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Recipe for Outlining: A Fun & Flexible Guide for Planning your Novel
A great story doesn’t happen without a great plan.
But what if outlining isn’t your cup of tea? Maybe you’re a die-hard pantser and feel like planning kills your creativity. Or maybe you’ve tried a bunch of fad outlines and none of them worked? The secret is that an outline is just a container for your thoughts. You can come up with your own unique planning style without reinventing the wheel. This book is a hands-on guide to the key elements of a great story. You’ll get step-by-step instructions for building all the drama, character development, and tension readers are expecting.
Plus, you’ll get...
Tons of strategies for brainstorming and getting your thoughts down on paper (or sticky notes) so you can outline the way it works for you.
My secret weapon for staying motivated and focused, aka your novel’s Mission Statement.
A clear explanation of central conflict, character arc, and theme plus recipes for how to plan yours.
A super simple but super effective way to figure out what should happen next in your plot.
Printable templates and worksheets so you can start outlining your next novel right away.
But what if outlining isn’t your cup of tea? Maybe you’re a die-hard pantser and feel like planning kills your creativity. Or maybe you’ve tried a bunch of fad outlines and none of them worked? The secret is that an outline is just a container for your thoughts. You can come up with your own unique planning style without reinventing the wheel. This book is a hands-on guide to the key elements of a great story. You’ll get step-by-step instructions for building all the drama, character development, and tension readers are expecting.
Plus, you’ll get...
Tons of strategies for brainstorming and getting your thoughts down on paper (or sticky notes) so you can outline the way it works for you.
My secret weapon for staying motivated and focused, aka your novel’s Mission Statement.
A clear explanation of central conflict, character arc, and theme plus recipes for how to plan yours.
A super simple but super effective way to figure out what should happen next in your plot.
Printable templates and worksheets so you can start outlining your next novel right away.
- GenresWriting
96 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2018
13 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Megan Barnhard
7 books11 followersMegan Barnhard has been writing since before she could reach the pencil sharpener. After completing a degree in philosophy, trying her hand at Attic Greek, and learning everything there is to know about spelling (and then unfortunately forgetting it), Megan settled into a career as a writing coach in 2006. Since then, she's been helping writers discover their voices and tell their stories. She's passionate about making the writing process less mysterious and more fun for creatives and entrepreneurs. When she's not coaching writers or writing books about writing, you can find Megan reading books about how the mind works, cooking, or playing "string" with her kitty, Bradbury, who may or may not be the reincarnation of the famous author.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 3, 2018
I have received this as part of a call for ARC readers, in order to provide an honest review of the book.
Outlines have never been my strong suit. In fact, I rarely outline… I just start writing, visualize, create and keep writing… My outlining tends to be done during writing and even sometimes, during editing, when I write the key scenes in a timeline…. But I never seem to be able to organize myself ahead of time and I feel I waste time because of it.
This book was clear, easy to understand and relatable. It demystifies outlining. I really appreciated the fact that it didn't try to force one way of doing things, but rather tried to show me how to find the way(s) that work best for me. And I found the chapter checks at the end if each chapter, a nice addition. They allowed my brain to have a clear summary of what it had just read; efficient way for me to grasp the whole and retain it.
The bundle of templates included at the end of chapter 3 is of great help as well.
After reading this book, I have a clearer understanding and a better idea of how to brainstorm an outline and it's already helping me figure out what works best for me.
Outlines have never been my strong suit. In fact, I rarely outline… I just start writing, visualize, create and keep writing… My outlining tends to be done during writing and even sometimes, during editing, when I write the key scenes in a timeline…. But I never seem to be able to organize myself ahead of time and I feel I waste time because of it.
This book was clear, easy to understand and relatable. It demystifies outlining. I really appreciated the fact that it didn't try to force one way of doing things, but rather tried to show me how to find the way(s) that work best for me. And I found the chapter checks at the end if each chapter, a nice addition. They allowed my brain to have a clear summary of what it had just read; efficient way for me to grasp the whole and retain it.
The bundle of templates included at the end of chapter 3 is of great help as well.
After reading this book, I have a clearer understanding and a better idea of how to brainstorm an outline and it's already helping me figure out what works best for me.
July 8, 2018
I’m one of those people whose muscles tense up at the very mention of the word “outline.” A part of me thought outlining was something writers were “supposed” to do in order to create a cohesive book with a compelling plot. But I secretly believed it was a rigid, creativity-choking process that I really wasn’t capable of pulling off anyway. Megan Barnhard busts the myths about outlining and presents not just one but several alternate and adaptable “recipes” to compliment the way different writers think. “Recipe for Outlining” was both affirming and informative. It helped me recognize and appreciate the things I was already doing intuitively that work for my particular creative process, and it showed me methods I can now use to avoid the pitfalls I’ve encountered in my writing. I’m excited about beginning my next book with a full set of tools in my corner from the start. I was privileged to receive an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And honestly, I think this book contains valuable tools for authors at any stage of their writing career, and especially for those of us who are new novelists.
July 9, 2018
I've already published my first book but that doesn't mean I don't get writer's block or stuck in my new stories! Sometimes with all the idea's in my head things get cluttered and I feel, well, a bit overwhelmed. Barnhard has made a step by step guide on how to not only outline your story in a simple and easy way, but how to bring all the elements of your story to life! I've read blogs on outlining, watched youtube videos read books, but they never had a full and complete guide including every detail of how to get unstuck. I love that Barnhard's book asks questions. It makes me think, makes me answer. In the end, I come up with an idea! It might be different from my original outline, but so what? The story evolved! Barnhard also helps make a way you can stick to your original idea's if you want too. But I'm always discovering new and better idea's for my story that I KNOW my readers will love! This book is packed FULL of information and I'm glad I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this before it's release.
July 3, 2018
Outlining isn't always a comfortable thought for writers. I'm among the group of writers who have seen outlining as daunting and harmful to the creative process. However, I was fortune enough to get an ARC of Megan's book and have changed my mind. I found her research on outlining to be very encouraging and easy to understand. I appreciated how she described the layers of outlining and provided suggestions on how to keep it all organized. Her conversational tone made it feel like we were having a discussion together over coffee. This is definitely a book that I will be reading multiple times -- not to mention highlighting and underlining! If you want to strengthen your outlines, creative flow and your novel planning process overall -- this book is for you!
July 8, 2018
I have received an ARC copy for an honest review.
This was an in depth book. I've struggled with outlining, no matter how many different types of outlining books I've read previously, I was left more confused than I was before I started. That was until I read Megan's latest book.
I was skeptical but willing to give a new tool a go if it's going to make my job easier. Before I started reading Megan's book, I had a general idea of one or two scenes for a piece I'm about to start work on. By the time I finished her book (and completing the steps along the way), I was left with a pretty well fleshed out outline.
Megan also includes plenty of additional resources included which are included to help you flesh out your outline.
I'll definitely be using Megan's technique again to help with my outlining.
This was an in depth book. I've struggled with outlining, no matter how many different types of outlining books I've read previously, I was left more confused than I was before I started. That was until I read Megan's latest book.
I was skeptical but willing to give a new tool a go if it's going to make my job easier. Before I started reading Megan's book, I had a general idea of one or two scenes for a piece I'm about to start work on. By the time I finished her book (and completing the steps along the way), I was left with a pretty well fleshed out outline.
Megan also includes plenty of additional resources included which are included to help you flesh out your outline.
I'll definitely be using Megan's technique again to help with my outlining.
June 30, 2018
Great tips and information.
I read this in one sitting, it is so helpful and there is so much information to soak up. I have never been one for plotting. I always thought of it as a tedious task. This book gives so many different ways to outline. Whether you are someone who likes to have am idea and just sit and go, or someone who wants to write out every minute detail. This book will help. I feel like I am a combination of a few of these - so I will be combining a few.
Honestly, I never realized how many different ways and different aspects went into outlining. There have been so many times that I have gotten blocked and became unable to write, had I known these ways prior, I would have finished more of the works I have since abandoned.
After reading this, I feel more equipped to tackle my new project this year on Nanowrimo.
Love the stepping stone idea!
I read this in one sitting, it is so helpful and there is so much information to soak up. I have never been one for plotting. I always thought of it as a tedious task. This book gives so many different ways to outline. Whether you are someone who likes to have am idea and just sit and go, or someone who wants to write out every minute detail. This book will help. I feel like I am a combination of a few of these - so I will be combining a few.
Honestly, I never realized how many different ways and different aspects went into outlining. There have been so many times that I have gotten blocked and became unable to write, had I known these ways prior, I would have finished more of the works I have since abandoned.
After reading this, I feel more equipped to tackle my new project this year on Nanowrimo.
Love the stepping stone idea!
May 3, 2019
This is the outlining book you have been waiting for! I have struggled with the concept of outlining for years, and because of this my writing has suffered. Projects become jumbled and muddied or the ideas are so unclear they never get off the shelf. This book is changing all of that, I am super excited to implement all of the steps that Megan has designed in this book. The steps are simple to follow and create a map to guide you through the process. The writing is fun and engaging so I never wake up with my ereader laying on my face, instead I feel like I am having a writing session with a friend. I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of an ARC program, my review reflects my honest opinions and experiences.
August 22, 2018
JA Stone
'Recipe for Outlining' is a fantastic learning tool for all writers - from neophyte to seasoned veteran. It has definitely prompted a change in my own methods. I love how the Author provides charts and gives understandable examples from classic literature, pop culture and contemporary science fiction, and links to access more of her material for free! I have learned more about how I think, and process my ideas, which is invaluable.
"Writing a book is like trying to cross a raging river. It's not possible to jump from one bank to the other. You need some rocks to step on." Barnhard says it so well.
I loved the chapters on anchor scenes and stepping stones the best!
Look, Stephen King may be able to write a perfect novel straight from brain to keyboard with more than a quarter century of practice, but the rest of us need to know what we are doing, where we are going, and how to get there! This is a fun, easy, and eye opening guide! ~ I would also like to express my appreciation for what the Author is doing. I would trade all of the 'self-help dollar hungry bandits out there for just one with the integrity of Megan Barnhard, who is providing actual, useful assistance, and bettering the writing community! ~
'Recipe for Outlining' is a fantastic learning tool for all writers - from neophyte to seasoned veteran. It has definitely prompted a change in my own methods. I love how the Author provides charts and gives understandable examples from classic literature, pop culture and contemporary science fiction, and links to access more of her material for free! I have learned more about how I think, and process my ideas, which is invaluable.
"Writing a book is like trying to cross a raging river. It's not possible to jump from one bank to the other. You need some rocks to step on." Barnhard says it so well.
I loved the chapters on anchor scenes and stepping stones the best!
Look, Stephen King may be able to write a perfect novel straight from brain to keyboard with more than a quarter century of practice, but the rest of us need to know what we are doing, where we are going, and how to get there! This is a fun, easy, and eye opening guide! ~ I would also like to express my appreciation for what the Author is doing. I would trade all of the 'self-help dollar hungry bandits out there for just one with the integrity of Megan Barnhard, who is providing actual, useful assistance, and bettering the writing community! ~
December 4, 2018
"An outline is simply a plan you can write from."
The above quote from Recipe for Outlining is the best way to describe how helpful this book was! There are so many different ways writers think, plan, and write and Barnhard makes sure to address them all.
I'm not much of a chart and spout brainstormer, so I was worried that this book wouldn't do much for me—an author who likes to outline by flinging a bunch of words on a page in messy fragments, crossing out or circling things as decisions start to solidify.
But even though the diagrams themselves that Barnhard offers weren't made for me, they were definitely made for other writer brains! And me? She had plenty to offer in regards to how to organize my thoughts into questions and answers that I can messily scribble into a notebook.
Definitely a great resource to pull from my toolbox when writer's block tries holding me hostage!
The above quote from Recipe for Outlining is the best way to describe how helpful this book was! There are so many different ways writers think, plan, and write and Barnhard makes sure to address them all.
I'm not much of a chart and spout brainstormer, so I was worried that this book wouldn't do much for me—an author who likes to outline by flinging a bunch of words on a page in messy fragments, crossing out or circling things as decisions start to solidify.
But even though the diagrams themselves that Barnhard offers weren't made for me, they were definitely made for other writer brains! And me? She had plenty to offer in regards to how to organize my thoughts into questions and answers that I can messily scribble into a notebook.
Definitely a great resource to pull from my toolbox when writer's block tries holding me hostage!
November 30, 2018
Outlining isn't always a comfortable thought for writers. I'm among the group of writers who have seen outlining as daunting and harmful to the creative process. However, I was fortune enough to get an ARC of Megan's book and have changed my mind. I found her research on outlining to be very encouraging and easy to understand. I appreciated how she described the layers of outlining and provided suggestions on how to keep it all organized. Her conversational tone made it feel like we were having a discussion together over coffee. This is definitely a book that I will be reading multiple times -- not to mention highlighting and underlining! If you want to strengthen your outlines, creative flow and your novel planning process overall -- this book is for you!
January 2, 2026
Great book
She has a unique take on outlining and learning what works best for your brain. I plan to experiment with the various tools and see how far I get
She has a unique take on outlining and learning what works best for your brain. I plan to experiment with the various tools and see how far I get
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews