My New Outlining Process 💘 Let's Write a Book! ✍️ Episode 2: Becoming a Plotter

[@hannahcoyner6145]

Not the evil authors laugh after you wrote the 6th act 😂😂

[@mikwrites]

Ohhhh yes hahaha my ending is not a happy one 😂

[@meganharris2766]

You are literally the only KZbinr that I can watch 100% of the video with my raging ADHD😂😂 the way you structure your videos helps so much!

[@mikwrites]

Oh wow what a compliment!!! Maybe it’s because my ADHD self has to edit it so I have to also be able to sit through the whole thing 😂😂 thank you for watching 🫶

[@CodyTheWriter]

I feel you on the anxiety before starting. I made the decision to redraft about half of my book in a different POV. I have done a bunch of work towards preparing for this next draft, but my mind keeps blocking me and saying, "but what if this next draft isn't better than the first?" I had to shift my mindset and remind myself that before I ever had plans to publish, writing was just fun for me! So, I am going into this next draft as something fun to do, and not worrying so much about if it's closer to being published!

[@mikwrites]

I love that mindset!!! I think especially now with the internet we see people creating for the outcome and that’s been hard to switch that mindset as well like I want to publish as my ultimate outcome but I forget how many drafts it takes to get that outcome!!! But we got this !!!!! And I’m so sorry you’re going through a POV change those are rough 😭

[@MagnetMagicGirl]

You have quickly become one of my favorite writing channels. I’m gobbling up your videos so fast, I need more!

[@mikwrites]

Wow 😭😭😭 thanks so much 🫶💗 - more content on the way!

[@kryskross9027]

Just from listening to your intro, I highly recommend Maggie Stiefvater’s writing seminar (I think it’s $30). She is one of my favorite writers! A piece of advice she gives that I want to share, is “writing is always a compromise. Words are wonderful, but will never be as free and huge as thought. Eliminate the idea of a perfect draft; it’s imperfect the moment it has to become words.” She also talks about how she used to struggle to finish books after the initial burst of creativity wore off. And how there’s no such thing as a “bad idea.” She even has PDFs so you don’t have to take constant notes (though I did anyway). Can’t recommend it enough. ❤

[@mikwrites]

Yes I’ve taken it!! And I’ve taken her live raven cycle classes as well!! It’s definitely about creating a practice > perfect but damn it’s hard to remember sometimes!! Thank you!!!! 💗🫶

[@kryskross9027]

@@mikwritesOh yay!!! I’m honestly so happy to hear that. I did her class back in 2020 and have been revisiting it this week for the first time since, and it’s seriously been a breath of fresh air. I haven’t written in years, so watching you go through this process has been incredibly helpful. I’m also almost-30 (turning 29 in a week lol) and just seeing someone who I can relate to so much is really nice. 😊

[@hannahcoyner6145]

Brand new here and still watching this video but wanted to drop in and say you *truly* do not look almost thirty! As a 29 year old myself I literally thought to myself “I need to find a person who is my age to inspire me” and then you dropped that line and I was 😳

[@mikwrites]

Hahah thank you! I definitely feel 29 but I’m very excited for this next decade

[@oneeyewitch]

I'm nearly 40 so old lol and I've only started following my dreams in the last 4 years because I have an issue with everything having to be perfect. I wrote my book and published it and I'm now starting the second book in the series

[@mikwrites]

That's AMAZING! Congratulations!!!!! It's never too late or too early to start your dreams - proud of you for breaking that perfectionism cycle and publishing a book! That's a huge accomplishment

[@Ithinktheref0reIam12]

Glimpsed the excel sheet when I was scanning the video and knew you were speaking my language. I create excel sheets for EVERYTHING. It's the only way my compartmentalizing brain can function and complete tasks! I've only just recently decided (early June) to actually finish a book rather than just dream about it, so, here we go!

[@mikwrites]

yay to finishing the book!!! and oh yes I am an excel fiend 😂 thanks for watching ❤

[@emielou]

If it's terrible then you can go in and alter and change what needs to be done but you won't know until you try. I'm a perfectionist too and I find starting the whole process is probably the most daunting.

[@blexisvs]

You perfectly expressed fears that I also hold tightly inside. As someone who is also almost thirty, I feel pressure to “get it done” & “just do it” and then am faced with the fear of perfection & something I do being terrible… ALAS!! We must persevere! Every step along that journey counts.

[@mikwrites]

Ugh you get it!! But yes we are just standing in our own way - we must persevere and we will!!!

[@makball6478]

i love that you incorporate a lot of visuals that inspire you or try to talk about the things you've visualized when thinking about your book!! it's so interesting to see the backstory (kinda) of the idea. you'd probably also slay at screenwriting 👀

[@mikwrites]

I hate being in front of the camera hahah and I am such a visual learner so I try my best to showcase that in my videos! And I wish I was good at screenwriting but my dialogue is trash and takes so many passes to correct 😭😂

[@avapakosta]

thank you for being so honest with us about how you feel! i have big dreams as well but also struggle with perfectionism and self-doubt. it’s tough but we got this!

[@mikwrites]

we do got this!! perfectionism and doubt is a nasty combo but i think most artists feel that way at some point 🫶

[@avapakosta]

@@mikwrites i agree! thank you for responding

[@Jenr-s5g]

Wow, I have been devouring your videos since I found your page and I had to come back and tell you how amazing your outline template in this video is. The story I’ve been working on has been in my head for so long and having this breakdown for how to classify the rising and falling action within the story is the first time I’ve been able to make sense of it in this manner. I think it’s going to be a huge help when I finally start writing my draft. I really appreciate your POV and love the real examples you use to illustrate the information you’re sharing. Thank you so much !

[@MysticAloeFN]

Thanks for sharing your outline. I’m going to try to adapt it for my mystery. I have ADHD and trying to find the right structure for my ideas has been difficult, but I feel like your spreadsheet might help. Great video!

[@mikwrites]

Amazing!! I hope it helps - let me know after you try it if you liked it

[@lapleesa]

Another great video! I can very much relate to being one's own worst enemy, perfectionism is the biggest creativity killer. I used to create constantly as a kid and now the doubts and inner critic stop me from even starting a project. Even now as I'm so far into planning my victorian whodunnit I think every day what if I'm doing all this work for "nothing", what if I devote years of my life to this and no one wants to read it? Glad to know I'm not alone in this. Also am feeling the struggle to translate structure to chapters and scenes, sometimes it flows and sometimes I get completely stuck. I'll definitely watch this video again to get a better grasp at it. What would you say made it click for you? Hope you have a fantastic time on your honeymoon and I'm so looking forward to your next video

[@mikwrites]

Thank you so much for watching!! Perfectionism is truly the biggest creativity killer but I am determined to get through that this year! Isn’t it crazy how as kids we make so much and then our adult critical selves comes in?? Your Victorian whodunnit already sounds amazing with those two words - and I’m sure it is much needed in the world!!!! All our writing is! I may do a video on translating beats to chapters because honestly it took so much forced time hahah this is only a 30 minute video but I was outlining for hours and it really just took me forcing myself to visualize the plot but I really think for me this outline helped it click more than others since it has more beats. & thank you!!!! This honeymoon has been fantastic!! ❤ can’t wait to get back to writing though

[@nostolgiac]

new favorite author & writing channel unlocked!!! sooo excited for house of stone. very proud of you, plotting is indeed A LOT but always worth it

[@mikwrites]

Yes always worth it!! Thank you so much! Welcome to the channel fam 🫶 and omg idk how you’re doing that!! Good luck to you!

[@ZarinaAhmadzada]

hey new here. im a reader, not a writer but i love watching authortube!!! loved this video! good luck!!!

[@mikwrites]

Thank you so much for watching!! 🫶💗😭

[@jessasnicole]

This video helped me outline my whole novel in less than two hours. This is the novel that has been having me crying trying to figure it out since I first started writing back in 2022. 5 star video!!

[@mikwrites]

Omg that’s fantastic!!!!! So happy this helped wow 😭😭😭😭

[@cardamomo7851]

I'm so engaged in this serie. I've always loved writing, been writing stories since I was little, lost all my motivation (except some short random moments in my adolescence) for it in high school (as I was studying in a scientific school). I'm now in my first year of Uni and while I'm not studying anything related to literature (biotech actually lol) I kinda rediscovered this passion of mine and I would like to seriously give it a try. These videos have been so helpful to start a more structured and serious approach to writing. I've already started the outline as I had already in mind some things I wanted to write and express during all the past years. So happy I found you :) Also don't mind the english please, it's not my first language

[@mikwrites]

I love your writing journey! It’s so easy to go through ebbs and flows in this practice but now sounds like a great time to have writing as your creative outlet 💗🫶 thanks for coming along for the ride!! Excited to hear about your progress!

[@mellifluouslyanonymous]

I cannot thank you enough for also sharing resources and the google outline! I relate to your process and you've been incredibly helpful, thank you so much

[@mikwrites]

You are so welcome! I’m so happy this video could help in some way!!!

[@olivialways]

hi mik 🤓 i’ve dreamed of writing a book for years but i recently decided to start genuinely putting effort in to my ideas and making that a reality rather than just waiting for it to happen “someday”, even though i have zero experience and am worried i’m not good enough! i stumbled across your channel and im grateful because i have no one to talk to about this irl so it’s nice to see others on the writing journey with similar doubts and fears! thank u for sharing ❤

[@mikwrites]

Aw I’m so glad you’re taking that first step!!!! That’s all it takes - making that someday into today! Proud of you 🫶 thanks for watching!

[@withloveyy]

i hope you understand how helpful and inspiring it is that you were so open about your fears in the beginning!! it's lit my spark and has pushed me towards the decision of also documenting my process of writing a book for the first time and being raw about it. i wanna hold myself accountable and push myself and see what happens :) thankyou for posting, it's really a gift. i'm excited to be watching along!! xo

[@mikwrites]

wow thank you so much for your very kind words - good luck with your writing goals and endeavors! 🫶

[@withloveyy]

@@mikwrites thankyou

[@mikwrites]

@@withloveyy yes unfortunately i couldn't blur both so I just chose to blur the majority of it and just keep the top 🤣

[@withloveyy]

@@mikwrites i’m glad you were aware of it i was worried 😭😭

[@mikwrites]

@@withloveyy yeah I just unfortunately had to take an L somewhere 😭😭 thank you though!!

[@KiraODonnell-v6x]

Your video has really helped me. Outlining was always hard but you explained it really well in a way i could understand! Thank you!

[@mikwrites]

So glad this was helpful!!! Happy writing 🤍

[@hotmess7064]

This videos are so inspiring, I even started to write for fun again!! Also idk if you noticed, but on fx we can see what's currently being written. Love your channel ❤❤

[@withcozyjoy]

I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoy all your videos!!! I've been binge watching them while writing myself and doing my chores. I think you should definitely continue to make more content. Please do a video on outlining a series and can't wait to see your progress on your own book!

[@mikwrites]

wow thank you so much!!!! I'd love to talk about outlining a series - definitely will work on that

[@faylenexists]

this was actually super helpful, didn't know it had a name or a book about it too! throughout following you in that process i didn't realize that the 6 act thing is how i went about most of my stories, but in my head having it devided with a brief description of every bit of every act totally changed the game I've been in creative slumber for a good while now, but today, i legit wrote over 10 k words without depending on motivation, and don't feel drained, and it's great fr thank youuuuuu

[@mikwrites]

I love that you called it creative slumber but I feel that! - love that you’re feeling more motivated lately 💗 thanks for watching!

[@Absadass]

I really like this formatting technique. It makes so much sense in a way that is easy to follow. I want to try it myself, but I always get so scared of starting an outline in fear that it will be less than great, but I'm gonna try it. love this💗

[@mikwrites]

I hope it works for you!! If you try it - let me know how it goes!

[@xulliaxuxu]

omg! Can I just say I love your content so much? I have been STRUGGLING with writing my novel for years and I never related more about anxiety and imperfection issues being a huge bump in pursuing the dream writing road. Thank you so much for your lovely lovely content!

[@mikwrites]

Wow thank you so much for watching and your lovely lovely words 🥹💗🫶 definitely will be sharing all the personal struggles that come with writing along this journey because the imposter syndrome is REAL sometimes 😅

[@madelinejameswrites]

Enjoying watching you go through this journey! I'm an avid plotter but I hadn't seen this 6 act structure you're trying here!

[@mikwrites]

Thank you for following along 🫶 - I also found the 6 act structure recently and it really helped everything click!

[@HoneyduckXD]

Tysm for this vid, I’ve been using your videos to help plot my book

[@mikwrites]

Of course!! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@lina5699]

I also get super terrified with writing all the stuff down and the drafting and being perfect. Thanks for sharing your fears❤ i thought like all writers were just so confident with their outlines and ideas

[@mikwrites]

I almost didn’t 😅 but we’re all friends here! And I figured most people out there writing or just getting back into writing feel this way

[@JadeWatches773]

I'm also writing a novel, im plotting using storyboards and then summaries. I use the storyboards to highlight key points for the chapter then when elaborating put *insert storyboard #(ex)* so i know what to refer back to

[@tampagirl7533]

This was extremely helpful and I never heard of the six structure. Boys worked off the three so I'm loving that, and super inspiring me to go really expand on my story thank you for sharing.

[@mikwrites]

Glad it was helpful! When I found the 6 act story structure it really just clicked for me - I always need more guide posts to get me to the end or I get stuck overwriting the middle

[@vCoralSandsv]

Hmm just learned a new structure. Thanks for sharing!!

[@mikwrites]

Happy to share this new structure!! Thanks for watching 🫶

[@siennayaps]

This video was once again wonderful! Currently trying to put my own story in your outline and I think this might be my new favorite outline! I have to study though, so I can't finish it right now 😅

[@mikwrites]

So glad you found it helpful! Let me know once you are able to try it out if it fits your writing style 🥰🫶 I was so intimidated at first when I found this outlining structure but I realized it worked so well for how I view story!

[@amyelizabeth4058]

Soooo glad I found your page! So helpful as I'm about to embark on my outlining process!

[@mikwrites]

So exciting!! Hope your outlining process goes well!!

[@anxiouspeaches]

I am so excited to see your project progressing! You're doing great and I can't wait to see more.

[@mikwrites]

Wow thank you so much 😭😭😭 🫶💗

[@sarahdubois4412]

Thanks for being sooooo real! 🤍

[@mikwrites]

Thank you for watching 🥹💗

[@fowlerhata9595]

I also struggle with chapter breakdowns. I normally can find all my beats I want/need. But organizing them into chapters kills me. Thank you for sharing, this was interesting! I’m thinking of trying this spreadsheet. See if it helps me avoid adding scenes in later to fill missed beats.

[@mikwrites]

Let me know if this works for your process!! Definitely will talk about how I broke it into chapters - it just took me a long time 😭

[@daniad8611]

I love your Outline process

[@mikwrites]

Thank you! I am falling in love with it as well after this new switch up - thanks for watching 🫶

[@ellai.3119]

The outline you created is amazing. Is it too much to ask if you could create a template of it??

[@mikwrites]

@@ellai.3119 there should be a template in the description!!

[@ellai.3119]

@@mikwrites Thank you so much!!

[@ellai.3119]

@@mikwrites The template has helped me refigure out my work in a more linear order and understand the effects that happen when my MC takes action! Through this video, I even learned the six-act structure which I never knew was a thing before this video! Thank you so much cause seeing your process has been helping me!!

[@OldRod99]

“Write the damn book”. I need someone to stand behind me and shout that at me every time I put off writing. :)

[@rufusWoo]

Insert this here. This happens thing happens. Change this. I have these scattered throughout my first draft. There are so many highlighted sections it’s psychedelic. I treat it like a sculpture or painting. Blocking in the big shapes then going over and over to refine.

[@StellaDuarte-s9u]

Watching you from Brazil ❤ 🇧🇷

[@calmyourmind5665]

I wish I could remember who made the video, but years ago, I remember someone saying that "90 percent of perfect is good enough." That just clicked with me when I heard it. Obviously, the person went into more detail, but I hope the quote helps!

[@mikwrites]

That does help thank you!! I have to remember that

[@moh9133]

5mins in & can I just say that even if it is the worst outline in the world it will still be helpful (I don’t think it will be awful tho 😂)

[@mikwrites]

Honestly thank you 😭😂 I was like what if this is horrible and I just made a whole video about it hahah but it isn’t! And it is helpful! And I’m actually excited!

[@svtcarat_may5762]

great video!

[@norarose9098]

thank you so much for this video! i have a question, what platform or website or whatever do you use to write your book? i am looking for one but i just cant find the right one.

[@mikwrites]

Thank you for watching!! 🫶 - right now I use a combination of: physical notes/writing, Google docs, Milanote and Scrivener

[@exammole4545]

Love the video! But next time you’re gonna blur out the table, make sure you blur out the bar next to the italic Fx symbol above it 😅😅 It shows the text of a highlighted cell

[@mikwrites]

Yeah unfortunately I wasn't able to blur out both!

[@SusanCartersBooks]

Whatever the outcome, you will learn from it.

[@mikwrites]

Yes exactly! Thank you 💗

[@Lea-hl8md]

Couldn't be me, for a while now every time I try an write, I get writers block bad. I can't even plot anything, see the characters/scenes, and I don't know how to start the book.

[@mikwrites]

I get that! Writers block is such a hard barrier to overcome - what helps me is if I’m stuck even plotting - I really like using Pinterest or music to help visualize the basic story and story elements and then I’ll start writing but not from the beginning just in the middle and write some fun scenes that comes to mind!

[@MysticAloeFN]

I get stuck a lot and have trouble moving beyond the basic premise. I’ve found breaking it down to be helpful - start with just a character or just one conflict or even just one scene. Then I’ll step away and ask myself some questions.. especially “why” questions. I find I get answers when I’m driving or walking. Then I just run to my notebook and jot the answers down. I’m looking at writing like a jigsaw puzzle… all the pieces are there, but we only find matching pieces a bit at a time, but eventually it will add up to a complete picture.

[@justanotherwriter-ms5rl]

do you think you could share the link to the excel sheet? i've been looking for one like it for a while now :)

[@mikwrites]

It should be linked in the description! My google docs outline: rb.gy/3tnp2n

[@justanotherwriter-ms5rl]

@@mikwrites Thanks you so much!

[@ldjwrites]

I just might have to steal that outline from you... I've never been much of an outliner myself. I use them loosely and often deviate from them, but I want to start using them so my projects aren't all over the place lol

[@mikwrites]

Yessss I feel that - I feel like that’s how I used to approach all my projects and for me at least, I’d always get lost in the middle - this process truly helped me! Hope it helps!

[@ldjwrites]

@@mikwrites The middle so hard for no reason! And yeah, this video has definitely helped :)

[@charlyc7888]

@@ldjwrites I feel you. Somehow I start to get lost by Fun and Games.

[@livechangechallenge]

Do you think that sometimes the structure created to help can actually hinder your progress 🤔. I find that it can sometimes stifle the creativity because I’m trying to fit my story into a box that my brain doesn’t understand lol 😂

[@mikwrites]

I totally get that!! I think everyone’s creative process is definitely different and I used to feel this way which is why I never truly outlined but over the last 10 years of studying structure and studying books I’ve realized how important it is to hit those beats and I’ve started to implement that into my process. What helps me is to remind myself that the outline is not permanent and it’s to help me create the flow of the story - it also does not have everything the book will have! When doing this I realized how much this outline DOESNT have and how my brain works it actually got me excited to start filling in the gaps!! With this outline the gaps just feel like shorter jumps than big ones when I don’t outline.

[@livechangechallenge]

@@mikwrites you definitely inspired me to have a go and I’ve already outlined at least 40% of the book. As I’m outlining the chapters, I’m creating new situations, characters and developing plot. I’m just asking myself, where will she go from here, what’s her next step. I have already put the midpoint in and started detailing what that looks like. It’s like a big jigsaw puzzle 🧩 😁. I know it’s likely to evolve and change but it’s such a good starting platform. Thanks for the inspiration and I look forward to following along with the next steps 😉

[@lina5699]

What if the outline is bad what will you do? Itll be alright. We can always start again. Its practice if you dont end up using the idea

[@mikwrites]

Absolutely!! Ultimately I want to finish this project to a decent draft even if it’s not *the* book!

[@readingmajor]

Not you saying every thought I've had and never voiced 🤦‍♀kindred writing spirits, you and I

[@mikwrites]

glad to know i'm not the only one! 😂💗

[@ellieblackwell9754]

Hi! I’m starting a writing journal company and I’d love to send you one!! Do you have a PO Box or address I could send it to?

[@mikwrites]

I do not have a PO Box or address to give but if you want to reach out via email you can! [e-mail]

[@greyf4636]

Hey!! The links in the description in "R E S O U R C E S" are wrong. Can you take a look, please?

[@mikwrites]

Hmm... they seem to be working for me. Could you let me know what you are seeing when you click on them?

[@EvelynSalley-q1u]

This encouraged me to sit my ass down and get writing my dogshit first draft

[@mikwrites]

heck yeah!!!! i hope it is going well 💗

[@TatumWritesBooks]

Girl do you need a beta reader? Ive been trying to find a writing community for the longest time bc i heard beta readers are the best weapon against perfectionism. I feel like we have similar writing passions/problems

[@mikwrites]

Ugh finding a consistent writing community can be so hard 😭 I feel that for sure! If you have a writing instagram you can follow me as: @mikiswriting and I’d love to chat about writing!