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Fool Proof Outline: A No-Nonsense System for Productive Brainstorming, Outlining, & Drafting Novels
Build an outstanding outline every time!
The Fool Proof Outline can help anyone quickly go from idea to 1st Draft. How?
By elaborating parts of a story that matter most to you and your readers. By offering an organizational system that keeps your head clutter-free. By taking the fear and frustration out of writing.The Fool Proof Outline is filled with just the right amount of brainstorming prompts, both challenging you to engage readers emotionally and propelling your novel toward completion. Character, plot, and scene questionnaires are also included to keep you focused one step at a time.
Even the most seasoned writer will appreciate the Fool Proof Outline, yet it offers an ease-of-use that will benefit writers of every level.
The ebook contains a link to the Fool Proof Outline in both Scrivener and Excel. If you’ve been considering Scrivener, this is a wonderful place to start!
You'll also get access to the Fool Proof Outline's online site, where you can ask questions and share your success. No registration necessary.
The Fool Proof Outline is the result of an incredible evolution far beyond my earlier outline template, The Ultimate Novel Template. Those familiar with that early version will shout with joy at the improvements. I do!
- GenresWritingNonfictionCrafts
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2017
424 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 13, 2017
I do not know what to say about this book. the summary is the author prepare a template for outlining so you can import it or download it and made a book about this template. Which is a waste of time. An advice just download the template and skip the rest of the book. To be fair it has some useful questions. Just basic questions do not get excited. I am disappointed.
September 28, 2017
This book had some good advice and a couple of the question prompts were valuable. Though the idea of a template was a good one, the execution was off. If I choose to use this templates (which I may not because they're hard to use) I found myself thinking that I'd have to recreate it from scratch with some tweaks that would make it better--specifically, formatting, readability and navigation were all issues, and there underutilized features in Scrivener that would have made it a lot more organized and intuitive.
However, my main gripe is that this book really isn't right for every genre. It's certainly not right for romance and it's probably not right for subtler, literary, fiction; I doubt you'll love his advice unless you're invested in the common, cookie-cutter structures that we see everywhere. The craft advice was rather blunt, skewing towards things contrived and sensationalistic. The author really pushed the idea of adding twists, turns, and tension at every turn. Tension is necessary to any good book, but on some level, it is the desperate, overused tool of authors who don't have mastery over the other areas of craft that make a book good. In this sense, the constant advice in this direction felt like either a crutch, or again something that may have been very specific to whatever genre the author himself writes in.
At the 50% mark, the author himself acknowledges that this book is problematic for romance in particular and that he's in the midst of writing another outline manual for romance novels. My feeling is that he's understating the book's shortcomings (again, it's not just the romance genre that this book ignores). It would have been nice if he'd said that in the intro. It felt non-transparent to make readers slog through 50% of the book before saying "By the way, I realize this advice is severely deficient to at least one genre". The author simply doesn't admit that this is a good outline manual for a certain kind of book but that the advice isn't universal.
However, my main gripe is that this book really isn't right for every genre. It's certainly not right for romance and it's probably not right for subtler, literary, fiction; I doubt you'll love his advice unless you're invested in the common, cookie-cutter structures that we see everywhere. The craft advice was rather blunt, skewing towards things contrived and sensationalistic. The author really pushed the idea of adding twists, turns, and tension at every turn. Tension is necessary to any good book, but on some level, it is the desperate, overused tool of authors who don't have mastery over the other areas of craft that make a book good. In this sense, the constant advice in this direction felt like either a crutch, or again something that may have been very specific to whatever genre the author himself writes in.
At the 50% mark, the author himself acknowledges that this book is problematic for romance in particular and that he's in the midst of writing another outline manual for romance novels. My feeling is that he's understating the book's shortcomings (again, it's not just the romance genre that this book ignores). It would have been nice if he'd said that in the intro. It felt non-transparent to make readers slog through 50% of the book before saying "By the way, I realize this advice is severely deficient to at least one genre". The author simply doesn't admit that this is a good outline manual for a certain kind of book but that the advice isn't universal.
July 2, 2018
If I could give this book six stars I would. Excellent advice and a process that truly deepens your storytelling.
The templates provided by the author are superb. The Scrivener template was a bit clunky for Scrivener on iPad (Scrivener on iPad has caused me a LOT of problems), but I found a way around it and exclusively use this template now preparing my next round of novel projects.
Highly recommend.
The templates provided by the author are superb. The Scrivener template was a bit clunky for Scrivener on iPad (Scrivener on iPad has caused me a LOT of problems), but I found a way around it and exclusively use this template now preparing my next round of novel projects.
Highly recommend.
April 8, 2018
This is a glorified advertisement for his Scrivener/Excel outline. While it finally inspired me to create a full outline for my novel, I found myself tweaking nearly every aspect of what he provided to better fit my needs. In addition, I’m always weary of formulaic novel structures like this; however, it did offer good guidance to pave my own path.
July 9, 2017
Practical, in-depth and a book I will continue to return and refer to.
July 27, 2017
I really love his method of outlining. The Scrivener template is also a timesaver.
March 7, 2018
I'd give it 4.5 stars, but GR doesn't offer that option. I found the Scrivener template the most useful part of this book. It definitely ascribes to the screenwriting school of pacing and plotting, and you'll definitely want to pair it with some of the structure and scene building books the author recommends or others like them. That said, I've got enough craft knowledge to dive right in, and I like that he didn't waste a ton of my time with examples and over explanation. This is a workbook through and through, straight to the point, and with the added bonus of the already prepared template, made it well worth my time.
Wouldn't recommend it to a beginning writer or someone who hasn't already studied story structure though, because it does need the scaffolding given by other studies.
Wouldn't recommend it to a beginning writer or someone who hasn't already studied story structure though, because it does need the scaffolding given by other studies.
November 2, 2017
The hardest part of writing is finding techniques that work for you. I am a pantser by inclination, but I know it slows me down. I discovered Rachel Aaron's 2k to 10k book and incorporated many of her suggestions, and I became addicted to Literature and Latte's Scrivener program. Both have become part of my regular routine. Christopher Downing's book seems like the next logical step in that progression. His book even offers templates that work in Scrivener. I'm so excited about bringing my next book to life using his suggested plan that I'm thinking of giving up sleep tonight and digging in!
June 5, 2017
Very detailed and well articulated
How have I missed this book over the last few months? This book helped me understand so much more about novel structure and plot.
How have I missed this book over the last few months? This book helped me understand so much more about novel structure and plot.
September 16, 2017
A lot of the content in this book is stuff I've read in other writing craft books or know from experience, but having the Scrivener template to work with as I was reading the book was actually super helpful. It turned this into less of a writing craft book and more of a workbook for outlining a novel. I've always considered myself a pantster when it comes to fiction, but getting serious about it and really reflecting made me realize: I'm a very successful freelance nonfiction/ghost writer, and I outline all of that. I just needed something to help me get my own process down for outlining fiction.
I took some of Downing's advice and skipped some, but overall, this was a decent book that came with a helpful template.
I took some of Downing's advice and skipped some, but overall, this was a decent book that came with a helpful template.
April 6, 2018
Amazing outline and customer service from the author!
I absolutely loved this book! Straightforward and very detailed on outlining in Scrivener or by using the Excel spreadsheet template. I am new to ipad/i0S and had trouble linking the template to my iPad through the given link. I emailed the support link given, half expecting that I wouldn't get a response. But I did! And quickly! The author gave me a work around and then a few days later emailed back to make sure it worked! I am still amazed at the customer service provided as promised - and that he also went above and beyond to check back with me! I'll be using this for a fiction novel I'm writing. Can be used in any genre. The template has all the acts/scene types
discussed in the book listed with notes and questions for brainstorming the overall idea of your novel. Keep the book on hand for reference as he explains in detail the requirements for each scene type, as well as how scenes should be structured within the 4 acts of a novel, and how the novel should progress through each act. Exactly what I was looking for! If you're not into Scrivener, use the excel template or whatever other program you use for penning your novel. However I recommend trying Scrivener as you'll have the template in the same place as your entire novel and already structured with this awesome outline before you begin! Thanks again for going above and beyond for this aspiring author! I'm blown away!
I absolutely loved this book! Straightforward and very detailed on outlining in Scrivener or by using the Excel spreadsheet template. I am new to ipad/i0S and had trouble linking the template to my iPad through the given link. I emailed the support link given, half expecting that I wouldn't get a response. But I did! And quickly! The author gave me a work around and then a few days later emailed back to make sure it worked! I am still amazed at the customer service provided as promised - and that he also went above and beyond to check back with me! I'll be using this for a fiction novel I'm writing. Can be used in any genre. The template has all the acts/scene types
discussed in the book listed with notes and questions for brainstorming the overall idea of your novel. Keep the book on hand for reference as he explains in detail the requirements for each scene type, as well as how scenes should be structured within the 4 acts of a novel, and how the novel should progress through each act. Exactly what I was looking for! If you're not into Scrivener, use the excel template or whatever other program you use for penning your novel. However I recommend trying Scrivener as you'll have the template in the same place as your entire novel and already structured with this awesome outline before you begin! Thanks again for going above and beyond for this aspiring author! I'm blown away!
January 27, 2018
Fantastic book. Well worth the price.
This book is worthy of five stars because it delivers what it promises. The author walks you through every step, provide you with tons of examples, and even gives you tools to use when you start writing your own outline. This book gives me hope that I can go from being a pantser to a plotter, without giving up the discovery writing that I enjoy so much. If I remember, I will update this review in 6 months when I've written three novels using his method.
This book is worthy of five stars because it delivers what it promises. The author walks you through every step, provide you with tons of examples, and even gives you tools to use when you start writing your own outline. This book gives me hope that I can go from being a pantser to a plotter, without giving up the discovery writing that I enjoy so much. If I remember, I will update this review in 6 months when I've written three novels using his method.
October 13, 2018
Full title: Fool Proof Outline: A No-Nonsense System for Productive Brainstorming, Outlining, & Drafting Novels - Christopher Downing
I’m going to start this with a note that if you’re a romance writer, the Fool Proof Outline Christopher Scott Downing has created for you to use in Scrivener or Excel isn’t going to work for you. It’s not suited to romance novels (except possibly suspense or paranormal which is heavier on the plot than the romance). However, though I don’t write them myself, I can see how this would work brilliantly for mystery, thriller, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, urban fantasy and pretty much every other major genre of fiction. It’s perfectly laid out in terms of beats you’ll need to hit in your book, following a traditional nine-part plot structure. Romance beats work differently, which is why I’d recommend something like one of Jami Gold’s (free on her website) Scrivener templates or beat sheets instead.
With that said, even for romance novelists there is a TON of useful stuff in this book. Downing talks about how to take a basic plot point and flesh it out into scenes or a sequence of scenes, why you should always know what you’re going to write before you sit down to actually write it, and many other incredibly clever tips. Character creation is covered thoroughly, including motivations and actions and how they tie together, and Downing spends a lot of time talking about rising tension and how to handle high points and denouements.
A lot of people gripe about the traditional nine-part plot structure and how it’s ‘overused’, but I’m personally a big fan - and there’s a reason why pretty much every major box-office hit movie from the last decade follows it faithfully. It’s a story structure which appeals nicely to our brain’s desire for a satisfying, fulfilling story. The templates provided in this book really do help you create a plot from the vaguest of ideas and flesh it out into a thoroughly plotted arc, breaking it down further until you know exactly what you have to write in every single scene of your book.
If you’re thinking about doing NaNoWriMo and you’re in a bit of a panic because you don’t really have a plot, I’d definitely suggest you grab this one*. You’ve still got a couple of weeks to follow it through and get prepared to write your novel!
Five stars for an excellent read full of solid advice and useful resources.
*For romance authors, I recommend Cathy Yardley’s Rock Your Plot instead. I’ll be looking at that one in next week’s Non-Fiction Friday review!
I’m going to start this with a note that if you’re a romance writer, the Fool Proof Outline Christopher Scott Downing has created for you to use in Scrivener or Excel isn’t going to work for you. It’s not suited to romance novels (except possibly suspense or paranormal which is heavier on the plot than the romance). However, though I don’t write them myself, I can see how this would work brilliantly for mystery, thriller, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, urban fantasy and pretty much every other major genre of fiction. It’s perfectly laid out in terms of beats you’ll need to hit in your book, following a traditional nine-part plot structure. Romance beats work differently, which is why I’d recommend something like one of Jami Gold’s (free on her website) Scrivener templates or beat sheets instead.
With that said, even for romance novelists there is a TON of useful stuff in this book. Downing talks about how to take a basic plot point and flesh it out into scenes or a sequence of scenes, why you should always know what you’re going to write before you sit down to actually write it, and many other incredibly clever tips. Character creation is covered thoroughly, including motivations and actions and how they tie together, and Downing spends a lot of time talking about rising tension and how to handle high points and denouements.
A lot of people gripe about the traditional nine-part plot structure and how it’s ‘overused’, but I’m personally a big fan - and there’s a reason why pretty much every major box-office hit movie from the last decade follows it faithfully. It’s a story structure which appeals nicely to our brain’s desire for a satisfying, fulfilling story. The templates provided in this book really do help you create a plot from the vaguest of ideas and flesh it out into a thoroughly plotted arc, breaking it down further until you know exactly what you have to write in every single scene of your book.
If you’re thinking about doing NaNoWriMo and you’re in a bit of a panic because you don’t really have a plot, I’d definitely suggest you grab this one*. You’ve still got a couple of weeks to follow it through and get prepared to write your novel!
Five stars for an excellent read full of solid advice and useful resources.
*For romance authors, I recommend Cathy Yardley’s Rock Your Plot instead. I’ll be looking at that one in next week’s Non-Fiction Friday review!
June 6, 2025
This was a really helpful book! As I am getting deeper into my writing career, I am realizing how critical it is (for me) to plan a scene before I write it. "Fool Proof Outline" appealed to my analytical side by looking at a scene from many different angles - the action beats, setting, emotions, etc.
My only caveat is for romance writers - you'll need to tweak the template to better match our genre's expectations. Downing has written another book specifically for us, but I still don't think it's quite right as it doesn't address tropes as a critical aspect of romance fiction.
But! I would highly recommend Downing's book on how to write by dictation. Wow, did he give me a lot to think about! I am looking forward to mastering this skill
My only caveat is for romance writers - you'll need to tweak the template to better match our genre's expectations. Downing has written another book specifically for us, but I still don't think it's quite right as it doesn't address tropes as a critical aspect of romance fiction.
But! I would highly recommend Downing's book on how to write by dictation. Wow, did he give me a lot to think about! I am looking forward to mastering this skill
August 18, 2018
The best book on outlining I’ve found - clear, practical and comprehensive. There’s even a Scrivener template! I’ve been struggling to edit a novel which I started writing when I didn’t know enough about story structure. I wish I’d had Christopher’s book then. So I’m going to use it to do my next round of self editing.
October 18, 2018
The book was obviously a teaser to the Scrivener template download, but the Scrivener template for novel writing is SUPERB!!! Best one I've seen (and I have hunted!). So absolutely worth reading through the commentary. Chris -- thanks so much for the wonderful template, it's making things significantly easier for me.
October 20, 2019
I had expected a little more. This may be useful for a beginner, but the questions he poses to plan your story don't drill down as much as I'd like, and I had to rephrase them to fit with the type of fiction I'm writing at all. I found the 'Save the Cat! writes a Novel' advice much more helpful for outlining.
November 23, 2017
Fool Proof Outline
Fool Proof Outline, by Christopher Down was full of helpful topics but did not go as in depth as hoped. The book is very short and could have given a bit more of his valuable instruction. I look forward to future books and will check out Fool Proof Dictation.
Fool Proof Outline, by Christopher Down was full of helpful topics but did not go as in depth as hoped. The book is very short and could have given a bit more of his valuable instruction. I look forward to future books and will check out Fool Proof Dictation.
February 27, 2018
Solid advice
A solid plan for brainstorming and outlining a novel. I found it very helpful. Struggling to get from point a to point b has always been hard for me- I believe this method will help
A solid plan for brainstorming and outlining a novel. I found it very helpful. Struggling to get from point a to point b has always been hard for me- I believe this method will help
August 17, 2018
Very helpful. I used it in a class i took for first time writers and still use it with my writings. With a few tweeks here and there, i find the questionnaires and scene templates really help to “flesh” out a scene.
February 1, 2018
useful
what goes in a novel outline and questions to ask yourself. I found it helpful and it was easy to read.
what goes in a novel outline and questions to ask yourself. I found it helpful and it was easy to read.
August 20, 2018
Extremely useful. Excited to try it out!
November 15, 2018
Clear, concise, crisp, actionable.
February 3, 2019
Insightful
I'm looking forward to adapting these techniques for my own writing process. I could feel the potential as I read.
I'm looking forward to adapting these techniques for my own writing process. I could feel the potential as I read.
May 12, 2019
Great start for writing!
For anyone deciding if they are a outliner or a pantser, this will help you overcome your decision. Thank you!
For anyone deciding if they are a outliner or a pantser, this will help you overcome your decision. Thank you!
April 20, 2020
I liked this one more than I thought I would. Especially the templates.
Read
July 1, 2018What great guidance for a technical writer entering fiction
I have for many years been doing technical writing tellingly the reader what I see. This approach allows me to feed my comfort with structure as I learn the "show, don't tell" world of writing fiction. Using Christopher's outline, I "tell me" what I'm going I'm going to "show" the reader in the novel. Pay particular attention to his approach of visualising what's happening in the scene and dictating/recording what you see as you see it happening. It works for me. I believe even a "pantser" will profit from this book. Thank you, Mr. Downing!
I have for many years been doing technical writing tellingly the reader what I see. This approach allows me to feed my comfort with structure as I learn the "show, don't tell" world of writing fiction. Using Christopher's outline, I "tell me" what I'm going I'm going to "show" the reader in the novel. Pay particular attention to his approach of visualising what's happening in the scene and dictating/recording what you see as you see it happening. It works for me. I believe even a "pantser" will profit from this book. Thank you, Mr. Downing!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews