139: Using Different Methods to Outline a Book.

If you’ve done any form of writing, you know we are bombarded with the rules of writing. Rules exist to give us boundaries in which we operate. What if there was one rule writers say you should always follow? That rule, outlining.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about outlining a book and why this is the number one rule you should abide by. But there is more than one way to outline a book and I’ll show you my favorite way. Also, I have a special “free” gift for you, just for listening to this podcast.



When I wrote, I did not use any form of outlining or story mapping. The reason, I had no clue what I was doing. Something magical happened, my novella wasn’t taking shape and I realized (that’s the magical part) I needed to help myself along. I ended up taking my story and writing down everything I wanted to happen before I wrote the final chapter.

Without knowing what you’re up against in writing a book, will leave you feeling like a failure. If you don’t have a clue where you’re headed in writing your book, I encourage you to figure out who you are as a writer. This will be the crux in which you’ll navigate the book writing world.

Two types of writers—Outliners and Pantsers.

If you were to take a poll on any writing forum or group, you’ll quickly discover writers usually fall within two major camps: plotters/outliners and pantsers. But determining which writer you are, we need to see what the difference is between the two styles of writing.

OUTLINERS: These individuals are meticulous in how they approach writing. They write and plot out each major detail that must be included in their Work in Progress. People like James Patterson and Stephenie Meyer fall into this category.

Stephenie Meyer says this about outlines, “you really need an outline to work–to keep from getting lost.” Likewise, James Patterson says this about outlining, I’m a fanatic about outlining. It’s going to make whatever you’re writing better, you’ll have fewer false starts, and you’ll take a shorter amount of time. I write them repeatedly. You read my outline and it’s like reading a book.”

PANTSERS: These individuals love to fly by the seat of their pants. They don’t dictate where the story is going, they allow the story to evolve as the characters get into trouble. They want a natural organic way of telling a story. It evolves much like life. Once you get to the end, they’ll know it.

Stephen King famously threw gas on the writing fire when he said in his book, “On Writing” that he doesn’t use outlines and other writers shouldn’t either. King says to put characters into situations and see what happens.

Don’t think, just write.

Again, Stephen King says, “try to put interesting characters into difficult situations, then write to find our what happens.” Know your story to a point, but plotting is just an exercise to get you from point A to point B. Don’t allow the minute details to stop you from actually writing your story.

In other words, stop over thinking your writing, and begin to actually write the story you were meant to write.

Decide early on who you are.

Pantsers struggle with sticking to structure while plotters struggle with bunny trails and they both get frustrated. It’s one thing to write an outline and stick to it but don’t become so rigid that you’re unwilling to give pantsing a try. You might even like it. Likewise, don’t be so dogmatic about throwing characters into situations that you forget why your even writing the story.

You will discover who you are and you will find which form of writing best suits your taste and style. I know I did, and it took a few years to discover that I love outlining to a point and then it’s all panting from t...