Outline Mastery Guide: Million Dollar Outlines, by David Farland
Alrighty, let's chat about an enlightening read I dived into recently - Million Dollar Outlines by David Farland. I first heard whispers of this book during Farland's "Writing Enchanted Prose" class at Fyrecon last year, and since I'm not exactly that at crafting outlines, I snatched it up. It wasn't until I started working on the sequel to Demon Fall that I finally gave it a go.
This book, buddy, is a goldmine for those who need help structuring their incredible stories. It's like a teacher holding your hand, guiding you through the process of creating detailed outlines, not just for personal use but also for book proposals. I've been making use of the techniques it describes - such as creating a conflict/resolution page for each character to help discover the shape of the rising and falling action, or brainstorming plot points and finding those exhilarating detours my stories can take.
Farland offers some pretty cool ideas on narrative techniques writers can use to bring across their points and enhance emotions - like doubling or tripling. As he explains these tools, he provides insightful examples from other works that show their impact.
And here's the pièce de résistance - at the end of the book, Farland includes the transcript for the planning meeting for Raiders of the Lost Ark. Talk about getting a peek behind the curtain! Seeing the messy process of outlining a million dollar story was both astonishing and inspiring.
Million Dollar Outlines is a book I think just about anyone would enjoy, but especially those like me – discovery writers who want to learn how to outline. As a pantser myself, it helped me better understand outlining and make it work for me. The best part? Seeing that I can combine outlining with my writing superpower to become an even more effective writer. That's a worthwhile discovery if you ask me.
In addition, the book offers some practical examples on how to make the taught tools work. As someone who learns best through modeling, reading the excerpts Farland included helped me see the practical application. And the diagrams! In one section, Farland describes "story shape" and then illustrates it with some wonderful diagrams to show how the characters' plots intertwine and unfold to create the story's shape.
So, what book about writing has had the most significant impact on you and your work? Drop a comment below and let me know!
Recommended Books for Discovery Writers:
- Write No Matter What by Jodi Picoult
While not solely about discovery writing, Picoult discusses the importance of writing consistently and trusting the process, which resonates well for discovery writers.
- The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
Although aimed at plotters, Truby's insights into story structure can be helpful for discovery writers, offering a better understanding of the underlying mechanics without forcing rigid plotting.
- Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
A popular choice among writers who struggle with structure, Lamott emphasizes the messy, exploratory nature of writing, making it a great read for discovery writers looking to embrace creativity and flow.
- Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
This classic encourages writing as a practice of discovery and flow, perfect for writers who want to explore their stories without being confined by a strict outline.
- Writing Fiction for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy
Offering flexible advice, this book is helpful for both plotters and discovery writers, providing tips on how to balance structure and spontaneity.
[1] https://www.npr.org/2012/12/31/167692016/on-writing-tips-from-best-selling-authors[4] https://writershelpingwriters.net/the-magic-of-discovery-writing/[5] https://academic.oup.com/wet/article/1/1/7/2589890
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Learn more about the fantasy genre and writing tips on Words Worth Writing.
The engaging read, Million Dollar Outlines by David Farland, serves as a valuable resource for both structuring stories and discovering new techniques in novel writing. This book is particularly beneficial for those learning new approaches to outlining and seeking a balance between planning and spontaneity in their writing.
Whether you're a discovery writer looking to embrace structure or a seasoned writer who wants to improve their outlining skills, books like Million Dollar Outlines play a significant role in personal growth, education, and self-development, offering entertainment and learning opportunities in equal measure.
