Outlines Class: FAQs
Everything you need to know before signing up
OUTLINES is a new craft class. Today, we’re going over what it’s all about!
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What is the goal of OUTLINES?
To teach 5 new outlining methods that all have a unique structure, writing style, and process associated with them.
To provide new possibilities of balancing planning and drafting to help writers sustain a longer novel-length project.
To illustrate diagrams, worksheets, and other tools to help writers visualize and organize their stories.
Who is this for?
Writers who may not have resonated with existing outlining methods (such as the 3-act structure, etc.) but feel a desire to have some sort of structure before or during the drafting process.
Writers who are looking to expand their knowledge of craft and understanding of the complexity of novels.
What material will we learn?
Luckily, I’ve been spending the past few weeks writing some essays on this exact question!
Take a look at the five modules of the class below. In these essays, I explain why I invented each method, who it’s for, and which writing styles it might go best with.
The "Situation Machine" Outlining Method
This month, I’m taking you on a tour of my favorite outlining methods before the release of OUTLINES, a craft class where you’ll learn new forms of organizing story and staying on top of drafting and revision.
The "Two Worlds" Outlining Method
During these next few weeks, I’m taking you on a behind-the-scenes tour of five unique outlining methods that I’ll be teaching weekly, starting February 25.
The "Menu of Shenanigans" Outlining Method
This outlining method is a love letter to my romance writers, although of course, any novelist who is interested in creating a book with lively pacing and a strong central focus will benefit from this strategy!
The "Scroll" Outlining Method
This outlining method is by far my most frequently used. It’s a catchall for lines of dialogue, worldbuilding ideas, and flashes of imagery. Somehow, all those mini inspirations can add up to a book — if you organize them!
The Domino Method of Outlining
This outlining method is the one that finally brings out the post-it notes. I set up dominos for almost every book I write that has a lot of action, plot twists, and reveals. It’s my favorite tool for developing drama and building suspense.
How long will I have to complete the course material?
You will have lifetime access to all course material! This includes lecture recordings, diagrams, study guides, and workbooks. You can re-watch and review all of the writing resources.
Sometimes, I add a new module to an existing asynchronous course, usually through a live session. Whenever this happens, you’ll automatically get access to any new material, too!
(I’m sure in the future I will have a 6th and 7th outlining method to add to this particular course.)
What happens after I sign up?
You’ll get immediate access to the full class material! There is a link in your confirmation page that will bring you to the classroom portal login. Our portal has all of the course material, including recorded lectures and worksheets. Enjoy at your own pace, and review when needed.
What if I’m not an advanced enough writer for this course?
This is a writing craft course for novelists and anyone embarking on a longer narrative creative work. This is the perfect place for both beginners and working writers alike. While there will be time for questions and some small discussion, the bulk of each class will be instructional as I take you through the detailed steps of each outlining method. So, there is no need to feel self-conscious or worry about having to share any of your writing at this stage — this is just a resource for you to absorb, learn, and study!
If you want to learn new outlining strategies, switch up your approach to your novel, and gain some new craft tips, then this is the perfect place for you.
What do I do if I’m ready to register?
Head on over to the course page and select one of the registration links (payment plan or pay in full) at the bottom of the page. Then, keep an eye out for your welcome email!