holy heck this just made something click in my head for my wip and i was like WAIT. I WAS STARTING IN THE MIDDLE. I WAS STARTING THE STORY AFTER THE INCITING INCIDENT? I NEED TO BACKTRACK AND START AT THE BEGINNING!!! THIS IS WHY MY STORY FELT SO RUSHED. you have saved me, thank you omg
In media res has its place, though. There is no need to start with the first step of the Hero's Journey, you can start with the inciting incident or the threshold or refusing the call. If you feel brave, you can try and start in the belly of the whale.
i've been planning to do something like this! i want to take a handful of popular books of various genres and track each of them against this structure to show how versatile it is!
LONG POST! I expended upon some of the points to help me use it easier without referring to the video constantly. Hopefully it helps someone! Copy + Paste into your own doc and edit from there! All examples are just that: examples to help show how they fit different genres! MC: Main character Party: Group of friends/colleagues who are going through the story together BBEG: Big Bad Evil Guy Act 1: 1. Introduction - meet MC(s) and the current normal 2. Inciting Incident - did someone die? Is someone being engaged? Company trying to be bought? 3. Fallout - what's happening now that the incident happened? New Normal Falls Apart - 4. Reaction/Rebellious Reaction/"Negative" Action to deal with Inciting Incident 5. Taking "Positive" (plot advancing/helpful) Action to Deal with Inciting Incident 6. Consequence as a result of prior action/What they need to do next - 7. Pressure/Stressful moment 8. Plot Twist! The Stressful Moment is Different than Originally Thought, but not that major (sudden step parents happen here, if applicable) 9. Push (forward)/Results of Getting Through the Plot Twist Act 2: 10. New World/New Normal - New allies are made here, if any 11. Fun + Games (emotional break)/New Romance /starts/ HERE, "old romance" (set from beginning) /highlighted/ HERE 12. Brief return to normal/Old Juxtaposition/Backstory Episode. Any old wounds are explained HERE, minor conflict leading to major conflict in Buildup happens/highlighted HERE - 13. Buildup/Stress building/Major worries or challenges relating to the main plot go here/The party splits here 14. Midpoint/Major detail reveal relating to Inciting Incident (was it MURDER? Is the love interest engaged?)/MC should feel a little lost here 15. Reversal/Resolve most of the stress in the Buildup/Main group gathers back up and return to their original goal - 16. Consequence of Midpoint/Midpoint is addressed directly in this chapter (call for help+fail to get help, etc) 17. Trials/Major investigation or actions due to prior chapter happens here/Actively dealing with the Plot here, but has struggles (house arrest? banning from seeing the lover? does someone MOVE AWAY?) 18. Dedication/Determination to get through trials/If no one is helping, the MC will MAKE things work. MC starts making connections to help them move the mountains ahead of them. Or just climbs the mountains (plans to travel to meet someone who can help, etc). If solving MURDER, gathering evidence strongly happens here (ex: going to the location of the murder, etc) Act 3: 19. Calm before the storm/Things are stressful but have a lover/friends on side. MC is struggling in their dedication. Maybe they can't get get enough evidence, maybe people are telling them to stop, maybe their health is failing 20. Plot Twist 2: Electric Boogaloo: Maybe Bae is Enemae (or friend is eeeevil or something. Betrayal fun) OR efforts in Trials aren’t enough and things are feeling helpless. Could go back to main area and be almost killed or have their cover blown, etc 21. Darkest moment/All hope is lost? Near death experience or even a death experience can happen here. Reflection + result of previous chapter - 22. Power within/”I can do this” - MC determines that they won’t let the previous experience stop them. They NEED to accomplish their goal! 23. Action/Rally the troops - Reaches out to friends/other allies in order to recover and confront the BBEG ("big bad evil guy": anyone keeping things from being as the main characters want it to be) 24. Converge/Tie up side plots - any minor confrontations and mysteries are solved here. If there are personal issues between party members, this is resolved by this point - 25. Battle/Confrontation - deal with the major issue that has plagued the whole story. Maybe converge on an island where the evil is, or talk with the person stopping lovers from getting together 26. Climax/End of confrontation - kill the BBEG/stop the calamity (hi Critters)/run away and elope/break the curse, whatever 27. Ending/Resolution of main storyline/Cliffhanger goes here - things are resolved. You got the lover, the bbeg is dead and things are peaceful again. Adjust to your new normal with a little reflection
Ok...I've had writer's block for 6 years. I discovered this video and had my story plotted out in 2 hours. Thank you! Now, please excuse me, I have loads of writing to do.
Six years? Well sorry to hear that, but honestly it sounds like you didn't even try to write something and just gave up. It's impossible to have a writer's block for six years lol
@@bellac6311 mine was more like four and a half but it was because i didn't outline and kept scrapping ideas that now I'm back to using in this outline which only took about 5 or 6 days to finish. I am never not outlining my stories again.
I just outlined a graphic novel I have been working on for THREE YEARS because of you. I cannot explain the level of excitement and how thankful I am for this video. Honestly...I cannot even tell you
Oh god, sorry guys! It went very well until things happened with Russia and Ukraine which ended up making the storyline really innappropriate. I plan to write it again but it'll be later in life as it needs a huge rewrite due to needing a new setting. Instead I'm here to work on something new and simpler that I've been planning out ideas for for 2 years
@@aridoescomicsoof, that sucks my im glad to hear you aren’t continuing something that could be distasteful to some and most likely problematic, sucks how something in life could destroy something you’ve planned for so long, though I’m glad you’re being mature about the whole thing. May I ask how your new book is going?
@@aridoescomics I have been told that if I don't want anyone to see what I'm writing, I'm on the right track. Write your truth and to hell with anyone who would put you down for it.
I have had writer's block for 7 years. I have struggling to finish an historical fiction for years. I have spent days searching for outlining methods that might help finish my "third act." This is it!!!!!! I just thought of my entire last third of my novel in minutes. I cannot thank you enough. I have sooo many new chapters to write. I've never been so happy!!! Woooohoooo! :)
Wow. This was so helpful. I’m someone who doesn’t typically write outlines but was having difficulties in getting very far in my stories. I have ideas in my head but they are just all over the place. I have been watching various videos about brainstorming and outlining for the past hour and this is the most helpful. I like it because it’s quite flexible while offering a great guide. Thank you for this.
Please do more writing videos! I love hearing how you put all the “puzzle pieces” together when you write! So fascinating! It definitely gets me inspired for my own story.
First time every trying to write anything, fantasy book. Spent most of my time world building, i feel i have a good idea or decent idea at least and an interesting plot but anytime iv tried to map out my story I have always come up empty handed. Blaming my lack of experience, knowledge or intelligence and questioning myself why i thought i could do it. This video has helped me see a really good way of structuring it and really motivated me to get back to the drawing board. Side note: To help myself understand story telling and structure i have been trying to take books like Harry Potter and plot it out like you did in this video to see where other authors would put things to better help me see how i could approach it. Your response to Wintermute is exactly what a new aspiring writer like myself could greatly benefit from. Keep up the great work, your videos are helping a lot of people!
Me, beginning this vid: Ah, I love Kat's writing vids, but I'm a pantser. I won't use this in my work. Me, ending this vid, having successfully placed my novel within this outline method, which greatly clarifies everything: ....oh
oh. my. goodness. THIS IS LITERALLY ALL I NEED. i was searching the whole youtube for something that can show me an example of a plot process. and THIS IS JUST INCREDIBLY HELPFUL. thank you so much!! i'm sobbing i guess im gonna finish my 5 years old book this week 😭😭😭
OH BUBBLING GOD LEAVE ME HERE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS STORY so captivating how passionate and interesting you can make such an useful content, Kat! you know, even cooking with Kat (which I die for) serves the entertainment and culinary factor the same way. passion and interest. oh well i love this story, I love these videos, help me
Everytime I start outlining a new story I look over your outlining with scrivener video because it makes it easier for me to figure my story out and where I want things to go. It's very helpful how you explain it and use your own story. I'm happy you've put up a newer explanation, I think it's be just as helpful. I love your writing videos, thank you for sharing.
Wow. I've been trying to figure out my plot for YEARS now and so far this was the only method that worked. I have it all layed out, finally. I can't thank you enough for sharing this ❤️❤️❤️
Please do more videos like this. This was amazing. Its really cool to see this side of book writing. If I’m writing a contemporary romance, do you recommend this outline?
yeah, totally! just interpret the 27 points in a more contemp romance kind of way! for example "battle" would be like an intense convo, or maybe a confrontation--it's the couple overcoming the last major obstacle that's stopping them from being together. then they get together! (climax) and have their happily ever after / happily for now (resolution)
This is the best How-To-Outline video EVER!! Very well explained and helpful. I have struggled to find someone that took the time to explain any method used to outline. THIS WAS AMAZING! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I LOVE this back to roots attitude you've had with your writing vlogs lately! I'm trying to develop my own novel, and I think I'm going to try to use this method!
i watch this video religiously every time i need to revamp my outline, so i just wanna say drop by in this awful time to say how precious and helpful you are kat
I know it's been 5 years since this video was first uploaded, and you've been offline for a while, but this is still the only outlining video that's actually worked for me so thank you Kat!! And I hope you're doing well !!
This was so helpful!!!! Please keep the writing videos coming! I love seeing the development of this story. It's really helps paint a picture for how to use the outlining structure. Also, I really want to read this book!
I'm french and you are actually the best youtuber ever when it comes to explain the process of writing a book. thank you sooooo much and keep going please !
This is incredibly helpful. Using STC-for Novels, I was able to group scenes into chapters, but in the muddled middle I lost track of exactly how to divide my chapters. Now I can go back and re-arrange things faster when I do my re-write. THANK YOU!!!
I remember your older videos talking about this method, but seeing you actually set it up cleared up some confusion on my end. Thanks so much Kat for taking the time to make this video! ❤
I love how you break everything down so concisely. As someone who needs to write everything down and have a lot of structure in everything they do your videos like this are so dang helpful!
Oh, wow. This is gold. I am definitely going to use this for every book that I write. Thank you so much! This makes outlining easier, less stressful, and more fun to where I actually want to do it and finally get my book started.
Kat, the reason I like this format is because it has more beat/chapters that flesh out the 2nd act, which is way more helpful than other novel templates which are rather vague about the 2nd act (and let's face it, the most difficult act to write). If you ever return to this channel, please make a video to further explain in detail the function of each chapter by giving examples from a popular novel. It's really a great structure template that you've come up with, as it's way more clear than others I've come across. Happy writing. See ya round. Peace.
I love this cause it's an actual guide. Most I've seen are like 98% bubbly stuff, 1% speaking about the pros of outlining and 1% some vague instructions
Thank you so much, I finally sat down and used this method to tie all the little plot points and character arcs I’ve been working on for years into a cohesive outline. I no longer have the excuse of ‘I can’t write cause I don’t know where my story is going yet’! Here’s praying this is enough to get me out of my writing slump ❤️😊
I had to revisit this again because it was so helpful the first time. It just blows my mind how hearing you go through all 27 names somehow ends up leaving me free living almost every Epic story I have ever read or seen. So many scenes playing out in my head. Thank you.
I just have to say how much I truly appreciate this video. I have been stuck for three years with my story and in one day of watching your videos on story structure I have fleshed out scenes, new plot twist and developed characters, and just a better flow of the story. For so long my ideas were all jumbled up, I had google docs for days on scene ideas and character development and background information ideas and this video helped me to structure all of my ideas. So thank you so much!
this is amazing helpful kat! i have always been a pantser and i've never finished a first act of a story much less a whole book. your videos are a great resource and im so excited for this years nano!
This is so helpful! I've was rummaging through my computer about a month ago and found an old story idea that I must've dropped but looking back at it, I really like it so I've been trying to create something with it but have been struggling with an outline and this helped me tremendously! AMAZING! New subscriber :)
This made me rethink my outlining, i feel like i rushed into the 2nd act too fast and took too long to get into the 3rd act, which now seems rushed, making my outline have sloppy middle syndrome. This really helped me figure out each step of the acts in the simplest details without getting too vague, thank you for making this video. I feel so much better outlining my story now!
Well, I'm a convert. I did in a half an hour what I've been agonizing actual weeks over. I've never been able to see so clearly from one side of my plot to the other. O.O
Thank you for showing the process. Just went through 8 videos that talked about how to do it. Seeing the process is a must for me. You get a gold star for the video.
Like after finishing a good book or movie and you sit there, taking it in. Reeling in the feels. This outline is amazing. I've had this character and small idea in my head. For years. I really haven't given birth to this yet. Until now. So much unfolded within this outline, piecing together the little sub notes that have been swimming around the basic idea of my character and synopsis. The outline let me visualize how I would piece it together.. Then, it started spilling over to another book idea I've been toying with for even longer. My head was popping off ideas on what would go in those boxes that fit their stories. It made it made sense. You made everything make sense. Thank you so much for this video! Subscribed.
Another thing I do is outline each chapter into 27 sentences, one for each topic of her 3-9-27 outline, but leave the actual resolution into the next chapter to hook the reader.
This is perfect for me. I've been trying different outlining styles and so far this and Jenna Morecci's techniques have been the most useful to me. Thanks!
HOLY COW!!! This is AMAZING! I've been having trouble with my novel but i'm going to plot it out using this method and it might help focus my storyline better.
You are absolutely brilliant. You were clear, concise, and covered every point and answered every question a writer in need might have in structuring a plot. I cannot thank you enough. So grateful for your knowledge!
Hi! Thank you! this is the most straight forward explanation of outlines ever! I need more though, the big questions ect. I'm an over thinker and an over describer so knowing specific questions that need answered for the outline to work would be awesome!
Thank you SO SO SO much for this resource, Kat. I come back to it frequently when I'm brainstorming and outlining my projects. This video is a LIFE SAVER!
I’m so glad I heard about this method! It literally saved the book I’m currently writing. I’ve been stuck for a few months now, wanting to write something, but I didn’t know what to write about. A few days ago, I thought "You know what? You’re gonna start writing something." And I found your video. I started with literally zero ideas (apart from the main characters name and the main relationship of the story). I had no idea what it would be. And in almost 30-40 minutes, I had a very good and complete oultine of the book. It’s the first time that I have an outline that is that precise and it will be so helpful. So, thank you so much 💜
Kat this is amazing! I never comment (and I don't have the right words to do so right now) but I had to say something on this video. This is wonderful. Concise, detailed, well put together. Just- thank you!
I have been sitting on this story for years and with your help I finally was able to put it down in a digestible way. Wtf. It’s taken me years. Thank you times a billion!!!!
I would love to see more story crafting videos...I'm so stuck on outlining my current story and this totally helped me. I'm still not 100% sure about the outline, but that video helped me so much to figure out some issues I've been stuck on.
Thank you so much for this video. SO many of the advice videos out there tend to come across as vague because they don't use specific examples (authors wanting to keep their work a secret til its published). Having something so specific gives the outlining method a real concreteness that others don't, so thank you for sharing. I've had a novel I've been having some trouble with for Nanowrimo this year and I've come back to this video several times to work out details - and its really helped me iron out the difficulties - so again, thank you for this.
I come back to this video so many times, and I think I have a better version of my draft. (third time writing it, and removed a key element that just wasnt working for me. I think I have a better feel for the novel now that I've done this again and removed the element that I never liked in my first draft) thanks so much.
At first I was like "yeah maybe this could help...". And now, one week later, I'm 4000+ words into my outline and i keep referencing this video. Finaly it helps like... a lot ^^
Aww man. Thanks SO MUCH for sharing this process Kat. Definitely want more of these writing videos. 😍 Really enjoyed your teaching style. I’m adding this to my writing playlist for sure.
I remember watching this video a while ago but then I had a massive years long burn out. I'm glad I was able to find this video again. I've seen other writers start to talk about this method so I guess I wanted to say thank you! You've made a big impact on story writers everywhere. Thank you so much for sharing your brain thoughts.
Thank you so so so much for this video! I’ve watched it 4 times now. I feel more ready for Nano this year than ever before! You have no idea how much this helped me!!
I'm new to creative writing and watched this video last night. I've had a story in my head that I've wanted to tell for years; this morning I was able to outline it for the first time using this chart. Thank you so much for this video, it was a huge help!
This outline example seems really helpful! I'm definitely gonna try and use it for my own writing. Also, I highkey wanna read this story about the sisters. It sounds awesome.
I’d hit a wall for my story. I tried other plotting methods-some that had never worked for me before, some that had but not this time, and even a couple that I had never tried before. Then the nano prep 101 workbook pointed to this and BAM! Story is now plotted! Thank you!
I just want you to know that thanks to this video and this video alone, I have finally gotten a 0.5 draft finished. It's literally taken me years to try and get a plot down and this outline video has fixed it.
omg I'd love to see like 10 different authors take the block outlining you have @ the 12th minute mark and just run with it! it would be so interesting to see how different the resulting stories would be, even with all the constraints: the writing style, the overall tone, the characters, the resolution.. they could even fall under different genres, like comedy/romance/drama/thriller. asdfghjk the possibilities! unrelated: I'm obsessed with your handwriting 😍
I can't thank you enough for this video. This helps me tremendously in understanding the outlining process, coming from a pantser who wishes to learn how to plotting. Thank you so so much!
Loved it! This really helps soooooo much thank you! I would love to see you continue this story and make like a chronical on story structure and development! Thanks for the video!
Extreamly helpful outlining video. I’ve been procrastinating for ageees due to plot outline anxiety. This gave me a bit of direction. Sorted, Cheers M’dears.
just used this to plot out my story and it really helped! i was able to do it easily, I had been struggling to find a way to plot and breaking down each act helped sooo much thank you!!
I just discovered you on RUclips and I just want to say thank you for giving me a road map to getting my idea out of my head and on paper! I am going to try this tonight but after watching this twice I really feel that this is just what I needed to get me writing again. Thanks and I've also subscribed.
For a second there I thought I was seeing your old video pop up onto my feed! haha Videos like this one were why I subscribed to you all those years ago, and having a nice refresher on story structure is always good. Your method is definitely a fave! It was fun to see you going through the outlining process with the story from the previous brainstorming video. I definitely think you should continue putting out writing craft videos!
Love this series you've got going on x it's a really interesting way to format and outline and I love a good outline! It's such a concise, helpful and versatile method x keep these videos coming Kat! Xx
thank you for this, I just found your video by coinsidence, as a beginner writer this video is the easiest outlining video I have come across so far on youtube! you made it look soo simple! once again thank you!
I’ve never seen the three-act structure broken down like this but I’m very intrigued! I kind of want to see how well my WIP fits into this (though I already know the ends of the first two acts don’t). More writing videos please!
![How I Outline! [3 Acts : 9 Blocks : 27 Chapters]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/94F-3Z6CJJw/mqdefault.jpg)
![How I Outline! [3 Acts : 9 Blocks : 27 Chapters]](/img/tr.png)
holy heck this just made something click in my head for my wip and i was like WAIT. I WAS STARTING IN THE MIDDLE. I WAS STARTING THE STORY AFTER THE INCITING INCIDENT? I NEED TO BACKTRACK AND START AT THE BEGINNING!!! THIS IS WHY MY STORY FELT SO RUSHED. you have saved me, thank you omg
yay, it's such a wonderful feeling when something clicks! good luck with the writing!!
In media res has its place, though. There is no need to start with the first step of the Hero's Journey, you can start with the inciting incident or the threshold or refusing the call. If you feel brave, you can try and start in the belly of the whale.
omg dame girl like literally my first chapter it's the second chapter akdkakskaks
Hahaha literal SAME. Was starting my story at the big conflict like holddd up I need to explain the characters first
Kilravok stories like that almost always do a *5 years before* type thing to explain how they got there
... I just did this and outlined a book in half an hour. 😂 This is a dangerous tool.
Me too! Had been procrastinating on how to move forward for months and this literally made it so much simpler to tie it all together!
Ola
I'm excited to watch it now I'm stRUGGLING
This helps a lot! You think it's dangerous with just that? Try using this backwards! It's extremely helpful n.n Start from Block 9 and end at Block 1
Because if you know how it ends, there won't be that confusion that she has in this video. Idea galore too hehe
I'd be interested to see you deconstuct a book using this method.
i've been planning to do something like this! i want to take a handful of popular books of various genres and track each of them against this structure to show how versatile it is!
Yes, please! That's an awesome idea and would be very helpful.
@@Katytastic ohh please do this!
@@Katytastic Please do this!
@@Katytastic Did you ever do this? :0
LONG POST!
I expended upon some of the points to help me use it easier without referring to the video constantly. Hopefully it helps someone! Copy + Paste into your own doc and edit from there!
All examples are just that: examples to help show how they fit different genres!
MC: Main character
Party: Group of friends/colleagues who are going through the story together
BBEG: Big Bad Evil Guy
Act 1:
1. Introduction - meet MC(s) and the current normal
2. Inciting Incident - did someone die? Is someone being engaged? Company trying to be bought?
3. Fallout - what's happening now that the incident happened? New Normal Falls Apart
-
4. Reaction/Rebellious Reaction/"Negative" Action to deal with Inciting Incident
5. Taking "Positive" (plot advancing/helpful) Action to Deal with Inciting Incident
6. Consequence as a result of prior action/What they need to do next
-
7. Pressure/Stressful moment
8. Plot Twist! The Stressful Moment is Different than Originally Thought, but not that major (sudden step parents happen here, if applicable)
9. Push (forward)/Results of Getting Through the Plot Twist
Act 2:
10. New World/New Normal - New allies are made here, if any
11. Fun + Games (emotional break)/New Romance /starts/ HERE, "old romance" (set from beginning) /highlighted/ HERE
12. Brief return to normal/Old Juxtaposition/Backstory Episode. Any old wounds are explained HERE, minor conflict leading to major conflict in Buildup happens/highlighted HERE
-
13. Buildup/Stress building/Major worries or challenges relating to the main plot go here/The party splits here
14. Midpoint/Major detail reveal relating to Inciting Incident (was it MURDER? Is the love interest engaged?)/MC should feel a little lost here
15. Reversal/Resolve most of the stress in the Buildup/Main group gathers back up and return to their original goal
-
16. Consequence of Midpoint/Midpoint is addressed directly in this chapter (call for help+fail to get help, etc)
17. Trials/Major investigation or actions due to prior chapter happens here/Actively dealing with the Plot here, but has struggles (house arrest? banning from seeing the lover? does someone MOVE AWAY?)
18. Dedication/Determination to get through trials/If no one is helping, the MC will MAKE things work. MC starts making connections to help them move the mountains ahead of them. Or just climbs the mountains (plans to travel to meet someone who can help, etc). If solving MURDER, gathering evidence strongly happens here (ex: going to the location of the murder, etc)
Act 3:
19. Calm before the storm/Things are stressful but have a lover/friends on side. MC is struggling in their dedication. Maybe they can't get get enough evidence, maybe people are telling them to stop, maybe their health is failing
20. Plot Twist 2: Electric Boogaloo: Maybe Bae is Enemae (or friend is eeeevil or something. Betrayal fun) OR efforts in Trials aren’t enough and things are feeling helpless. Could go back to main area and be almost killed or have their cover blown, etc
21. Darkest moment/All hope is lost? Near death experience or even a death experience can happen here. Reflection + result of previous chapter
-
22. Power within/”I can do this” - MC determines that they won’t let the previous experience stop them. They NEED to accomplish their goal!
23. Action/Rally the troops - Reaches out to friends/other allies in order to recover and confront the BBEG ("big bad evil guy": anyone keeping things from being as the main characters want it to be)
24. Converge/Tie up side plots - any minor confrontations and mysteries are solved here. If there are personal issues between party members, this is resolved by this point
-
25. Battle/Confrontation - deal with the major issue that has plagued the whole story. Maybe converge on an island where the evil is, or talk with the person stopping lovers from getting together
26. Climax/End of confrontation - kill the BBEG/stop the calamity (hi Critters)/run away and elope/break the curse, whatever
27. Ending/Resolution of main storyline/Cliffhanger goes here - things are resolved. You got the lover, the bbeg is dead and things are peaceful again. Adjust to your new normal with a little reflection
Your breakdown is more helpful than the video
You are a godsend.
It won't let me copy and paste 😭😭
Thank you for writing this out. I'm the kind of person who needs a handout I can refer back to after watching the video.
I appreciate you doing this as I'm reworking a series I currently am working on so this was easy for me to go by.
this is such an informative and useful video!!
Oh shit, hey Cindy!
Hi Cindy!
Hey, Cindy :)
This is the most helpful outlining video ever! Thanks for sharing this, and please make more vids like this! You're awesome❤️
This has been helpful and fun to watch, I'd love to see you continue this video series with this story.
Ok...I've had writer's block for 6 years. I discovered this video and had my story plotted out in 2 hours. Thank you! Now, please excuse me, I have loads of writing to do.
Six years? Well sorry to hear that, but honestly it sounds like you didn't even try to write something and just gave up. It's impossible to have a writer's block for six years lol
Hey, man. How's that story coming along?
Six years!? Thats some patience if ive ever heard of it
@@bellac6311 mine was more like four and a half but it was because i didn't outline and kept scrapping ideas that now I'm back to using in this outline which only took about 5 or 6 days to finish. I am never not outlining my stories again.
How's it going? ^^
I just outlined a graphic novel I have been working on for THREE YEARS because of you. I cannot explain the level of excitement and how thankful I am for this video. Honestly...I cannot even tell you
How's it going? ^^
Yo?
Oh god, sorry guys! It went very well until things happened with Russia and Ukraine which ended up making the storyline really innappropriate. I plan to write it again but it'll be later in life as it needs a huge rewrite due to needing a new setting. Instead I'm here to work on something new and simpler that I've been planning out ideas for for 2 years
@@aridoescomicsoof, that sucks my im glad to hear you aren’t continuing something that could be distasteful to some and most likely problematic, sucks how something in life could destroy something you’ve planned for so long, though I’m glad you’re being mature about the whole thing. May I ask how your new book is going?
@@aridoescomics I have been told that if I don't want anyone to see what I'm writing, I'm on the right track. Write your truth and to hell with anyone who would put you down for it.
I have had writer's block for 7 years. I have struggling to finish an historical fiction for years. I have spent days searching for outlining methods that might help finish my "third act." This is it!!!!!! I just thought of my entire last third of my novel in minutes. I cannot thank you enough. I have sooo many new chapters to write. I've never been so happy!!! Woooohoooo! :)
this helped me get farther in 20 minutes than i did in 2 months. THANK YOU!!
glad it helped!!
Wow. This was so helpful. I’m someone who doesn’t typically write outlines but was having difficulties in getting very far in my stories. I have ideas in my head but they are just all over the place. I have been watching various videos about brainstorming and outlining for the past hour and this is the most helpful. I like it because it’s quite flexible while offering a great guide. Thank you for this.
Please do more writing videos! I love hearing how you put all the “puzzle pieces” together when you write! So fascinating! It definitely gets me inspired for my own story.
Six minutes into this and I can literally see my entire story in this outline format. This is so very helpful. Thank you.
First time every trying to write anything, fantasy book. Spent most of my time world building, i feel i have a good idea or decent idea at least and an interesting plot but anytime iv tried to map out my story I have always come up empty handed. Blaming my lack of experience, knowledge or intelligence and questioning myself why i thought i could do it. This video has helped me see a really good way of structuring it and really motivated me to get back to the drawing board.
Side note: To help myself understand story telling and structure i have been trying to take books like Harry Potter and plot it out like you did in this video to see where other authors would put things to better help me see how i could approach it. Your response to Wintermute is exactly what a new aspiring writer like myself could greatly benefit from.
Keep up the great work, your videos are helping a lot of people!
Me, beginning this vid: Ah, I love Kat's writing vids, but I'm a pantser. I won't use this in my work.
Me, ending this vid, having successfully placed my novel within this outline method, which greatly clarifies everything: ....oh
I like to call myself a Plotser - half pantser and half plotter! Love a LOOSE structure as an outline!
oh. my. goodness. THIS IS LITERALLY ALL I NEED. i was searching the whole youtube for something that can show me an example of a plot process. and THIS IS JUST INCREDIBLY HELPFUL. thank you so much!! i'm sobbing i guess im gonna finish my 5 years old book this week 😭😭😭
OH BUBBLING GOD LEAVE ME HERE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS STORY so captivating how passionate and interesting you can make such an useful content, Kat! you know, even cooking with Kat (which I die for) serves the entertainment and culinary factor the same way. passion and interest. oh well i love this story, I love these videos, help me
Everytime I start outlining a new story I look over your outlining with scrivener video because it makes it easier for me to figure my story out and where I want things to go. It's very helpful how you explain it and use your own story. I'm happy you've put up a newer explanation, I think it's be just as helpful. I love your writing videos, thank you for sharing.
Wow. I've been trying to figure out my plot for YEARS now and so far this was the only method that worked. I have it all layed out, finally. I can't thank you enough for sharing this ❤️❤️❤️
This is the Kat I subscribed to years ago. I adore your writing videos.
Please do more videos like this. This was amazing. Its really cool to see this side of book writing. If I’m writing a contemporary romance, do you recommend this outline?
yeah, totally! just interpret the 27 points in a more contemp romance kind of way! for example "battle" would be like an intense convo, or maybe a confrontation--it's the couple overcoming the last major obstacle that's stopping them from being together. then they get together! (climax) and have their happily ever after / happily for now (resolution)
I want to read this book immediately.
Same, my WIP is somehow similar lol.
This is the best How-To-Outline video EVER!! Very well explained and helpful. I have struggled to find someone that took the time to explain any method used to outline. THIS WAS AMAZING! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
i come back to this outline roughly every 6 months!!! pls never delete it!!!
I LOVE this back to roots attitude you've had with your writing vlogs lately! I'm trying to develop my own novel, and I think I'm going to try to use this method!
i watch this video religiously every time i need to revamp my outline, so i just wanna say drop by in this awful time to say how precious and helpful you are kat
I know it's been 5 years since this video was first uploaded, and you've been offline for a while, but this is still the only outlining video that's actually worked for me so thank you Kat!! And I hope you're doing well !!
This was so helpful!!!! Please keep the writing videos coming! I love seeing the development of this story. It's really helps paint a picture for how to use the outlining structure. Also, I really want to read this book!
I'm french and you are actually the best youtuber ever when it comes to explain the process of writing a book. thank you sooooo much and keep going please !
This is incredibly helpful. Using STC-for Novels, I was able to group scenes into chapters, but in the muddled middle I lost track of exactly how to divide my chapters. Now I can go back and re-arrange things faster when I do my re-write. THANK YOU!!!
I remember your older videos talking about this method, but seeing you actually set it up cleared up some confusion on my end. Thanks so much Kat for taking the time to make this video! ❤
I love how you break everything down so concisely. As someone who needs to write everything down and have a lot of structure in everything they do your videos like this are so dang helpful!
i haven't quite finished a book yet but every project i start begins with this outline! thank you so much for this resource, i love it!
Oh, wow. This is gold. I am definitely going to use this for every book that I write. Thank you so much! This makes outlining easier, less stressful, and more fun to where I actually want to do it and finally get my book started.
I'm definitely going to use this after my draft to outline a bit more to get everything organized. And then again when i start a new book. Genius.
Kat, the reason I like this format is because it has more beat/chapters that flesh out the 2nd act, which is way more helpful than other novel templates which are rather vague about the 2nd act (and let's face it, the most difficult act to write). If you ever return to this channel, please make a video to further explain in detail the function of each chapter by giving examples from a popular novel. It's really a great structure template that you've come up with, as it's way more clear than others I've come across. Happy writing. See ya round. Peace.
i lowkey want a t-shirt that says "protag's gonna protag"
Why”low key”??
Omg yes! I want one too
Yes! An excellent reward for finishing a draft. I'd write toward that.
Please, somebody make one.
Tag your writing bestie in this lol
I love this cause it's an actual guide. Most I've seen are like 98% bubbly stuff, 1% speaking about the pros of outlining and 1% some vague instructions
Thank you so much, I finally sat down and used this method to tie all the little plot points and character arcs I’ve been working on for years into a cohesive outline. I no longer have the excuse of ‘I can’t write cause I don’t know where my story is going yet’! Here’s praying this is enough to get me out of my writing slump ❤️😊
I had to revisit this again because it was so helpful the first time. It just blows my mind how hearing you go through all 27 names somehow ends up leaving me free living almost every Epic story I have ever read or seen. So many scenes playing out in my head. Thank you.
I just have to say how much I truly appreciate this video. I have been stuck for three years with my story and in one day of watching your videos on story structure I have fleshed out scenes, new plot twist and developed characters, and just a better flow of the story. For so long my ideas were all jumbled up, I had google docs for days on scene ideas and character development and background information ideas and this video helped me to structure all of my ideas. So thank you so much!
this is amazing helpful kat! i have always been a pantser and i've never finished a first act of a story much less a whole book. your videos are a great resource and im so excited for this years nano!
This is so helpful! I've was rummaging through my computer about a month ago and found an old story idea that I must've dropped but looking back at it, I really like it so I've been trying to create something with it but have been struggling with an outline and this helped me tremendously! AMAZING! New subscriber :)
Kat, you have to ability to teach by inspiring others. You are a natural 💜
I love studying different writing techniques for drafting novels, that way I can see what mixture of them work for me!
This made me rethink my outlining, i feel like i rushed into the 2nd act too fast and took too long to get into the 3rd act, which now seems rushed, making my outline have sloppy middle syndrome. This really helped me figure out each step of the acts in the simplest details without getting too vague, thank you for making this video. I feel so much better outlining my story now!
i've been sitting on a book idea for so long and now i just outlined it all properly
thank u kat the writing GODDESS
Well, I'm a convert. I did in a half an hour what I've been agonizing actual weeks over. I've never been able to see so clearly from one side of my plot to the other. O.O
Thank you for showing the process. Just went through 8 videos that talked about how to do it. Seeing the process is a must for me. You get a gold star for the video.
Like after finishing a good book or movie and you sit there, taking it in. Reeling in the feels. This outline is amazing. I've had this character and small idea in my head. For years. I really haven't given birth to this yet. Until now. So much unfolded within this outline, piecing together the little sub notes that have been swimming around the basic idea of my character and synopsis. The outline let me visualize how I would piece it together.. Then, it started spilling over to another book idea I've been toying with for even longer. My head was popping off ideas on what would go in those boxes that fit their stories. It made it made sense. You made everything make sense. Thank you so much for this video! Subscribed.
Wow, this was amazing! This was the main thing I was having trouble with! Great work! 🙏🏾
Another thing I do is outline each chapter into 27 sentences, one for each topic of her 3-9-27 outline, but leave the actual resolution into the next chapter to hook the reader.
This is so far the best video i've watch about 3 acts. very informative and easy to understand. Good job!
I was so helpful seeing you create a plot using this method, normally the chapters are so abstract but it really helped seeing what you put in there!
This is perfect for me. I've been trying different outlining styles and so far this and Jenna Morecci's techniques have been the most useful to me. Thanks!
HOLY COW!!! This is AMAZING! I've been having trouble with my novel but i'm going to plot it out using this method and it might help focus my storyline better.
You are absolutely brilliant. You were clear, concise, and covered every point and answered every question a writer in need might have in structuring a plot. I cannot thank you enough. So grateful for your knowledge!
Hi! Thank you! this is the most straight forward explanation of outlines ever! I need more though, the big questions ect. I'm an over thinker and an over describer so knowing specific questions that need answered for the outline to work would be awesome!
Thank you SO SO SO much for this resource, Kat. I come back to it frequently when I'm brainstorming and outlining my projects. This video is a LIFE SAVER!
I can’t believe I just outlined (and decided on an ending to my book) in 17 minutes! 🤯 you’re really onto something here!
I’m so glad I heard about this method! It literally saved the book I’m currently writing. I’ve been stuck for a few months now, wanting to write something, but I didn’t know what to write about. A few days ago, I thought "You know what? You’re gonna start writing something." And I found your video. I started with literally zero ideas (apart from the main characters name and the main relationship of the story). I had no idea what it would be. And in almost 30-40 minutes, I had a very good and complete oultine of the book. It’s the first time that I have an outline that is that precise and it will be so helpful.
So, thank you so much 💜
Kat this is amazing! I never comment (and I don't have the right words to do so right now) but I had to say something on this video. This is wonderful. Concise, detailed, well put together. Just- thank you!
I have been sitting on this story for years and with your help I finally was able to put it down in a digestible way. Wtf. It’s taken me years. Thank you times a billion!!!!
I would love to see more story crafting videos...I'm so stuck on outlining my current story and this totally helped me. I'm still not 100% sure about the outline, but that video helped me so much to figure out some issues I've been stuck on.
This tool was extremely helpful to me! I love how you explained it! I’m so much more confident in my plot now!
Thank you so much for this video. SO many of the advice videos out there tend to come across as vague because they don't use specific examples (authors wanting to keep their work a secret til its published). Having something so specific gives the outlining method a real concreteness that others don't, so thank you for sharing. I've had a novel I've been having some trouble with for Nanowrimo this year and I've come back to this video several times to work out details - and its really helped me iron out the difficulties - so again, thank you for this.
Thank you so much for this video!! I’m a visual learner and nobody else seems to write it out like you do so this really, really helped me!
I keep coming back to this video because it's so well explained and gives EXAMPLES!
I come back to this video so many times, and I think I have a better version of my draft. (third time writing it, and removed a key element that just wasnt working for me. I think I have a better feel for the novel now that I've done this again and removed the element that I never liked in my first draft) thanks so much.
At first I was like "yeah maybe this could help...".
And now, one week later, I'm 4000+ words into my outline and i keep referencing this video.
Finaly it helps like... a lot ^^
Aww man. Thanks SO MUCH for sharing this process Kat. Definitely want more of these writing videos. 😍 Really enjoyed your teaching style. I’m adding this to my writing playlist for sure.
I missed this the first time around and I HAVE BEEN WANTING THIS FOR YEARS. THIS IS AMAZING.
I remember watching this video a while ago but then I had a massive years long burn out. I'm glad I was able to find this video again. I've seen other writers start to talk about this method so I guess I wanted to say thank you! You've made a big impact on story writers everywhere. Thank you so much for sharing your brain thoughts.
Thank you so so so much for this video! I’ve watched it 4 times now. I feel more ready for Nano this year than ever before! You have no idea how much this helped me!!
I always come back to this video whenever I need a lil' bit of inspiration. This is such a gem. Thank you for service, ma'am.
I just found your channel today 3/14/2023 and you just saved my life. I can do this process. Thank you friend from buffalo NY.
I'm new to creative writing and watched this video last night. I've had a story in my head that I've wanted to tell for years; this morning I was able to outline it for the first time using this chart. Thank you so much for this video, it was a huge help!
I am so excited about more writing videos from you, and I haven't even watched this one yet. I love going back and watching all your old ones
This straight up got me to finish a NaNo. Crazy how well this works, I highly recommend it.
This outline example seems really helpful! I'm definitely gonna try and use it for my own writing. Also, I highkey wanna read this story about the sisters. It sounds awesome.
I’d hit a wall for my story. I tried other plotting methods-some that had never worked for me before, some that had but not this time, and even a couple that I had never tried before.
Then the nano prep 101 workbook pointed to this and BAM! Story is now plotted!
Thank you!
I just want you to know that thanks to this video and this video alone, I have finally gotten a 0.5 draft finished. It's literally taken me years to try and get a plot down and this outline video has fixed it.
omg I'd love to see like 10 different authors take the block outlining you have @ the 12th minute mark and just run with it! it would be so interesting to see how different the resulting stories would be, even with all the constraints: the writing style, the overall tone, the characters, the resolution.. they could even fall under different genres, like comedy/romance/drama/thriller. asdfghjk the possibilities!
unrelated: I'm obsessed with your handwriting 😍
i've had that same idea!!! it'd be SO FASCINATING!!
0:00 hello and welcome
It´s so interesting how you can think of things just like that. It may help in my own struggles. Definitely want more videos like this!
I can't thank you enough for this video. This helps me tremendously in understanding the outlining process, coming from a pantser who wishes to learn how to plotting. Thank you so so much!
I remember this method from your previous outlining video! I love it so much.
YES we finally learn more about the story, I'm in love 😍 As a fellow plotter, I truly find this outline method to be really great!
Thank you! I've been looking for advice on how to outline for years and this was the best I've seen.
Loved it! This really helps soooooo much thank you! I would love to see you continue this story and make like a chronical on story structure and development! Thanks for the video!
Extreamly helpful outlining video. I’ve been procrastinating for ageees due to plot outline anxiety. This gave me a bit of direction. Sorted, Cheers M’dears.
I'm loving all of these videos about writing and structured. I've missed them! This was really helpful.
This is amazing. I’ve always been a Pantser and I never knew how to outline this is amazing help.
This was great! I recognise now some of the areas my story is missing. I would love your thoughts on weaving multiple subplots through this structure.
just used this to plot out my story and it really helped! i was able to do it easily, I had been struggling to find a way to plot and breaking down each act helped sooo much thank you!!
I just discovered you on RUclips and I just want to say thank you for giving me a road map to getting my idea out of my head and on paper! I am going to try this tonight but after watching this twice I really feel that this is just what I needed to get me writing again. Thanks and I've also subscribed.
For a second there I thought I was seeing your old video pop up onto my feed! haha Videos like this one were why I subscribed to you all those years ago, and having a nice refresher on story structure is always good. Your method is definitely a fave! It was fun to see you going through the outlining process with the story from the previous brainstorming video. I definitely think you should continue putting out writing craft videos!
Love this series you've got going on x it's a really interesting way to format and outline and I love a good outline! It's such a concise, helpful and versatile method x keep these videos coming Kat! Xx
thank you for this, I just found your video by coinsidence, as a beginner writer this video is the easiest outlining video I have come across so far on youtube! you made it look soo simple! once again thank you!
I’ve never seen the three-act structure broken down like this but I’m very intrigued! I kind of want to see how well my WIP fits into this (though I already know the ends of the first two acts don’t). More writing videos please!
FINALLY SOMETHING THAT HELPS MY LOGICAL BRAIN OUTLINE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS FOR ME THANK YOU SO MUCH