Doesn't explain how to outline

I really enjoyed the author’s other book “Structuring Your Novel”. It made perfect sense and was well organised.

This book, however, was confusing. Its title promises a book about outlining a novel, but the author never defines what an outline is or what she means when she refers to “an outline”. The closest she comes is to give three examples of non-traditional outlines. And despite paragraph after paragraph on the importance of outlining, she never seems to explain how to actually outline a novel.

She does this sort of thing elsewhere in the book, too. At one point she refers to a novel’s theme and why it’s very important, but never explains what a theme is.

The book does offer a lot of advice that sounds practical and intuitively seems like it should be helpful. But, unlike her other book, this advice seems haphazard. There don’t seem to be clear connections between the topics discussed.

If you’re considering writing a novel, I would still recommend this book to you because, as I’ve said, it does seem to contain helpful information. If you only want to read one book by this author, though, I highly recommend the other one, “Structuring Your Novel”.

18 people found this helpful

Work changing resource!

She completely reversed my position on outlining and by the time I finished this audiobook during my morning commute in the car I had completed an entire outline and first draft of my novel. KM breaks this all down in digestible and inspiring bits. Outlining Your Novel will go on my list of top resources that changed the entire way I work.

8 people found this helpful

Wrong Title for this book

What would have made Outlining Your Novel better?

talking about how to write an outline.

Would you ever listen to anything by K. M. Weiland again?

probably not.

Have you listened to any of Sonja Field’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

What character would you cut from Outlining Your Novel?

not applicable

Any additional comments?

Too much talk about story philosophy. Not really about writing an outline. Gave up.

8 people found this helpful

Great listen, probably best for "beginners"

What made the experience of listening to Outlining Your Novel the most enjoyable?

Felt like I was having a conversation with the author.

Have you listened to any of Sonja Field’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First time I've listened to her. She did a great job, so this most likely won't be my last time.

Any additional comments?

Having read a lot of books on writing, there's nothing new here. I'm of the opinion, though, that it doesn't hurt to have these lessons burned into your memory. And the writing and the narration make this such a delightful listen that it was well worth my time.

7 people found this helpful

Great Intro into Why Outlines Help

Liked: the author steps thru a justification for outlining methodically. The interviewer questions were dogmatic in their consistency for each author interviewed. Definitely reaffirming that outlining does not introduce too much differential equations into a creative process. structure is ok.

Dislike: I wish it delved a little more into various types of outlining and planning with more critiques on various planning tools.

6 people found this helpful

Just what I needed!

I have a number of really great books for creating fiction or writing your novel, but this is at the top for really and truly getting started on the right foot thru outlining! I've listened to Miss Weiland in several webinars and I love her style and direction both on the written page and in person. If you don't know where to start your novel start here! I have both the audio and paper back book and workbook!

6 people found this helpful

Now I remember why I hated 5th grade English

What would have made Outlining Your Novel better?

No more dull language, please

If you’ve listened to books by K. M. Weiland before, how does this one compare?

The reading is not the problem, the content is

What does Sonja Field bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

If I had scanned the physical book, I wouldn't have bought it

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Boredom

Any additional comments?

Written to bore a fifth grade class into submission.

4 people found this helpful

Good intro to outlining

Author's description of the value of outlining as a tool to help organize a writer's thought process was helpful, also liked ways to end a scene to keep the reader reading.

I appreciated the author's philosophical approach to outlining which emphasized the importance of planning over plans themselves. And now here are some tools to plan with...

I liked the narrator's engaging voice and style, lively without being overbearing.

I also listened to 'How to structure your novel' by the same author and narrator.

I'm sure I'll listen to both books again and if they did something on Dialogue, I would probably check that out too.

Thank you for reading this review.

3 people found this helpful

One of the best guides of its kind

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A must-read for every writer. Thorough, inspiring, and smart. Delighted by a writing how-to audiobook that provides real value and clear direction--unlike many others.

3 people found this helpful

a great start to a great practice.

I've long been a fan of the author's work. This is the first time I've been able to take the opportunity to read through an entire work in pretty much one sitting. It hangs together very nicely. To those who criticized the book's approach to outlining, I don't think they read the book very clearly. The book does give practical advice on how to create and work with an outline. There's an accompanying workbook for those who want a more Hands-On approach. It also comes highly recommended.

2 people found this helpful