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Crafting Fiction Volume 1: Hard-Boiled Outlines: A Simple, Easy to Follow System to Outline and Write Your First Novel
Ever dreamed of becoming an author? Have you tried writing a novel only to get stuck after the first few chapters? Your motivation stalls out somewhere in the middle and you never seem to finish a first draft?
Crafting Fiction Vol1: Hard-Boiled Outlines is exactly what you're looking for!
In this easy to follow guide, I'll show you why some of the biggest names in fiction use outlines to make sure their books sell massive amounts and reveal the incredibly easy, step-by-step method you can use to publish a book and make a living as a writer. I know it works because it is the exact method I used to write my first book, hit the best-seller list, and finally quit my soul-sucking day job!
In Crafting Fiction Vol 1: Hard-Boiled Outlines, I'll teach you how to outline your novel before you begin writing to make sure your story keeps readers hooked from the opening page.
This system works whether you write hard-boiled detective stories, horror, romance, or anything in between. No matter what genre you choose, Hard-boiled outlines will help you plot out your novel, eliminate the trouble spots, keep your writing on track, and publish a book that will leave readers begging for more.
You'll learn:
What Story Structure is, why readers crave it, and how you can use that to your advantage.
Basic Plot Points Used by Hollywood to captivate audiences for Decades.
How to Outline Your Novel
How to Avoid Stalling Out in the Middle
How to Keep Readers Turning Pages Until the Very End
The basic Beats of Story and How They Work Within the Framework of Any Novel
How To Create Characters that Readers Actually Care About
Never get stuck again. Pick up a copy of Hard-Boiled Outlines and finally finish that novel!
Crafting Fiction Vol1: Hard-Boiled Outlines is exactly what you're looking for!
In this easy to follow guide, I'll show you why some of the biggest names in fiction use outlines to make sure their books sell massive amounts and reveal the incredibly easy, step-by-step method you can use to publish a book and make a living as a writer. I know it works because it is the exact method I used to write my first book, hit the best-seller list, and finally quit my soul-sucking day job!
In Crafting Fiction Vol 1: Hard-Boiled Outlines, I'll teach you how to outline your novel before you begin writing to make sure your story keeps readers hooked from the opening page.
This system works whether you write hard-boiled detective stories, horror, romance, or anything in between. No matter what genre you choose, Hard-boiled outlines will help you plot out your novel, eliminate the trouble spots, keep your writing on track, and publish a book that will leave readers begging for more.
You'll learn:
What Story Structure is, why readers crave it, and how you can use that to your advantage.
Basic Plot Points Used by Hollywood to captivate audiences for Decades.
How to Outline Your Novel
How to Avoid Stalling Out in the Middle
How to Keep Readers Turning Pages Until the Very End
The basic Beats of Story and How They Work Within the Framework of Any Novel
How To Create Characters that Readers Actually Care About
Never get stuck again. Pick up a copy of Hard-Boiled Outlines and finally finish that novel!
- GenresNonfiction
56 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2018
179 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
William Miller
15 books86 followersI was born and raised in sunny Saint Petersburg, FL on a steady diet of action movies and fantasy novels. After 9/11, I left a career in photography to join the United States Army. Since then, I have travelled the world and done everything from teaching English in China to driving a forklift. I studied creative writing at Eckerd College and wrote four hard-boiled mysteries for Delight Games before releasing the first Jake Noble book. When not writing, I can be found indoor rock climbing, playing the guitar, and haunting smoke-filled jazz clubs in downtown Saint Pete. I’m currently at work on another Jake Noble thriller. You can follow me on twitter @NobleManAuthor and my blog www.LiteraryRebel.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 11, 2022
Good tips but author clearly has a chip
Show me on the doll where the publishing industry touched you.
There are good tips in here, but you have to dig through the author airing his grievances about literary publishing. I’m no fan of the publishing industry either, but I also don’t give a damn why you hate them. Just give me what I came here to read.
Show me on the doll where the publishing industry touched you.
There are good tips in here, but you have to dig through the author airing his grievances about literary publishing. I’m no fan of the publishing industry either, but I also don’t give a damn why you hate them. Just give me what I came here to read.
August 6, 2019
See my five-star review of this book on The Haunted Pen website at https://bit.ly/31kNq2j
March 13, 2018
Excellent breakdown written in a clear way
William Miller analyzes the three act plot through the eyes of popular cinema. I found this book to be more helpful than others because
1. The process is broken into more steps (13), and given very sensible descriptions in plain language.
2. The examples provided are short, well known, and immediately to the point. The book has lots of practical examples but isn't padded with excerpts.
3. I like that he included personal examples and tips for applying some of the steps.
4. He focusses heavily on content, not style. The book isn't just about how to outline - though some suggestions are given. The book is about what kind of content should go into the outline and why its important.
5. Along the way, he even points out which beats he considers essential and which are more optional.
6. The book is written in a way that demonstrates his straight-talking, "don't waste the reader's time", keep-things-moving pulpy style.
William Miller analyzes the three act plot through the eyes of popular cinema. I found this book to be more helpful than others because
1. The process is broken into more steps (13), and given very sensible descriptions in plain language.
2. The examples provided are short, well known, and immediately to the point. The book has lots of practical examples but isn't padded with excerpts.
3. I like that he included personal examples and tips for applying some of the steps.
4. He focusses heavily on content, not style. The book isn't just about how to outline - though some suggestions are given. The book is about what kind of content should go into the outline and why its important.
5. Along the way, he even points out which beats he considers essential and which are more optional.
6. The book is written in a way that demonstrates his straight-talking, "don't waste the reader's time", keep-things-moving pulpy style.
February 11, 2023
I wanted to like this book but the author is unbearable. If he isn't referring to Native Americans as "savages" he's making sexist remarks about how all the media he's breaking down as examples of story structure are "guy things" because "as a guy" he has no interest in women's "chick flicks and romantic comedies" as though women are incapable of enjoying action, horror, or mystery. And then he tops it all off by saying if we find him insensitive then too bad because, again, "he's a guy".
The book is also littered with typos like "high-brown" instead of "highbrow" and "loose" in place of "lose". And his rant about how plotters are a rare breed because the writing community is supposedly prejudiced against them? And then he goes on to assert that people who are pantsers are only successful because of luck. Like Steven King and George R. R. Martin are lesser authors than he is for not outlining. I can't stand gatekeeping and snobbery like that. There is no "right and true" way to write a good story. Me being a plotter makes me no better or worse than anyone who's mind and creative process work better without one.
So no thank you, I'll stick to Save The Cat and Chris Fox's Plot Gardening as much better books for outlining and 3 act structure.
The book is also littered with typos like "high-brown" instead of "highbrow" and "loose" in place of "lose". And his rant about how plotters are a rare breed because the writing community is supposedly prejudiced against them? And then he goes on to assert that people who are pantsers are only successful because of luck. Like Steven King and George R. R. Martin are lesser authors than he is for not outlining. I can't stand gatekeeping and snobbery like that. There is no "right and true" way to write a good story. Me being a plotter makes me no better or worse than anyone who's mind and creative process work better without one.
So no thank you, I'll stick to Save The Cat and Chris Fox's Plot Gardening as much better books for outlining and 3 act structure.
March 7, 2022
Great outlines for genre fiction
4.5 stars
I found this short, compact book great for inspiration on how to write an outline and to line things up for a new novel. The authors honesty on his writing schedule was also very useful to me, and I found myself taking careful notes and plugging in my own story along with them. This isn’t a long book, abd it won’t help come up wiht a story or tell you how to write, but it details the outline for an already existing idea. The 1/2 point deduction is for the authors clear disdain for things considered “womens fiction”. He made it clear he couldn’t speak to those novels as he hasn’t read them, but it’s short sighted to assume that outline rules wouldn’t apply to other types of genres. I found it incredibly useful for a contemporary novel. He is selling himself short by doing that, as I almost didn’t read the book when he said it’s for those wanting to write more action type novels
4.5 stars
I found this short, compact book great for inspiration on how to write an outline and to line things up for a new novel. The authors honesty on his writing schedule was also very useful to me, and I found myself taking careful notes and plugging in my own story along with them. This isn’t a long book, abd it won’t help come up wiht a story or tell you how to write, but it details the outline for an already existing idea. The 1/2 point deduction is for the authors clear disdain for things considered “womens fiction”. He made it clear he couldn’t speak to those novels as he hasn’t read them, but it’s short sighted to assume that outline rules wouldn’t apply to other types of genres. I found it incredibly useful for a contemporary novel. He is selling himself short by doing that, as I almost didn’t read the book when he said it’s for those wanting to write more action type novels
March 20, 2019
A short, solid discussion of outlining for genre fiction authors. The author's voice and attitude makes it extremely readable. The listing and discussion of Beats was very enlightening as was the very useful technique of Scene Capsule outlining. I heartily agree with the author's criticism of traditional writing instruction and structural methodology. Proofreading and copyediting would have been nice. I'm something of a stickler when it comes to grammar and style (especially in self-published work) and my biggest complaint is with the many typos and lack of consistency in punctuation and capitalization. Despite that, the advice is golden and the issues it raises regarding genre fiction vs the standard literary fiction claptrap we get from most how-to writing books is long overdue.
July 5, 2018
Is this a complete re-working of current knowledge on writing? No
Does this reveal the mystical, magical theory of novel writing? No.
Does this explain in basic terms a decent way to outline your novel with good explanations and examples? Yes.
I have read (more than a few) 'how to' books on novel writing. This takes an old idea (3 act structure) with newer concepts (beats) and shows with common examples a good way to find the main parts of your novel.
A complete joy to read and finally have something that makes sense in a world of writers that enjoy talking down at the aspiring authors.
Does this reveal the mystical, magical theory of novel writing? No.
Does this explain in basic terms a decent way to outline your novel with good explanations and examples? Yes.
I have read (more than a few) 'how to' books on novel writing. This takes an old idea (3 act structure) with newer concepts (beats) and shows with common examples a good way to find the main parts of your novel.
A complete joy to read and finally have something that makes sense in a world of writers that enjoy talking down at the aspiring authors.
August 4, 2019
This books goes through ACTs I, II, and III and everything you need to structure you novel. This is basic information, but reminding yourself of these things is important to continually improve your writing. I enjoyed the examples of Back to the Future and The Lord of the Rings. However, if I'm being honest, this stuff you can locate on any article that covers the subject of the 3 Act principle.
I enjoyed, but I would read free articles and then see if you need to invest money on this short book. The price was great; so either way it's a win, free articles or this book is a good choice.
Good luck!!
I enjoyed, but I would read free articles and then see if you need to invest money on this short book. The price was great; so either way it's a win, free articles or this book is a good choice.
Good luck!!
March 25, 2019
Great help to any new writers!
As a new aspiring author I can't tell you how many resources and books i have read just looking for one to truly help writing a novel. So many have all kind of long winded details that don't necessarily give you any relevant info or are hard to understand. This is a detailed yet very straight forward down to earth blueprint for structuring your story outline and structure. All in a way that is full of character, laughs, and overall just great information, especially for beginners. Highly recommend.
As a new aspiring author I can't tell you how many resources and books i have read just looking for one to truly help writing a novel. So many have all kind of long winded details that don't necessarily give you any relevant info or are hard to understand. This is a detailed yet very straight forward down to earth blueprint for structuring your story outline and structure. All in a way that is full of character, laughs, and overall just great information, especially for beginners. Highly recommend.
February 1, 2024
Short and helpful but easily found info online
A short primer on how to write an outline for your novel. There's an in depth look at the three act structure using Back To The Future, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, and James Bond as examples. Its very helpful and laid out in an easy to understand fashion. Its just I can't help but think you can find this information easily online for free. Still, its worth reading on kindle unlimited and again it's a short read so there's really nothing to lose in checking it out.
A short primer on how to write an outline for your novel. There's an in depth look at the three act structure using Back To The Future, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, and James Bond as examples. Its very helpful and laid out in an easy to understand fashion. Its just I can't help but think you can find this information easily online for free. Still, its worth reading on kindle unlimited and again it's a short read so there's really nothing to lose in checking it out.
February 26, 2019
Short and straight to the point. No extra fluff.
Thank you for not making this novel a 500 page guide! Straight and to-the-point is much easier to reference. I HATE guide books that use chapters and chapters for one topic and every other line feels just like the last. Loved it! Will use it as my cheat sheet for outlining. *Fingers crossed* will update in a few months when novel is complete using this as a guide :)
Thank you for not making this novel a 500 page guide! Straight and to-the-point is much easier to reference. I HATE guide books that use chapters and chapters for one topic and every other line feels just like the last. Loved it! Will use it as my cheat sheet for outlining. *Fingers crossed* will update in a few months when novel is complete using this as a guide :)
December 30, 2019
His beats are clearly explained but he needs an copy editor badly
The beats are a standard list of scenes in a typical three act story, and the movie references are good. That would win you four stars. His proofreader needs fired, however.
Arc is a section of a circle, an ark is a box of box shaped boat from biblical stories. Indian Jones is not the hero of Raiders of the lost ark. You let your dog loose, and lose a battle.
The beats are a standard list of scenes in a typical three act story, and the movie references are good. That would win you four stars. His proofreader needs fired, however.
Arc is a section of a circle, an ark is a box of box shaped boat from biblical stories. Indian Jones is not the hero of Raiders of the lost ark. You let your dog loose, and lose a battle.
November 25, 2020
Best Book About Outlining That I’ve Read
...and I’ve read several. This book is a must have desk reference guide for anyone struggling to start, work on, and finish a book. I have read through it twice and have created templates using Miller’s 13 beats. If you already have a successful writing methodology, the tips and techniques in this book will complement your approach. Highly recommend this invaluable tool to sharpen your sword.
...and I’ve read several. This book is a must have desk reference guide for anyone struggling to start, work on, and finish a book. I have read through it twice and have created templates using Miller’s 13 beats. If you already have a successful writing methodology, the tips and techniques in this book will complement your approach. Highly recommend this invaluable tool to sharpen your sword.
April 9, 2023
This isn’t a book on how, it’s a book on what. What is three act structure, and what beats are typically included in it? You can find that online for free, or broken down much better in other books. A thousand books have been written on it. If I wanted to know what an outline is, I could have googled it. As it stands, I know what one is, and was looking for help on how to actually *develop* the beats and scenes therein.
May 27, 2019
The author of this book seems very unlikeable and appears to have horrible taste, HOWEVER, his no BS approach was very motivational to shut up and get down to the work of writing. It reminded me of being yelled at by a coach you can’t stand personally, but the disdain motivates you to work harder than you ever thought possible. This is a one star and also a five star.
June 1, 2019
Decoder for beginners
Managed my intimidation. I want to write my first novel at 55 yrs, this book helped control my shakes. It provides the guidelines to outlining a novel. Most importantly it informed me on why each 'beat' is necessary for successful novel writing. So thankful!.. no more excuses.
Managed my intimidation. I want to write my first novel at 55 yrs, this book helped control my shakes. It provides the guidelines to outlining a novel. Most importantly it informed me on why each 'beat' is necessary for successful novel writing. So thankful!.. no more excuses.
February 1, 2021
Excited to get started
This short primer has energized me and broke down the beats with the best clarity possible. Took rigorous notes and have started my scene capsules. I am very grateful to the author for sharing this formula in a way anyone can understand and with examples that everyone will know and love.
This short primer has energized me and broke down the beats with the best clarity possible. Took rigorous notes and have started my scene capsules. I am very grateful to the author for sharing this formula in a way anyone can understand and with examples that everyone will know and love.
May 9, 2024
greatest advice I’ve read so far
Thank you so much for writing this “little primer”. ;) I have read a lot of lengthy advice on writing novels, and I think this succinct little brochure has done more to boost my confidence and get to work writing than any other piece of…literature. Much appreciated!
Thank you so much for writing this “little primer”. ;) I have read a lot of lengthy advice on writing novels, and I think this succinct little brochure has done more to boost my confidence and get to work writing than any other piece of…literature. Much appreciated!
May 9, 2025
Great and to the point
I truly like how Miller get straight to the point and doesn’t meander with his explanations. There are a lot things I already do like him when it comes to writing and it’s refreshing to know I’m on the right track. I just need to tweak some things to really get going and keep writing. This how-to is well worth the read.
I truly like how Miller get straight to the point and doesn’t meander with his explanations. There are a lot things I already do like him when it comes to writing and it’s refreshing to know I’m on the right track. I just need to tweak some things to really get going and keep writing. This how-to is well worth the read.
August 17, 2018
Short and sweet
Right to the point in simple easy to understand fashion. It’s a great guidepost for the aspiring writer looking to craft a story that captures readers and takes them on an exciting ride.
Right to the point in simple easy to understand fashion. It’s a great guidepost for the aspiring writer looking to craft a story that captures readers and takes them on an exciting ride.
March 6, 2020
Solid advice
Not going to lie and say this is profound, but any writer starting out that wants the first year of a creative writing degree for a few bucks would do well to pick this up and study close.
Not going to lie and say this is profound, but any writer starting out that wants the first year of a creative writing degree for a few bucks would do well to pick this up and study close.
March 17, 2020
Not much new
If you’ve read other craft books on outlining or beats than you may already know most of the information presented here. Still a good starting place if you are unfamiliar with the three act structure and what each should contain.
If you’ve read other craft books on outlining or beats than you may already know most of the information presented here. Still a good starting place if you are unfamiliar with the three act structure and what each should contain.
May 8, 2020
Excellent book that has got me out of my writing funk
I've been struggling for years to get rolling in writing. I start, then get lost, all because I have no outline. The tips provided here are sure to help. Thank you sir.
I've been struggling for years to get rolling in writing. I start, then get lost, all because I have no outline. The tips provided here are sure to help. Thank you sir.
April 19, 2022
Funny read
I like the examples that the author used. I just wish there were more details on the actual outline and not just talking about the beats, like how he goes from beat to scene.
I like the examples that the author used. I just wish there were more details on the actual outline and not just talking about the beats, like how he goes from beat to scene.
June 12, 2022
The last piece of the puzzle.......
I freaking love this book!
I have been looking for a book like this one for sometime.
It's clear, little to no fluff and gives good examples of what the author means.
Finally a book gets to the point!
This book was very helpful.
I freaking love this book!
I have been looking for a book like this one for sometime.
It's clear, little to no fluff and gives good examples of what the author means.
Finally a book gets to the point!
This book was very helpful.
January 18, 2023
save the cat light
The story beats are basically Blake Snyders Save the Cat formula. The author puts some spin and does a good interpretation. I appreciate the short snappy explanations. If you are looking for a good primer on outlining this may be for you.
The story beats are basically Blake Snyders Save the Cat formula. The author puts some spin and does a good interpretation. I appreciate the short snappy explanations. If you are looking for a good primer on outlining this may be for you.
April 1, 2023
good advice, but the sexism gave me the ick
Yeah. Great writing advice. Icky sounding guy tho. I will probably read more of his books. But yeah. Good advice with interspersed hints of sexism.
Yeah. Great writing advice. Icky sounding guy tho. I will probably read more of his books. But yeah. Good advice with interspersed hints of sexism.
October 5, 2023
Very good essence
Too many writing books are far too long. Reading them is like a novel without a clear plot... agonizing! Not William Miller's book. It's perfect for what it is. Well done!
Too many writing books are far too long. Reading them is like a novel without a clear plot... agonizing! Not William Miller's book. It's perfect for what it is. Well done!
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December 12, 2019Very helpful
His explanation of how to outline a novel is very simple, yet it has the potential to be a powerful tool.
His explanation of how to outline a novel is very simple, yet it has the potential to be a powerful tool.
December 28, 2020
Short overview
If you are looking for a short overview of the three act story structure and outlining then read this book. It gets to the point without the fluff.
If you are looking for a short overview of the three act story structure and outlining then read this book. It gets to the point without the fluff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews