Storyteller Tools: Outline from vision to finished novel without losing the magic

by M. Harold Page

M Harold Page wrote and sold three novels in 2013, in each case starting from scratch. This handbook shares the creative outlining techniques that enabled him to speed from vision to completed novel, again and again.

• No more unfinished writing projects!

• Turn sweeping visions into viable stories, fast!

• Grow a novel out of anything no matter how vague: an opening; some characters; a story world; a philosophical idea; a theme; a map; a gaming setting...

• Conjure up conflicts and story questions to drive your plot.

• Write usable outlines "in flow".

• Learn to use your storyteller instinct!

• Lose yourself in creating stories for other people to lose themselves in.

Genres: Writing

82 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Dirck Lint · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful set of exercises for one intent on embarking upon novel-writing.

[Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been trying to stray from books about writing of late as I've found I've read so many that they often seem to say the same things over and over again. But then I came upon one of the author's posts about writing at the Black Gate site and, to be blunt, I was blown away by some of the things he came up with. While I recognized everything he had to say, I had never quite thought of it in his terms.

So I decided to check out this book of his.

It was worth reading for me. I'm not quite sure it's appropriate for the rookie writer, as they need to learn some basics before getting deeper into subjects like plot development and story structure, but for those who have those basics down and are ready to begin building their worlds and stories, this book could be a boon. It could also be appropriate for more experienced writers, giving them a different way to look at structure and the like. Without giving too much away here, the author focuses upon not only story construction, but also that of scenes and individual chapters. He also gives a look into paragraph and sentence building, especially in showing how a character relates to and expresses his or her surrounding environment. For all of this, the text here is not verbose or pendatic; the reader isn't likely to feel overwhelmed by literary terms because the writing is quite down to earth. However, keep in mind this is one author's approach, and he admits that, so take what works for you then come up with your own writing strategies.

[Chumofchance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book by a Scottish SF author based on the blurbs of two other Scottish SF authors. Hmm, almost like they know each other.

Anyways, Page's book is eminently useful and bare-bones, managing to be exactly what it promises and nothing more. So no 'Writing with the Right Side of Your Brain' or 'Unlocking the Hero's Journey Within' garbage. Just some simple tools to help you get organized and work through the stumbling blocks, the information is simple and commonsense enough you don't have to feel like you've joined a cult by approving his method.

[Cherie Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful book to develop skills in writing plot and story outlines.