"The Gentle Pen" - Outline

 Got an Idea? Let’s Brainstorm and Build Your Book!

Okay, so you’ve figured out why you’re writing your book and who you’re writing it for. You’ve picked your genre, maybe even imagined your cover (don’t lie, we all do it).

Now comes the part where the magic meets the messy middle:It’s time to Brainstorm and Outline your book!

Step One: Brain Dump City

Before anything else, get those ideas out of your head and onto paper (or screen). No filter. No judgment. Just every single spark, snippet, or sentence fragment that floats through your brain.

• Character names? Throw ‘em down.

• Chapter titles you randomly thought of in the shower? Write ‘em.

• “What if a squirrel started a podcast?” Sure. Add it.

Think of this step like dumping out a LEGO box. You’re not building anything yet. You’re just seeing what you’ve got to work with.

Step Two: Build a Loose Outline (Emphasis on Loose)

Now, take all that juicy brainstorming and start giving it shape. Don’t worry—this isn’t set in stone. This is your roadmap, not a cage.

Ask yourself:

• What’s the beginning, middle, and end?

• What are the big beats or turning points?

• If it’s nonfiction, what’s the order that makes the most sense for the reader?

Even a rough “Chapter 1: The Big Mess / Chapter 2: Clean Up Time / Chapter 3: The Lesson” outline can make a huge difference when you actually sit down to write.

Fiction? Time to Dream Up a World

If you’re writing fiction, here’s your mini checklist:

• Characters – Who are they? What do they want? What gets in their way? (Bonus points if you know what snacks they like.)

• Plot – What happens? What changes? What’s at stake?

• Setting – Where does it all take place? A magical kingdom? Your childhood town with way more drama?

This is where your creativity can run wild. Think of yourself as the director, casting and building the stage for your book to come to life.

Nonfiction? Get Organized Like a Pro

If you’re writing nonfiction, it’s all about clarity and value:

• What are your main points?

• What questions does your reader have—and how can you answer them?

• Where do you need to research, fact-check, or quote experts?

Think of your book like a conversation. You're walking someone through something important—step by step.

Final Thoughts

Look, you don’t need a perfect blueprint to start. You just need a direction. Your outline will grow and change as you write—and that’s totally okay.

But trust me on this: having a plan will keep you from getting stuck halfway through wondering what happens next.

So grab those notes, make your lists, scribble your arrows and doodles—and then?Get ready to bring that story to life.

Next up? We’ll talk about setting writing goals and building habits that actually work (no guilt trips, promise).

Let me know—are you a detailed planner or a chaos gremlin when it comes to brainstorming?

#BrainstormBrilliance#PlottingLikeAPro#WriteThatBook