How to Outline Your Novel

by Valkyria

Published July 7, 2024

E - Everyone

In Poems to share

Comments & reviews · 2
WeepingWisteria wrote a review Review · Jul 11, 2024

Hello, Valkriya!

This is such a relatable work! It feels like no matter what writing advice you take, you always end up here so it's nice to see someone put it into words.

I love the slow build-up to the "everything is actually falling apart" punchline with the first three steps being completely normal and something you would find on an award-winning author's writing advice YouTube channel. To be honest, when I first read this I wasn't expecting the twist at all so I just perfectly prepared for some earnest and encouraging advice.

But then, of course, the punchline came. This is not YouTube, friends, it's the writer's struggle. I have several memories of closing my computer and flopping face first into my bed because a scene was not sceneing. We all hope the sheets are full of ideas, don't we? And the declaration of not writing just gives the perfect image of a writer hiding under the covers, wailing at their complete lack of ideas to anyone who will listen. "I'm a fraud! I can never write again!" Comical stuff.

I do love how you add a little bit more hope to the end because writing is what we do and we always come back one way or another, so it's good to remember that it'll work out. Speaking of which... I have some writing projects that need a lot of attention.

Thanks for this little fun guide, Valkriya! It feels relatable while also having nuggets of genuine advice and encouragement in there, which is the perfect combination. Thanks for publishing; I enjoyed reading!

Happy Writing!
Wist

User avatar
EllieMae
Review
EllieMae wrote a review Review · Jul 7, 2024

OH MY GOODNESS XD This is hilarious hahahah!! Okay, let me leave a review for this!

Step one: Okay, yes, that seems totally reasonable. Plotting out the plot and characters to begin is a great idea!! That can totally reduce stress later on too.

Step two: Three act structure, hmm. So I am guessing this is like three stages or a plan for how you will make the novel, or a layout of the entire project. I like to do this too! I normally go through a couple plans and drafts before I print a novel or consider it 'done'.

Step 3:

Spend half an hour intently looking at the blank page. The ideas will
come, don't worry.


Yes... ideas will come for sure... if you just stare hard enough...

Step 4: Ahh, so if step three doesn't work, we must curl up in a ball in bed. Personally I also like the 'look at all my other novels and declare that they are all also bad' route, but this one works too!

Step 5: Yes, declare you will never write again. Another tip is to make a wall post on YWS saying that declaration XD

Step 6: Deep breathing is very beneficial. Yes, taking another look is a wonderful idea!!

Step 7: Hahaha, personally I don't like writing tutorials on YouTube XD But I prefer browsing YWS. Perhaps try randomosity?

On a less joking note: I found this very enjoyable and funny. Your design was simple to read and looks like lots of typical tutorials, which I think is what you were going for. I loved the simplicity of this and it really made me smile!! Awesome work!

Your friend,
Ellie

Image

Haha, thanks EllieMae! I was going for that tutorial style when making this, so I'm glad you caught that!



To be a master of metaphor is the greatest thing by far. It is the one thing that cannot be learnt from others, and it is also a sign of genius.
— Aristotle, Poetics