaelbenf]

This is soo helpful. And so timely, haha I was literally sitting down today to do some outlining for my fantasy series! Thank you Jed!!

[@POTATO-pl8kt]

I just have to say that I truly appreciate your advice and videos. I am working on learning game development to tell the stories set within a fantasy world I have been building on/off for years. I cant express enough how much I appreciate you using such detail in explaining these methods of plot/theme/character development.

[@GenLiu]

What a timing Jed. After I took your course about the first Chapter and analyzed the feedback you gave me, I realized that a lot of issues regarding my first Chapter is tied to my outline. So, I'm back to the drawing board, as they say, and am working on improving my story at its core. The main issue is that a/ I have too many "key" characters and b/ each of my POV aren't weaved well enough to the main plot (which made the main plot too difficult to grasp and caused my story to be all over the place). So, now, I'm working on focusing on one plot point at a time, and keep every POV character revolving around it (in fact, a lot of those characters will now be part of the same storyline). That will obviously involve to cut quite a few things, including characters and ideas and scenes but I can always keep them for future books or whatever. Their disappearance won't be for nothing. It's for the greater good lol In any case, thanks again for your feedback, that opened my eyes to a ton of things and my brain is literally boiling with new ways to approach my story now. One thing I didn't realize, at first, is that, by being in too many places at once, I was kinda strangling my story and characters (in other words, I had to opt for very simple and surface level development because I didn't have enough words to invest in...well anything). Now I've done some cleaning, I freed a lot more space and oh my god, I can now develop my characters properly and put some depth into my story because it's a lot more focused and contained. And believe it or not, but you managed to make me realize that by reacting to my first chapter only (which is crazy to me). and now that video, just to give me some additional tools to succeed. Yes! (imagine a fist pump here)

[@Jed_Herne]

Glad to help, and glad to know you enjoyed the first chapter course!

[@audiobookemperor]

Thank you for making this in depth video! I'm a working dad who can't really afford the boot camp but this is a great tool for me to use.

[@mrinalhi]

Congrats on 100k 🎉

[@AmongusAmongus-tj1wr]

you're the goat jed stay on the grind

[@werewolffstudios]

Congratulations on 100,000 subscribers mate! 🎉 Some of the best and most helpful writing advice on the platform 😃 Thank you for all the help you’ve given all of us!

[@Me_And_My_Monkee]

Поздравляю с 100 тысячами подписчиков. Крутое видео!

[@JushawnLucas-j7v]

Wow the quality is upped in this video great work jed

[@Makememesandmore]

This came out perfect timing! About a year ago, I created an outline for a story, but I didn't feel the motivation to write it and it didn't fit as well as I would've liked. Only a couple weeks ago, I decided I wanted to take one of my new ideas seriously and it's fun to see how it's developing as I add more ideas, more concepts and remove ones that don't work. And then this banger of a video comes out!

[@rursus8354]

This is what I needed. I have explored the suburb too much. I thought I had a story core, but I haven't: I have a messy philosophical vision that I don't understand.

[@rant1p0le]

You always upload the perfect solution to my writing struggles at the right time thank you 😭

[@Eldalynn]

A few things I’d like to add onto feedback, I think it’s fantastic to get outside perspective on a working project, but it’s not the only way to improve. Reading about writing can be a valuable tool, it can strengthen the inner editor within. Reading your own work out loud can help catch mistakes, improve clarity, and rhythm. Reflecting on what you liked in book and what you didn’t. Analyzing others authors and how they implemented certain techniques. I think learning these can strengthen a writer and build a solid foundation, along with outside feedback.

[@akashajoti6456]

I’m so thankful to have found you!!

[@abdallahaly1131]

I really thank you for this video. I was thinking about writing my webnovel and thought I had the rough idea ready. needless to say, I was severely wrong. The amount of ideas I got while listening to this video are phenomenal. I just got my notebook and will start outlining my story; trust me to sign up for your bootcamp once I get the chance too!

[@justguy-4630]

Hey, I'm a new subscriber. I gotta say. I love your content so far.

[@captainuseless2120]

Man. This video has been crazy helpful. I’ve been hovering on the edge of an outline for so dang long, with a proper theme “how far can a leader go to protect his own before he becomes a villain?”, most of the major plot points, and character arcs more or less figured out. This video has finally given me the structure to get it down on paper in a coherent way. Hope to start the first draft within a few weeks!

[@aire-plane]

Just started a new story idea and I was having trouble with outlining. Perfect timing! Thanks a lot.

[@ZANwritng]

AYY congrats on 100k subs my man

[@wasikancb]

19:25 I think the video got a little corrupted there.

[@rhos-gfx]

Wow, I'm not even halfway through this video and it's already jam packed with useful info. I had to stop to write stuff down lol. Thank you!

[@Bama_Bill]

Hi Jed, this video is amazing and makes so much sense. I wish I coud afford your course but living in a nursing home drains my funds but you can bet I will be watching out for more videos!!! Thanks again.

[@thr4wn]

Insightful! This is not just useful information; this is insightful. Many people on youtube give steps to follow (which is not bad in itself), but you provide insight into why. I feel my paradigm shifting after this. 😄

[@Has9Abid1]

Tbh, this is the most life-changing advise i've ever heard of. Jed should've posted this earlier.

[@3dchick]

This is sooooo helpful! Yes I wish I could do the full workshop but I'm going to lose my job soon and can't justify it. Thank you for putting this out for those like me. ❤

[@jj-sc1kq]

With the story I was working on, I've done most of the plot outlining and I've thought about character needs and all (due to the nutshell method) But something about this towards the end feels different and useful. I'll have to watch this again. Sometimes I feel like my biggest issue when outlining is the scaling. Maybe what I'm thinking though is more complicated than I should be trying at this time.

[@dukeofdenver]

Fantastic video❤ I'll be returning to this many times

[@runaway7380]

I've been in phase one for ten years! Thank you for this, Jed!

[@Hhgbyygbhhuh]

I just found your channel ive watched several videos but wow this one really really helped me thank you !

[@quixcover]

My best experience is writing an outline is by starting with theme. Most fantasy elements are analogies for real world conflict. By startjng with a theme and building the conflict, characters, and setting around the exploration of your theme, it keeps the story tight.

[@Makememesandmore]

Bro, this is gonna be so helpful, I have so many ideas but dunno where to put any of them Also, I'm 14, so I might start my journey at the same time you did :) Thanks for everything bro

[@DauraTHEEXPLORA]

Good luck with everything 🙏

[@captainuseless2120]

As a guy who also started at around that time, I wish I had stuff like this to help me do the work. It’s helped me make a ton of progress, but with college, my time’s a lot more limited. Take advantage of this stuff and just do it! You’ll never regret trying, so long as you write from a place of passion.

[@jagdishsavita966]

Me too

[@Makememesandmore]

@@captainuseless2120 Thanks! I actually was trying to make a story last year, but it didn't really fill me with passion as much as this story did! It's called "Light and Shadows" if you're wondering

[@Makememesandmore]

@@DauraTHEEXPLORA Thank you!

[@JustClaude13]

I start with an image. My current NaNoWriMo project started with a dream. As I walked through a desert, a monster confronted me. I grabbed the throat and the monster collapsed into a pile of small desert animals. When I woke up I asked myself, "Who would create a spell like that, and why?" The rest of the story developed from that.

[@XavierSchwindt]

Yet another great and helpful video! What tool are you using for the bullet points and showing the charts and talking head? Blessings!

[@Pannenkoekenplantje]

Congrats on 100k :) I recently finished my first rough draft, and that took me a year with outline included (1-1,5 hours a day, because work and life). But I must say, it is still useful to think on my premise and the tropes and themes i wanted to go for, and whether they show up enough, going into round 2. Premise currently: Pella, an outlawed mage, struggles to find a safe place for her and her partner, so they escape the country to obtain the knowledge they need, to infiltrate the oppressive government and change the rules. I want it to include tropes of science fiction, romance, secret agent/spy missions, and magic schools.

[@harjeet-music]

Thanks for that video! I found the concept of the story triangle especially useful; I had all those ideas about my characters, but I didn't have enough "meat" in my plot and setting to make my outline work. Another light bulb on ;)

[@dansounddesigner5140]

Thanks for the chuckle about the Wright brothers "inventing" the airplane hahaha They created a device that could be catapulted and then air-glide for a little while. The inventor of airplanes was Santos Dummont, being the first plane ever, 14-bis. Other than that, this is a nice video, besides being a 40 minutes ad.

[@jamesalexanderjimenez-medi7667]

Congrats on 100k Jed well deserved

[@keithg460]

Lisa Cron calls the Lie the Misbelief, which I think is a better name, personally. A good story should have a ghost, but it doesn't need one. In Shrek, he doesn't have a specific traumatic event but rather a life long series of events that have shaped him. The world rejects him, so instead of letting that depress him, he lies to himself that he actually wants to be alone. This drived his Want: isolation. The inciting incident shatters this by having a couple hundred fairy tale creatures dumped on his land. This drives the story goal to get his swamp back. And it is through that journey that he learns the value of friendship and love, his Need. He almost rejects it, but then makes the choice to sacrifice his Want for his Need, which is when he goes after Fiona. Woody in Toy Story likewise does not have a specific Ghost event. His misbelief is that he needs to be the favorite toy, the topdog. This is upset by the iniciting incudent of Buzz's arrival. This drives the Want, to get back on top. He makes a mistake by knocking Buzz out the window. This leads to an ammended story goal of getting back home with Buzz, but it is still in service to his Want of being forgiven by the other toys so he can become topdog again. Through the journey, he and Buzz become friends and he learns to share. He eventually sacrifices his own happiness for Buzz, demonstrating that he hs given up his Want for the Need of sharing. Buzz saves him, and they become equals. An often forgotten part of the story is how the inciting incident shatters their Ordinary World by confronting them with massive conflict against their Want and Misbelief. The inciting incident isn't just what causes the plot, it causes change by forcing them to confront their misbelief. It begins both the external and internal conflicts.

[@jainashjairam3467]

Congrats on the subs. I have followed your videos for some time now. They have improved the way I look at stories. The only downside for me is that I write web novels. They use the same basis, but some basic principles don't apply. Like your MC can't have too many failures, and they should appear almost godlike. But still thanks for the free knowledge.

[@BryanCourtney-x1k]

Thank you for the help of the outline I've always thought outlining was stupid and wasted time but this video helped me began writing a outline which is helping me get my idea's out on paper and are coherent finally, I've been trying to write a book for a long time but always stopped because it wasn't what I wanted it to be so now I finally have an outline, btw i'm in highschool and I've finally started writing my outline and going to start writing my first draft next week and hopefully I will be trying to get this publish later next year(2025) or the start of school next year, but this video was a big help in creating a coherent outline so thank you so much...ps sorry for ranting bad habit...

[@Makememesandmore]

My story is called "Light and Shadows" and my premise is "how far would you be willing to go to get what you want?" My favourite part of my magic system is the Shadow. Everyone's got a Shadow. Shadows are basically the worst version of yourself and they WILL do anything to get you to do what they want

[@robsright4256]

1:09 "Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without loosing enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

[@DaltonKevinM]

I am usually pretty aware of my "core." Is this why I have such trouble with length? Furthermore, in my opinion, the theme is "the premise about the world that must be true for the main character's ultimate success or ultimate failure to occur"-one outcome being guaranteed by the truth of the theme-while the character's fear of the premise that leads to failure drives their actions and decisions throughout the story.

[@sasquatchkidPS3Xx]

Hello, six minutes in here. I just wanted to point out an interesting observation/reflection I’ve made. I recently read ‘Blood Meridian,’ by Cormac McCarthy. Before each chapter, McCarthy *outlines* events to come in a brief series of single words or sentences. It is GRIPPING, I tell you. I liked his style so much that I copied that little process as best I could in this draft I’m currently working on. And it has made writing what follows incredibly enjoyable and interesting. Something about outlining those general narrative ideas for my sessions (I am not going to “chapter” anything for a while) has almost given me a ‘mad lib’ esque rubric to follow while writing. I’m curious to see where your video is going, and I’m already pulled in. I foresee an enlightening, validating experience!

[@jj-sc1kq]

If I had the cash right now I'd consider the boot camp. It's an interesting video. Thanks

[@guillaumejoly6469]

Thank you Jed!

[@gb828]

honestly it took me writing the premise of his one story of mine to realize that it is very similar to another story I was writing. the difference being the setting and relevance to other stories of mine.

[@Joshuazx]

28:27: 5 core character arc components: ghost (past trauma causing a weakness or flaw), lie (the lie they believe about themselves or the world), want (something they think they want), need (what they actually need), truth (to help them overcome the lie). This is a good checklist for inner conflict. Positive, Negative, and Flat character arcs: good checklists! Where's the hot tip on good EXTERNAL conflict?

[@snowieboi4131]

Hey. Good job on reaching 100k!

[@DistinctlyMeFilms]

Thanks for the video! I'd apply but sadly the course is far to expensive for me. Hopefully continuing to watch your videos is enough support.

[@darvish2012]

This isn't only for fantasy novels, this is for every novel.

[@vinsplayer2634]

Another great type of character arc stories can have is that at first the character sort of believes the Truth but doesn't have their Need and doesn't really understand why they believe the Truth, then some external force makes them doubt the Truth and they almost start believing the Lie and trying to get the Want, maybe because of the villain, but then something happens that makes them understand why the Lie is wrong and the Truth is right and what their Need is and then starts fully believing the Truth and gets their Need. So it's pretty much the negative and positive character arcs combined.

[@LunaKilo]

Great video

[@wulfslash4298]

Could you go into more detail about why your original project kept killing itself? I think I might be suffering from a similar problem but don’t know for sure😅😅😅

[@Lystu]

Great video as always! Can an outline have multiple themes?

[@cintiaferreira4950]

Thank you Jed for all your dedication to these videos. Greetings from Portugal If one day you want to give a creative writing workshop, I'm sure you would be successful👏 I don't care if it's in English, it has quality.

[@quintessembo]

Hey Jed! I see that you consistently use the same examples to suit different plotting advice. While this is helpful, we would really benefit from other examples like Harry Potter in depth, Percy Jackson, Starwars, AVATAR (blue people or airbender honestly), etc... I'm plotting and am SOOO close to plotting the first book of my series, but now that it turned into a series, I'm trying to follow a triple act structure where book one is Act 1 and now I've got so much more plotting questions LOL. Great advice, by the way! I love your videos.

[@aarniimmonen9374]

I'm 25 minutes into the video, finding it useful, but I'm seriously about to quit watching due to the constant advertising of the bootcamp. It's too much. I was convinced that it was probably a good bootcamp - not for me, but helpful for many - but the more times it's advertised, the more desperate it starts to feel. Now I'm at the point where I'm both very tired of this video, and also not sure about to quality of the bootcamp. Just maybe something to consider in later videos, thanks.

[@Goku-sm4pc]

This is what made me unsubscribe - it’s constant and over pushed in EVERY video.

[@sentientbloodpuddle1458]

It's a shame. This is a very good video but yes the advertising is far too much

[@TSFitzpatrick]

It is a lot. Very annoying.

[@kitty.miracle]

Use KZbin revanced to skip over the highlighted parts (the ads).

[@tabletbrothers3477]

Is the video choppy at 19:24 or is that just a clientside error?

[@EGH9701]

I cant make a solid outline, if i do i feel like ive already written it, i tried to outline and never made it past the first chapter. This time i have a very loose outline and im writing chapter 7.

[@ShahradEshari]

great video. super useful. do you have a discord server?

[@anthonywritesfantasy]

As someone who's been both a writer and a teacher now (and had success in both), which one do you like better? Do they feed different parts of your soul?

[@nickreed3924]

What would you say are the main points for a side character versus a core character?

[@Makememesandmore]

My magic system (Light and Shadows) implies that everyone has a Shadow and they are basically the worst version of yourself, and they can do all sorts of stuff to try and get you to do stuff you don't wanna do. It's very important when it comes to my main character and I don't know if she should have a positive or a negative arc because of it, as my story allows both

[@caleighm5548]

Should the 1 sentence premise contain the ending/spoilers? Or should this be more vague/spoiler free? For example, In the HP example you don't specify the sorcerer's stone or Voldemort's name. Am I over thinking this?

[@LosAnggraito]

Are there any other writers out there with ADHD that try to follow these story structures but find them absolutely daunting? If I deviate from how I naturally outline, my whole story (and sometimes motivation) falls apart.

[@anthonywritesfantasy]

Such a great question! If you have trouble, the Jim Butcher "Scene/Sequel" paradigm might be a good thing to try out. It's simple, but broad. But also... Tools not rules. Every weakness is actually a clue to what your superpower is. Maybe structure is your kryptonite, but Character is your Xray vision. Jordan Peele says "Follow the Fun," and Anne Rice says "Go where it hurts, and go where the pleasure is." Only you can write what's in your heart.

[@McwinM]

Hey, I'm new to this outlining thing and to writing in general, is it good for a novice beginner myself to apply this method

[@captainuseless2120]

Works well for me. You've got to start somewhere.

[@rufusthepotato1735]

In my story, my 1st main character believes in the good and learns of my world along with my 2nd main character, but after an extreme devastation and loss, the 1st main character sides with the villain, and fights against the 2nd main character. I feel like it's a pretty unique way to go about a main character dying or changing, like there's no lie they believe until they're stricken with grief, but there's also a good they believe up until a sudden change. I had a question for you as well: I'm having a hard time writing the "thrust into a world of magic" trope without making it too cheesy. I have a character in our world who 'travels' to this fantasy world, and I'm trying to give the notion that the main character is learning the magic system, without making it seem like I'm just explaining it to the read it. What are some ways to explain magic without just saying it's *magic*?

[@patnor7354]

good stuff

[@Atrulion]

About the "Exploring the Suburb", honestly, if you know little of, for example, cyberpunk, but have a vague idea, I think it'd be extremely cool if you tried your best at writing a novel of cyberpunk, because then we'd get a very original cyberpunk story that sticks out with unique ideas and concepts, and while that's not always positive, it can be massively positive if done right.

[@hortencya302]

A story I have been writing on and off since my teen years is about a character that gets abducted from his homeworld and has his memories erased and rewritten. This result in two different characters that intertwine through the "lie" that is represented by a third character that is litterally an inner demon and force of evil with its own motivation to get free to corrupt the world around it which it cannot while still trapped inside the main character.

[@cyclone99x]

Hi Jed, I'm a novice writer I've completed a couple of fanfiction novels, now I'm working on an original work, but I didn't make an outline like this. Now I'm about 20k words in and feel stuck. My skills as a writer have improved over the years but I am still making plenty of the beginner mistakes you talk about in your videos. I also have no idea how to go about editing my drafts. I run them in prowriting aid to correct grammatical mistakes, but I don't know how to implement changes into the story. Back to my original work: my question is, now I'm stuck at 20k words with no outline, how do I proceed from here?

[@JSCreates707]

Your outlining has helped me see the potential in my stories and is reigniting my passion for them, but the problem is which story to focus on, as I, have as of writing this, over 30 different story ideas?

[@captainuseless2120]

Same here. Way too many ideas rattling around. What I'd recommend, based on my limited success so far, is to try and build the "defining principles" doc for your favorites, and see which one has the highest amount of development. I found that one of my ideas has been cooking for long enough to have a theme, clear (and interesting) premise, alongside solid levels of development for all 3 parts of the triangle. So I've committed to outlining that one, and hopefully making a first draft shortly after.

[@khydo]

Hey there’s a little bit on an instructional video in your advertisement

[@Drakuba]

the "idea" approach works in gamedevelopment as well :D Tho we are a bit harsher: Ideas are worthless everyone have ideas, untill you actually program those ideas into "tangible" results they are not worth squat

[@SalamanderPlaysGames]

Sorry to ask if you've answered this already. I only discovered your channel and looked over it quickly. But how many drafts do you do per book? And if you do a 2nd draft, is completely from scratch or is more like heavily editing the 1st draft?

[@khecidsdragons7777]

The Bow tie!

[@GuitacticalNuke]

Was the Wright (Write) Brothers pun on purpose?

[@joes_bankaccount]

I am literally struggling so bad with my outline rn 😭😭😭😭😭

[@ricebix]

I fully agree with what you said about ideas. Basically anything could be good if the writer knows what they're doing. If you could hypothetically make Brando Sando write any idea you came up with he would do a good job with it. You could say write about pee pee man trying to escape poo poo planet and he would make an engaging plot and characters with it

[@jewelrylove1]

Damn, I just realized that my draft's climax is almost about to start on 60th-ish page but it seems way too short so yes I am trying to go back and forth and fill in the gaps. It's way easier to go chunk by chunk rather than going to write a 50 page load and trying to figure out what the heck is happening