HOW TO OUTLINE | 3 act 9 block 27 chapter example

LET'S OUTLINE A BOOK! today i'm doing a quick overview of my 3 act / 9 block / 27 chapter outline method and then outlining an example story! more videos about this outline method linked below :)
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more videos about this outline method:
an older general overview - • How I Outline! [3 Acts...
another example outline in scrivener - • Outlining With Scrivener!
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Пікірлер: 658

  • @rebekahdevall3584
    @rebekahdevall35845 жыл бұрын

    ... I just did this and outlined a book in half an hour. 😂 This is a dangerous tool.

  • @Jordzs7

    @Jordzs7

    4 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @ibniasobetramirezramirez4699

    @ibniasobetramirezramirez4699

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ola

  • @beans2752

    @beans2752

    4 жыл бұрын

    I'm excited to watch it now I'm stRUGGLING

  • @phantom_of_romance1945

    @phantom_of_romance1945

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @phantom_of_romance1945

    @phantom_of_romance1945

    3 жыл бұрын

    Because if you know how it ends, there won't be that confusion that she has in this video. Idea galore too hehe

  • @leftspeaker2000
    @leftspeaker20005 жыл бұрын

    I'd be interested to see you deconstuct a book using this method.

  • @Katytastic

    @Katytastic

    5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @fangurling8980

    @fangurling8980

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yes, please! That's an awesome idea and would be very helpful.

  • @tamera4123

    @tamera4123

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@Katytastic ohh please do this!

  • @FlagPam

    @FlagPam

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@Katytastic Please do this!

  • @GregorianGangsta

    @GregorianGangsta

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@Katytastic Did you ever do this? :0

  • @capricioushelen
    @capricioushelen5 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @Katytastic

    @Katytastic

    5 жыл бұрын

    yay, it's such a wonderful feeling when something clicks! good luck with the writing!!

  • @StarlasAiko

    @StarlasAiko

    4 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @pixxie643

    @pixxie643

    4 жыл бұрын

    I realised the same thing!!

  • @valedd9074

    @valedd9074

    3 жыл бұрын

    omg dame girl like literally my first chapter it's the second chapter akdkakskaks

  • @Boraheartsss

    @Boraheartsss

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha literal SAME. Was starting my story at the big conflict like holddd up I need to explain the characters first

  • @avamile223
    @avamile2234 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @marianacarina2580

    @marianacarina2580

    3 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @godinman8540

    @godinman8540

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hey, man. How's that story coming along?

  • @bellac6311

    @bellac6311

    3 жыл бұрын

    Six years!? Thats some patience if ive ever heard of it

  • @englishmuffin7

    @englishmuffin7

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @ender4344

    @ender4344

    2 жыл бұрын

    How's it going? ^^

  • @PeachyLiv
    @PeachyLiv5 жыл бұрын

    This is the most helpful outlining video ever! Thanks for sharing this, and please make more vids like this! You're awesome❤️

  • @TheSMarie42

    @TheSMarie42

    5 жыл бұрын

    This has been helpful and fun to watch, I'd love to see you continue this video series with this story.

  • @withcindy
    @withcindy5 жыл бұрын

    this is such an informative and useful video!!

  • @TheOther-Dude

    @TheOther-Dude

    3 жыл бұрын

    Oh shit, hey Cindy!

  • @LOREIRIN

    @LOREIRIN

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Cindy!

  • @chaicoffeecup

    @chaicoffeecup

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey, Cindy :)

  • @msmaggierose530
    @msmaggierose5305 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @booksfordays
    @booksfordays5 жыл бұрын

    this helped me get farther in 20 minutes than i did in 2 months. THANK YOU!!

  • @Katytastic

    @Katytastic

    5 жыл бұрын

    glad it helped!!

  • @jadesmediacorner
    @jadesmediacorner5 жыл бұрын

    I want to read this book immediately.

  • @nkrwrites3894

    @nkrwrites3894

    3 жыл бұрын

    Same, my WIP is somehow similar lol.

  • @AuraQueenDraconis
    @AuraQueenDraconis Жыл бұрын

    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

  • @ZZ-bt2jr

    @ZZ-bt2jr

    Жыл бұрын

    Your breakdown is more helpful than the video

  • @Ivory.Beaa111

    @Ivory.Beaa111

    Жыл бұрын

    You are a godsend.

  • @burfarm035

    @burfarm035

    11 ай бұрын

    It won't let me copy and paste 😭😭

  • @spookymoose

    @spookymoose

    9 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @jessicawhite6657

    @jessicawhite6657

    8 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @stronggirlsyndrome
    @stronggirlsyndrome5 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @ender4344

    @ender4344

    2 жыл бұрын

    How's it going? ^^

  • @neno3123

    @neno3123

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yo?

  • @stronggirlsyndrome

    @stronggirlsyndrome

    3 ай бұрын

    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

  • @Shaaydiia07

    @Shaaydiia07

    22 күн бұрын

    ⁠@@stronggirlsyndromeoof, 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?

  • @sofeashabani
    @sofeashabani4 жыл бұрын

    i lowkey want a t-shirt that says "protag's gonna protag"

  • @ethanchambers6383

    @ethanchambers6383

    3 жыл бұрын

    Why”low key”??

  • @saharmahmud5214

    @saharmahmud5214

    3 жыл бұрын

    Omg yes! I want one too

  • @desinavan4205

    @desinavan4205

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes! An excellent reward for finishing a draft. I'd write toward that.

  • @savagenovelist2983

    @savagenovelist2983

    3 жыл бұрын

    Please, somebody make one.

  • @candellina6

    @candellina6

    Жыл бұрын

    Tag your writing bestie in this lol

  • @diegotrevino4286
    @diegotrevino42865 жыл бұрын

    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?

  • @Katytastic

    @Katytastic

    5 жыл бұрын

    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)

  • @N332
    @N3325 жыл бұрын

    This is the Kat I subscribed to years ago. I adore your writing videos.

  • @havenworley1356
    @havenworley13565 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @limiabean
    @limiabean4 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @goliazalonzo
    @goliazalonzo5 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @user-ou6vc4xq5o
    @user-ou6vc4xq5o Жыл бұрын

    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 😭😭😭

  • @ThatGeckkohGuy
    @ThatGeckkohGuy4 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @freesoul94
    @freesoul945 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @davidespinosa8242
    @davidespinosa82424 жыл бұрын

    Six minutes into this and I can literally see my entire story in this outline format. This is so very helpful. Thank you.

  • @lillithnoel1645
    @lillithnoel16454 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @SlowSnower02
    @SlowSnower025 жыл бұрын

    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 ❤️❤️❤️

  • @dainalizfeliberty5158
    @dainalizfeliberty51585 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @ThePatchworkNerd
    @ThePatchworkNerd5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @theslowreader850
    @theslowreader8505 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @Moxiltws
    @Moxiltws5 жыл бұрын

    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 ^^

  • @kathleenkrikorian8583
    @kathleenkrikorian85832 ай бұрын

    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! :)

  • @Moshuun
    @Moshuun3 жыл бұрын

    Wow, this was amazing! This was the main thing I was having trouble with! Great work! 🙏🏾

  • @PianoMan-hx3ev

    @PianoMan-hx3ev

    2 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @anaghatk3304
    @anaghatk33045 жыл бұрын

    Kat, you have to ability to teach by inspiring others. You are a natural 💜

  • @ShonnaKaldwellAuthor
    @ShonnaKaldwellAuthor5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @addangel
    @addangel5 жыл бұрын

    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 😍

  • @Katytastic

    @Katytastic

    5 жыл бұрын

    i've had that same idea!!! it'd be SO FASCINATING!!

  • @dangerousangels7
    @dangerousangels75 жыл бұрын

    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! ❤

  • @emilyberry15
    @emilyberry155 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @greyjediwriter
    @greyjediwriter5 жыл бұрын

    I love studying different writing techniques for drafting novels, that way I can see what mixture of them work for me!

  • @englishmuffin7
    @englishmuffin72 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @jeanne8015
    @jeanne80158 ай бұрын

    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 !!

  • @cnj122000
    @cnj12200011 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @galaxylucia1898
    @galaxylucia18984 жыл бұрын

    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!!!

  • @mackenziebrynnrap
    @mackenziebrynnrap5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @cnj122000
    @cnj12200028 күн бұрын

    i come back to this outline roughly every 6 months!!! pls never delete it!!!

  • @sansastark5810
    @sansastark58104 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @siobhankilsby9258
    @siobhankilsby92585 жыл бұрын

    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 ❤️😊

  • @Iheartyt5596
    @Iheartyt55964 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @AndreaMGC
    @AndreaMGC5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @camiwats
    @camiwats5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @DamienZshadow
    @DamienZshadow3 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @AdrienLuz
    @AdrienLuz5 жыл бұрын

    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 !

  • @alilbitmads
    @alilbitmads5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @uselessintherain5852
    @uselessintherain58525 жыл бұрын

    Yaaaaay more writing craft vids🤸❤️

  • @israels.grancelli3542
    @israels.grancelli35425 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @gretal3071
    @gretal30715 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @kippxbooks
    @kippxbooks5 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @SparkiMcSparks
    @SparkiMcSparks2 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @WillN2Go1
    @WillN2Go1Ай бұрын

    This is great. I think this is how story tellers grow and learn and how stories get made. Couple of points. First, I finished most of a first draft several years ago and had the computer voice read out a hundred pages or so (while I cleaned house). Sounded like many books I've listened to as audiobooks. Good, I thought... but it wasn't quite what I was after. What this taught me is that a lot of books, movies and stories we like, including some of our favorites are really not great, but more than good enough. I was after more. Hmmm So I kept working and reading. The best work was taking apart books like how I'd like to be able to write. Some writers can just start typing out a book they like and after a while they just switch and start working on their project. When I do this, I learn a lot, but I just keep typing. What's always worked for me is in the evening I'll read 50 -100 pages of my ideal book, go to sleep then wake up at my usual time (no distractions no one around) and immediately sit down to write. And what I want to write, different from the example, just starts pouring out. It's like my brain works on it all night. I think if anyone can figure out my inspiration they won't think I've just copied. Now I can find scenes I wrote last year in the middle of notes on aspects of my story. (historical novel so a lot of notes.) Wow, but 'did I really write that?' I'll google parts and if nothing comes up -- it's me. I like that you've gone to the next level in with this. I find the basic structure is really helpful, gives me something to hang my ideas on and the direction of the story. But here's the rub: Who watches a movie or reads a book and if the "Push" or Plot Point 1 occurs a bit early or a bit late finds themselves bored or confused? The comedy writer/director Preston Sturges in the 1940s I think had a four act structure, maybe five. He just jammed in more acts, more complications and more laughs. It moves along so quickly audiences just hang on. In The Lady Eve the two main characters finally connect on the ocean liner as it's coming into New York and cut to the middle of some specific problems in the chaos of a wedding day. Weeks later. I think there are scenes in Preston Sturges' movies that we remember (I've seen them all several times) that aren't in the movies. The opposite of this is a scene takes place because it has to at that point in the story and it's predictable. ( A college professor showed us a moderate budget movie that we were supposed to analyze. The apples on board were temptation? He wanted something simple, but it wasn't simple, it was tedious. Cast Away is simple but not tedious.) Structure like other elements of story is a tool that is based on expectations. Little kids want to hear the same story over and over again, grown ups like to be surprised. I like action movies, but most of them end with 'the big final battle' that just goes on too long, is completely predictable -- tedious. It's not writing, it's filling in a form. The other thing I noticed is that when I do go looking for these key points in really good work, I often find many things going on. Subplots working around the main story, hitting their plot points (hero has a problem, antagonist has a success, an FBI guy gets on a plane.) I watched Gone Girl again last week with a Beat Sheet someone made. Yes those beats are there, but they are not spots, it's a tapestry. The detectives don't arrest Nick, but information is learned that compels them to take a harder look. It's as though your personal plot point is not when the police knock on your door and arrest you, it's while you're setting up for your party, the police leave the station to drive to your house, (readers know this, but you don't), But that's not enough, your nasty mother in law arrives early and demands to know about your teenage arrest record. You explain they let everyone out the next morning, not a big deal.... But that's not what she's talking about. She's waving a piece of paper that says drugs, lewd behavior and demands to know if you were a prostitute. You feel completely blindsided, it's not you, but as you begin reading her 'evidence,' The police tell you you're under arrest. Your maid of honor let them in. So first draft might be simple, but then complicate it in ways that seem unavoidable.

  • @omegaminoseer4539
    @omegaminoseer45393 ай бұрын

    I really like this method! As someone who started as a Dungeon Master, I'm more used to a flow-based structure, where the story doesn't have a predetermined ending, only a end situation. This actually plays into that, where the First "drafted," Act is 100% concrete and then develops naturally.

  • @carlyhope3696
    @carlyhope36965 жыл бұрын

    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 :)

  • @TheEmz370
    @TheEmz3703 жыл бұрын

    I can’t believe I just outlined (and decided on an ending to my book) in 17 minutes! 🤯 you’re really onto something here!

  • @veeisher
    @veeisher2 жыл бұрын

    I love love the way you do your outline it is so much easier to keep track of your story! Thank you for your time, content, and love for being a novelist! 🙏🏽

  • @ROSE-df4rb
    @ROSE-df4rb4 жыл бұрын

    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 💜

  • @tarahillen877
    @tarahillen8775 жыл бұрын

    I'm loving all of these videos about writing and structured. I've missed them! This was really helpful.

  • @ajwinterbooks
    @ajwinterbooks5 жыл бұрын

    I'm so glad you're making more writing videos 😍😍😍 These are my favorites of yours!

  • @zahavahcarter
    @zahavahcarter10 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @AreFlamingosPink
    @AreFlamingosPink5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @LaHormiguitaLectora
    @LaHormiguitaLectora5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Caro_b
    @Caro_b5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @mdstevens0612
    @mdstevens06124 жыл бұрын

    This straight up got me to finish a NaNo. Crazy how well this works, I highly recommend it.

  • @maureenlindler660
    @maureenlindler6604 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @lucylume
    @lucylume5 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @malayaramos1162
    @malayaramos11625 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @jckgirlsparkle
    @jckgirlsparkle5 жыл бұрын

    I remember this method from your previous outlining video! I love it so much.

  • @proudbooklion2094
    @proudbooklion20945 жыл бұрын

    I LOVE THIS SO MUCH, honestly you go thorough everything so thoroughly and after watching your videos it feels like I could write a book. They are informative and encouraging, thank you for these!

  • @Summer_Dream3r
    @Summer_Dream3r Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @SucculentsandSpikes
    @SucculentsandSpikes4 жыл бұрын

    This is so far the best video i've watch about 3 acts. very informative and easy to understand. Good job!

  • @jessbagnall9395
    @jessbagnall93955 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @magnus_bane
    @magnus_bane4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much Kat! I just write the entire outline of my book using your method. You're awesome! Lots of love!❤❤❤

  • @goodkillermusic
    @goodkillermusic5 жыл бұрын

    I missed this the first time around and I HAVE BEEN WANTING THIS FOR YEARS. THIS IS AMAZING.

  • @laurenditzel4283
    @laurenditzel42835 жыл бұрын

    This video was so helpful I can’t wait to try this out!

  • @khstar
    @khstar4 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @ryanmaynard6739
    @ryanmaynard67393 жыл бұрын

    This tool was extremely helpful to me! I love how you explained it! I’m so much more confident in my plot now!

  • @bl8388
    @bl83882 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @sawda101
    @sawda1015 жыл бұрын

    THANKS SO MUCH KAT! I’m new to writing and I had a story idea and had no idea how to get it out and this is so cool

  • @weezelsoup8574
    @weezelsoup8574 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @bigdungeonenergy
    @bigdungeonenergy2 жыл бұрын

    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!!!!

  • @MrBrokenSorrow
    @MrBrokenSorrow3 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @LauraTwoPointO
    @LauraTwoPointO5 жыл бұрын

    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!!

  • @kayleighbrown459
    @kayleighbrown4592 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @rafael._.1272
    @rafael._.12723 жыл бұрын

    Damn. She really came up with a whole story in 40 minutes.

  • @queenb2450
    @queenb24502 жыл бұрын

    I have about like 5 (3 of them are part of a series) story ideas that have been brewing with me for like 10+ years, but always scared to just go and ahead and write it. Honestly, with this outline I think you just gave my 5 books a heck of a head start. I know ALL the main characters and the plot twists, but never the actual stuff like this. Wow thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @hannahhassan6242
    @hannahhassan62425 жыл бұрын

    this was so helpful! I've always wanted to outline an actual story instead of jumping right into the writing but I never really knew how to start so this will help!!

  • @SatiaRenee
    @SatiaRenee4 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @johnecoapollo7
    @johnecoapollo72 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @Lunacccy
    @Lunacccy2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I've been looking for advice on how to outline for years and this was the best I've seen.

  • @zuzanalukyova6513
    @zuzanalukyova65135 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @nazycampbell7513
    @nazycampbell75133 жыл бұрын

    Exactly what I needed after a few years of writing a first draft that wasn't going anywhere particular. Now I'm trying to section my writing into this pattern. Thanks a million.

  • @jordanvictoria5
    @jordanvictoria54 жыл бұрын

    I just discovered you on KZread 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.

  • @ecidnak
    @ecidnak5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @3nvy05
    @3nvy053 жыл бұрын

    This is the best video I've seen on how to outline a novel. I've been procrastinating mine because of how daunting it seemed. But this method made it super easy and manageable. Now all I need to worry about is fully fleshing out all my characters before I start writing. Thank you so much for this video!❤

  • @JamezHunter
    @JamezHunter4 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @shelbywelter2381
    @shelbywelter23814 жыл бұрын

    I keep coming back to this video because it's so well explained and gives EXAMPLES!