Building the Bones: Outlining Your Novel

by Jessica Dall

Do you have a story you’ve always wanted to write, but weren’t sure how to begin? Have you tried pantsing and floundered, unsure how to finish your novel? Learning the simple basics of outlining can help you plot with confidence.

This instructional guide booklet covers the easy, straightforward techniques you need to plan your story before you write. These guidelines will aid you in organizing your ideas no matter what genre you write or what age group you write for. Whether you use paper or a computer to plan with, these outlining concepts will help you navigate the unknowns of your imagination so you can bring your story to life.

39 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Jessica Dall finished her first novel at age 15 and been writing ever since. She is the author of such novels as Raining Embers and The Stars of Heaven and a number of short stories which have appeared in both literary magazines and anthologies. When not writing, she works as an editor in the Washington, DC metro area.

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that this book was so condensed there really isn't a word wasted. It isn't stuffed choc full of all these conflicting ideas and examples as a few other books I've read have been.
This does exactly what it says on the tin, it shows you ways to outline your writing.
It has certainly inspired some ideas in myself and I genuinely believe that it will help my with outlining my writing much more effectively.

I received a free copy through the publisher and Netgalley.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very short guide on developing an outline. It's so short and concise that it's really only going to help beginners, or serve as a quick reminder for those further along the process. That said, it's nicely written, and the information is good - just quite basic.

Perhaps more useful is the 'reverse outlining' section - particularly for those starting December with a fresh NaNoWriMo scrawl?! ;) But again, very brief and only really a kicking off point.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a writer myself, I found that Building the Bones served as a good Quick Reference Guide, if you are looking for some ideas on how to kickstart, or restart your novel. The author provides the basics, which most people with a modicum of experience in writing should at least be aware of, and provides some useful activities and examples to use.

It's hard to rate, because of how short it is. I was hoping for something longer, or more in depth, but this is just the bare bones. For what it is though, it may be of interest to beginning writers.

I received a review copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.