Outlining With Scrivener!

Today I give you a very long video about how I use Scrivener to help me outline and stay organized while writing. I use a 3 act - 9 block - 27 chapter method to structure my stories and in this video I finally explain it using actual examples from the story I will be writing for Camp NaNoWriMo. (Video about my outline structure here: • How I Outline! [3 Acts... )
ALSO! There will be a liveshow LATER TODAY, FRIDAY, MARCH 15th, at 5:00 PACIFIC. To see the liveshow, just go to my youtube page and it will be broadcasting right there!
Also you can follow my twitter. I will tweet a link when it starts! / kat_tastic
Oh and here's a timezone converter to make your life easier: www.worldtimebuddy.com/pst-to-...

[@KeithLockhartGr8WhiteNorth]

Katy - Consider saving the beginning file as a template Scrivener>File>Save as Template. That way you don't have to go through this drill every time you start a new story. You can put your presentation crib notes in the Synopsis.

[@minsoopauljo1529]

At age fifty, although English is my second language, I'm finally taking the action to write a small story about my life's journey, and recently came across this wonderful writing software that will help me to accomplish my task. Thank you for showing how versatile this software really is!

[@ender4344]

I edit you lick, even if it has been five years since you posted this! I hope you are doing well!

[@prefectjulian5890]

This year for NaNo, I made an outline switching "Fun and Games" to "Sadness and Moping" and I switched "Darkest Moment" to "Englightening"

[@ender4344]

Oo that's an interesting switch!

[@hannahalexandra7741]

My fun and games section is a lot more like sadness and moping too, ha.

[@abreckenfridge]

I absolutely see myself reading and endorsing a book like this! It basically has every element id want from a book: scifi/magic/distopian world, some romance, and conflicting morals! Kat this is amazing!

[@TrainerJames88]

I just want to say that your videos have kept me motivated. I downloaded the free trial of Scrivener and it's absolutely wonderful! I just outlined my entire novel (even though I've already started NaNoWriMo.). Now, I know where I'm going. I'm still behind in word count, but I won't give up. I just want to say thank you SO MUCH for being a wonderful person and for keeping all of us motivated. Keep up the wonderful work and may you work past that part of you that feels disinterest in continuing your story. Have a wonderful day! :-)

[@ender4344]

:D I wish you luck!

[@chalkbrd]

I watched this a week before NaNo started this year and set up a template for Scrivener based on it. I'm using it now and it's working very well. I've won NaNo for the past 4 years, but I've never been above the line every day and I've never felt this confident at the end of each scene about what the next scene will entail. I didn't actually outline things, but when I look at my story so far and then read the notes on what belongs in the next section, it's obvious where the story needs to go. Thanks!

[@chalkbrd]

2013 NaNo update: I finished with flying colors and more than 65K because of this outline. A character popped up about chapter 16 and became integral to the plot so Scrivener made it easy to add him in and the flexibility of this type of "outline" made it possible for me to use him at the end. I'm not an outliner, but this one worked well for me. It gave me just enough to see where I was going without feeling confining. Thanks again for the video! I recommend it to every writer I meet.

[@AsbjornGrandt]

I Created the 3-9-27 structure as a basic Scrivener Template here: dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10561661/Fiction/Scrivener/ScrivenerTemplate-Novel-3Acts-9Blocks-27Chapters.zip Unzip it, and in Scrivener under New Project, select the Options and import Template

[@sry8895]

+Asbjørn Grandt Thank you, this template is a great help! :)

[@AsbjornGrandt]

+sheila young I've also created a simpler 3 acts, 15 chapters template: (Based on another KZbin video) dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10561661/Fiction/Scrivener/ScrivenerTemplate-Novel-3Acts-15Chapters.zip

[@sry8895]

+Asbjørn Grandt Thanks i have just downloaded it. I have a bizarre fascination for Scrivener templates, lol :)

[@jinparkit8212]

+Asbjørn Grandt Thank you!!

[@ketankshukla]

Hey this is great! Thanks for creating it!

[@AmetAlvirde]

I have literally no instruction in the art of writing but a few weeks ago I've got this inexplicable desire to write something down. Obviously I've got in trouble because i had no idea about where to start and what to do in order to accomplish a decent novel. I discovered your channel yesterday and i spent all day watching your videos. Now i'm structuring my outline and i'm feeling comfortable and proud of what i'm doing. I want to really, really thank you from my heart. You are awesome.

[@kr4119]

I blocked out my current WIP using your process and I am astonished at how neatly the events line up. Thank you so much for this video, you've helped me figure out where the story needs to go next.

[@griffinw7532]

You need to get his published it sounds really good. I would definitely read it

[@TheBorinao]

Blood & Magic Drinking Game: Drink every time Gwen and/or Wesley break out of jail. Seriously though, nice tutorial! This is awesome, thank you! I'll plot more now in stead of writing immediately. :)

[@Appliciousness]

"Wesley is magically tortured and almost killed." So he's mostly dead, but not quite dead. Very different from actually dead. ;)

[@StarlasAiko]

When someone is mostly dead, they're still partly alive. When someone is all dead, nothing you can do, except rifle through his pockets for small change.

[@dastandardized]

I love your spirit and how you divined your own way to make it happen from the ground up.

[@TheDevilsReply]

How did I not see this video 4 years ago!?! Very useful video!!

[@gjori4704]

Thank you so much for this video Kat! I've watched it countless times now for inspiration and guidelines to my own stories. I don't know where I'd been today (writer wise) If it wasn't for your Writers series here on KZbin. Much appreciation from a little book lover in Norway.

[@Fiarene]

I've had Scrivener since last year's November NaNo, but only now by watching your video have I felt inspired to use it :D Thank you for this!

[@jocelynw785]

You've just become my writing role model. This video is beautiful.

[@nicolegalloway1445]

I just wanted to thank you for posting this video. I've been struggling to grasp outlining and story structure and your video made it all make sense for the first time in one and half years. I don't have the words for how much thhis meant to me. I've referred to this and your other videos about the block structure several times since first viewing them. Thanks as well for showing me how to use Scrivener.Thanks so so much!!

[@TaliaDaSilva]

CANT BELIEVE I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO READ THIS FOR 4 YEARS NOW

[@Taylor16255]

"Gwesley.. Gwesley? Oh my god." Hahhaa I laughed

[@mattalexzweig]

All your videos are the MOST USEFUL content on writing I have found. Thank you Kat!

[@sammycoburn1605]

Katytastic thank you so much for this video! I have been watching your videos for years, but always for fun and to find book recommendations. I haven’t been writing for a while, and have forgotten so much of what I had read about outlining and planning a novel. This has given me so much confidence to jump into nanowrimo again this year. I love your writing videos! Thanks again, Sammy.

[@thickyvaingrrl6360]

This was soooooo awesome. I watched the entire thing and I love how the plotting made so much sense.

[@jalunedeveraux6863]

I Just downloaded Scrivener and wanted to say a big thank you. I think what you have done here is very informative and I do appreciate it. :)

[@TheBookTreeReads]

I love seeing how people use Scrivener! Has the way you use it changed since this video went up? It would be really cool to see an updated video if you've learned more things to do with the program :)

[@RenahhCullen]

Thank you so much!! Watching someone else outlining was the only thing I needed for doing it myself, I didn't understand until I watch this video, so helpful.

[@daythewriter1310]

This is actually a really awesome story and it could be a commentary on the huge class divide in the real world and then the gladiator thing is like game shows and stuff where people basically sign up to embarrass themselves. Very cool.

[@DemiRae26]

I got recommended this video while outlining. I have watched Kat for years, and while I didn't know how old the video was before i clicked on it, i could instantly tell by how different her voice was haha

[@cathybdouglas1]

Super helpful information, delivered clearly & concisely. I am ready to outline on scrivener today. Thank you Katytastic!!!

[@davidreynolds2450]

As a newbie, I struggle with outlining and structure. I'm trialling Scrivener and your video has really helped me understand the possibilities and capabilities of it. Thanks so much, hope your book goes well.

[@vol43]

What an amazing video, thank you. I've heard about Scrivener for years but never really knew how it worked. Really appreciate you uploading such a useful video -- I love all the videos on your channel, but just wanted give a special shout out to this one. Thanks again.

[@hermionesendlessbookvlogs8456]

This is an amazing example, Kat!

[@bokikabo]

Thank you for posting this! It's very helpful. You are so organized! I've done NNWM and CNNWM three times, but was nowhere near as organized as you are. I also have Scrivener and have written a middle grade book with it, but I like the way you used it to structure your outline better than what I did. I'm working on a YA novel that is going to be a bear to organize because there are a lot of characters and details in it. This video has given me some great ideas on how to organize it.

[@jamesforeman4368]

Thanks, I have been working with Scivener for only a few days. I don't find it an easy program to get my brain around but I do recognize its potential. Your KZbin presentation helped a lot.

[@mynameisno522]

Let me tell you something: I was scared of writing, I had no ideas and didn't know if it was worthy, but I started watching your videos and you make it sound like something fun and worthy and I got calm and started having ideas again... I'm not scared anymore. Thanks!

[@debjacobs5579]

I have been attempting to plan my NaNoWriMo novel in a notebook and struggling to see how I could use all the odds and ends of information I had on pages and bits of paper. PostIt notes and those cute coloured tabs weren't much help. Then I found your vlog and thought I'd give Scrivener a go. I am hooked! I love the way you work and how enthusiastic you are about everything. I think I'll be coming back for encouragement in November :-)

[@pixiebloom1774]

Oh my god! Gwesley adventure had me on the edge of my seat and it was just the outline.

[@BrandiMarie]

I literally just purchased Scrivener and then I found this video! Awesome! Thank you so much for this video!

[@x-mjrncrng-x6146]

I just downloaded Scrivener trial! It's working pretty amazing so far!

[@KaiInMotion]

Love Scrivener, and I write more now that I reward myself with shiny stickers on my calender for every 1,000 words.

[@fletjaens]

I watched it to the end. I feel fulfilled!

[@katejarvis1210]

I love this outline plan! Thank you! Using it now!

[@ashleyb4183]

OMG this is going to be an amazing story! Great job Kat!!!

[@ashdraws9076]

Thank you so much for this video! :) It helped me a lot and I really like the 3 act - 9 block - 27 chapter method that you have and I used it myself (if you don't mind). This video convinced me to get Scrivener and I'm glad I got it because it helps make my notes coherent (plus it's 50% off for Nano winners, yay!). You're plot sounds awesome and I can't wait to hear more about it in your vlogs during Camp. Good luck to everyone participating in Nano. :)

[@JustEssayIt]

So excited that you're doing Camp NaNo as well. Your videos during last NaNoWriMo were like my highlights of the day :) I'm using Scrivener, too, and I just love this software and how you can have all your research and ideas in neatly labeled folders, which you can neatly arrange in the binder and it's just really neat :P

[@9cloudrachel207]

That book actually looks really good! I really hope it gets published one day so I can read it!

[@donnacapil9826]

Thank you so much for your video. Its been a great help as I have entered NaNoWriMo for the first time this year. Awesome information.

[@mstetson72]

Cool video. I got some great ideas for outlining... thanks! And your story sounds pretty good - good luck with it! Two suggestions: After you make all your folders (Acts, Blocks, and blank Chapters) but before you add anything story-specific, you should duplicate the whole thing and save it in Templates. That way you never have to type out "Introduction, Inciting Incident," etc, again. Also, you can have Scrivener search for all the Felicity's and change them to Leila's all at once.

[@lynnosterkamp7443]

Thanks for this. I had downloaded a trial version of scrivner, but didn't know how to use it. Your video was vey useful. Now I'm using scrivner every day and have bought the program.

[@lexiejones8755]

OMG KATTTTTTTTT THIS IS TOO GOOD OF A STORY FOR YOU TO NOT WRITEEEEE I ACTUALLY CANT BELIEVE HOW AMAZING IT ISSSS

[@surrendersweet]

This is epic! I totally felt invested in the story you created!

[@LarnieRae]

Thank you so much for this! It's very helpful, particularly for someone like me who's never written a novel before. I'm excited for my first NanoWriMo now that I have an idea and an efficient way of outlining. You rock! :D

[@briyanna8262]

Beautiful. Thank you so much. I'm trying to create an outline for my first novel and this helped soooooooo much 😍

[@pinkypanto2955]

I really want to read this now

[@SheRaconteurs]

I would love to see you write a writing book on the 27 chapter outline. Such a unique idea! It really fit the story together!

[@laurabroomfield800]

This was a very comprehensive share, and much appreciated. Thank you.

[@syameze2227]

Super helpful. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@Monkeyzforever]

Thanks for this outline! It's so useful for NaNo :) I got the special NaNo trial so I could use Scrivener and outlined my story like you did, but I added an Act between 2 and 3 which is the fake resolution. My Final Act is entitled "HA HA YOU THOUGHT IT WAS OVER" :P So pumped for NaNo this year ^_^

[@bowaslukama6640]

I never knew this honestly!! This is very helpful. I think am ready to write a book.

[@Anna-xd1cr]

Thank you! Very helpful and pedagogical tutorial.

[@lifeissweetified]

this has really helped me with outlining my July Cam Nanowrimo novel! Thank You!

[@MeMissBERD]

This was so worth the 49 minutes. So very helpful.

[@JustAshiie]

thank you for this! it was very helpful, and the plot sounds amazing!

[@creatingbad5135]

Gotta love Scrivener! Great vid :)

[@bweddle1000]

I love your desktop background! Currently trying out your outline method

[@savanathorsen590]

Thank You so much! I am starting to write my first novel and I had no idea where to start!

[@NothingButJo]

I really want to read this!

[@Charikleia147]

Good thing you are doing April Camp NanoWrimo. You are really inspiring and I'll be taking part in it as well for the first time [kind of a last minute decision] and I am glad you will be too :)

[@JeffreyWrightGoogle]

Thanks so much for this tutorial. I bought Scrivener last year but found it too confusing. This was a lot of help. Additionally I like the 3-9-27 outline format and have created it as a novel template in Scrivener.

[@Soliko1394]

This was so insanely helpful, thank you!

[@garland3688]

You've convinced me so I started this past weekend using the free trial. I decided to divide 4 folders for each book outline. I made a folder for the world information and added pages for each part of history and backstory I wanted to include. Also, I have added character sketches to the characters list as well as some settings sketches to the settings section. Is there a way to compile all that (without the books folders outline) together and print them? Or is my best bet to copy it into a word document and print? Still seems very organized and useful. For each book outline I plan to use the Act structure and blocks as you do as it seems like the most helpful way to keep track of the story. I'll even use the titles as you do for now, instead of writing the chapter title or chapter one. So I can know what type of action has to happen and build on the story structure. You've helped me out a lot! I will also be writing out a chart of the basic outline of the story once it's all typed up because it's always fun to have it on hand in a fun easy mode and not wasting so much printer ink. I'm still a writer by hand. All my research has been noted on scraps of paper and filled in notebooks but I do email myself sometimes and plan to fill the research section with my email info.

[@itsjustgregtv]

PLEASE let us know if/when you finish this. I'm sure we all would love to read it.

[@SDHegyes]

I have yet to actually purchase Scrivener - yes, despite winning the 50% off coupon several times now through NaNoWriMo - but I have used the trial. I love it. Would I eventually like to get it? Yes, and I will. For now though, I do most of my writing between three different computers, only one of which I am allowed to put Scrivener on, so I can't... Yet... Maybe when I'm a famous enough author to work straight from home. ;)

[@RBradyFrost]

+The Dragon's Den I love the way Scrivener works between computers. With the one license, I can work on my project, save it to Dropbox (or other cloud service) and then close it and open it up on my laptop. I'm still learning, but I'm very happy with my purchase.

[@mattypunkcake]

Thank you so much! This video actually helped me a lot.

[@leeunderwood4812]

I love the way Katytastic broke this down into three acts, three blocks and three chapters. Is there anything out there similar to this but for non-fiction???

[@shumonjohnson6077]

Incredibly helpful. Thank you

[@witness2018]

Great and clean job!!! Thank you.

[@NekoSamaIru]

This is a great story. The ending made me wish for a plot twist like a conspiracy by the merchants or the "new city" wizards, who now have all the magic. (Maybe the theme for a sequel. Plus, Leila can also do some jealous stuff or make things worse because of her internal conflicts.)

[@naimahsalahuddin3808]

I started my outline, and when I go to the next folder, some of the cards overlap in my pin up board. Cards from the last folder end up in my new pinup board. I hope you can understand what I'm trying to say lol. I'm a new writer working with Scrivener lol. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@JianyuHou]

Thank you so much for your effort! It's pretty helpful!

[@deathbybuttons]

Yeah. I just bought this program because of your video. :)

[@buttertoast2904]

Thank you. This is magical

[@NemedPhoenixMagic]

Insanely useful. Thanks!

[@Chumichangaa]

Amazing! Just... AMAZING! I feel like I should try to outline my story first because I never do and end up in writer's block. But i'm going to give it a try. At first when I saw your 3 Act, 9 blocks, 27 chapters I thought it was too much. But after seeing this? It looks so much more organize and simple. I like it! Thank you. And does all your story end with 27 chapters? Or is that just how much you like to tell your story? But anyways, GOOD JOB! I enjoyed this long video. And learned so much! :D

[@ScottishBookwormQc]

Thanks Kat - much appreciated

[@amitdrstein]

I LOVE YOU FOR DOING THAT.

[@Matadorstudio]

is there a Scrivener outline that you have created that we can download? so we can kind of dissect it ?

[@anookishexception7234]

#Gwesley

[@littlebookowl]

I definitely need to watch this - I have bought Scrivener but haven't had the chance to test it out yet. Okay now to let it load then watch :)

[@keatonfletcher4764]

you prolly dont care at all but does anyone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account? I somehow forgot my password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me

[@jacksonriver2862]

@Keaton Fletcher Instablaster =)

[@keatonfletcher4764]

@Jackson River Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@keatonfletcher4764]

@Jackson River DAMN IT REALLY WORKED! Literally got access to my IG account after ~ 45 mins by using the site. Had to pay 15$ but definitely worth the money :O Thanks so much you saved my account !

[@jacksonriver2862]

@Keaton Fletcher Glad I could help xD

[@lonegunman0616]

do you also write in scrivener? or do you just use it for outline, and write the story in word?

[@aldoorn]

that was really helpful and nicely presented. thank you

[@ThatGirlChelee]

This story sounds great! Did you ever finish writing it? I really miss your writing videos ❤️

[@garland3688]

Are you able to print out the outline? Sometimes I'm never near my computer when I enjoy writing free hand and I like to have an outline on me. Also, what do you recommend structure-wise for someone who likes to set up subplots that may take place throughout each chapter? Can you outline a whole series of books using this program? If writing fantasy, can you have a section for certain magical objects and add description for each of them? I'm very much considering giving Scrivener a try. I have a whole suit cases of notes. Some that I don't need but hold onto for sentimental value, but I do need to gather everything together and have some kind of format for an outline. How would you go about world building? Can you divide it by sections? Creation? Prehistory? Modern times? For characters can you add backstory?

[@KreativeKill]

where is katy's book? I NEED TO KNOW :(

[@jyjryu22799]

KreativeKill she chose not to write this one because people have told her that they have written this exact story based on this outline which is very unfortunate :/

[@BlackStarSymphony]

@@jyjryu22799 I still haven't seen a book like this based on this though. I get it though, don't get me wrong. But I still haven't read anything like this.

[@noonaemda]

An idea for the Climax chapter: Maybe someone that is respect by both magical and non-magical saw how much Gwen & Wesley work to save everyone helps to calm the riot (siding a bit with Gwen & Wesley) and give them time to explain and gather everyone to reach the Resolution chapter.

[@jamesforeman4368]

Thanks for the comment. I am currently doing the 30 day trial.

[@jessieartsdaily]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@nikisan831]

This looks like a good book. I would buy it if you published this.

[@WorldOfLondonLyric]

Brilliant lesson. I know this may sound stupid, but what is a block and what is an act? Can someone please explain to me?

[@TheQUBANQT]

Thanks for filming this Katy. This looks really interesting. =-)