Writing Blog
📖 Story Genius – Lisa Cron
Story Genius by Lisa Cron challenges the conventional wisdom that story is primarily about plot. Instead, she argues that great stories are built on the internal journey of the protagonist, with plot emerging organically from character development.
📖 Story Engineering – Larry Brooks
Story Engineering by Larry Brooks takes a highly structured, almost scientific approach to storytelling, breaking it down into six core competencies that serve as the foundation for a well-constructed novel.
📖 Save The Cat! Writes A Novel – Jessica Brody
Jessica Brody’s Save The Cat! Writes A Novel adapts Blake Snyder’s famous screenwriting method for novelists, providing a highly structured approach to storytelling that helps writers craft compelling narratives.
Simple Outlining Techniques for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Outlining your ideas doesn’t have to be a daunting, detailed process. While I’ve previously shared my in-depth, scene-by-scene plotting method, this post is all about getting started with easy, accessible techniques. Whether you’re a die-hard pantser or just new to outlining, these methods are designed to help you structure your thoughts without feeling overwhelmed.
📖 Plot & Structure – James Scott Bell
If you’ve ever struggled with plotting, pacing, or keeping your story engaging, Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell is a must-read. This book provides a comprehensive breakdown of story structure.
📖 Outlining Your Novel – K.M. Weiland
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of outlining—or if you’re unsure whether outlining is even right for you—this book provides a practical and adaptable approach to planning your novel. Weiland explores different outlining methods, helping writers find a system that works for their unique process.
📖 How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method – Randy Ingermanson
Writing a novel can feel like a daunting, overwhelming process, but Randy Ingermanson’s How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method breaks it down into a step-by-step system that simplifies story development. The Snowflake Method is designed to help writers build their novel organically, starting with a single, central idea and gradually expanding it into a full-fledged manuscript.
📖 “Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story” – K.M. Weiland
This book is a deep dive into the mechanics of story structure, offering a comprehensive look at the essential building blocks that make a novel engaging from start to finish.
My Outlining Process: How I Structured My Novel
Outlining a story can feel like an overwhelming task, but over time, I’ve developed a process that helps me stay organized while leaving room for creativity. In this post, I’ll walk you through the approach I took to structuring my current work in progress, from the initial idea to a detailed outline that guides my writing.
Categories
Writing Journey – My goals, milestones, reflections on my progress, and lessons learned along the way.
Writing Process – Blog posts about drafting, revising, and my creative habits.
Writing Resources – Tools, research methods, and recommendations.
My Novel – Updates on my current work in progress.
Book Reviews – Reviews of various writing craft books and comparable novels to my work in progress.