There are times I really struggle with a story idea and I’ve wanted to quit – and have – more times than I can count. But I keep coming back to it. I keep revisiting ideas and trying to lay them out in order so that someone else might have a chance of understanding the ideas I’m trying to share. It leads me to feel that I am meant to write. Even if I never sell a single book, even if I just finish it so my sister can finally read the story I’ve been telling her about and call it a day. I need to finish it.
I seem to reach a point in my writing when I start to feel lost. Either my original idea has shifted so much in the process of writing it down that I can’t see what it was supposed to be, or there seems to be no way to bring all of my random scene ideas together. It can be any number of other reasons, like my character identities getting muddy and its not easy to see where things can go now.
Stumbling on this video ‘YALLWrite: The Story Corpse with Victoria Schwab‘ has been such a gift. If you’ve ever struggled with structuring your novel, Victoria Schwab’s method of outlining might be just the framework you need. Now, it might not be for everyone but I feel like her explanation was like turning on a light in the dark room I’ve been stumbling around in. She explains that the process of writing a book could be compared to constructing a body—starting with the skeleton and adding layers until the final product is complete.
I learn best when I have the opportunity to read, listen, write, and then try it out. So it will be no surprise that I made lots of notes while watching this video. I wanted to share my perspective on Victoria’s marvelous idea and so I’m sharing my notes. I do encourage you to watch the original video as there may be other things you’ll gain from it.
The Bones – The Story Skeleton
Before anything else, you need a solid foundation—the plot. Think of this as the skeleton of your story, consisting of major and minor moments that form the backbone of your narrative.
- Each beat is a scene. You might have 20 or 200, but these moments shape the core structure.
- Ensure you have a head and feet—a strong beginning and ending.
- Identify 5 to 10 essential moments without which your story wouldn’t exist.
- Construct a story timeline (not necessarily chronological). Outline:
- The beginning
- 10 key moments that happen between
- The ending
If you struggle with plotting first, try focusing on character:
- What do they want?
- What are they willing to do to get it?
- What obstacles can you create to put them at odds with their goals?
The Muscles & Tissue – Drafting the Story
With the bones in place, the next step is drafting—building out the body. This stage is about expanding your outline and writing scenes.
- Treat each small paragraph in your outline as inspiration—place it at the top of your document and flesh it out into a scene.
- Think of chapters as episodes—each should serve a purpose and contribute to the greater arc.
- This is where major plot development, character growth, and twists happen.
- As you write, new ‘bones’ might emerge—adjust the skeleton if necessary.
- Keep a cut file for scenes that don’t fit but are too good to delete.
- Decide on your voice and tense early on.
Flesh – Revising & Strengthening the Story
Once the draft is written, it’s time for revision—polishing the structure and deepening the story.
- Big-picture edits: Strengthen worldbuilding, internal character arcs, emotional depth, and rule-building.
- Character development:
- Where does your character start, and where do they end?
- What do they fear, desire, and what will they do to get it?
- Check your initial excitement—does the story still align with your vision?
- Smooth out inconsistencies and ensure everything aligns with the core themes and character arcs.
The Makeup – Polishing the Prose
With structure and story intact, it’s time for the final layer—polishing your writing to create a compelling reading experience.
- Focus on word choice, sentence rhythm, and prose style.
- Ensure the voice is consistent and immersive.
- This is where you can fully lean into beautiful phrasing and lyrical writing.
- Unlike earlier stages, nothing major should be cut here—this is the finishing touch.
Listening to the Story Monster
Throughout the process, trust your instincts. Schwab describes an intuitive sense that tells you when something is off she calls it the Story Monster. Feed it by:
- Listening to music that inspires your story.
- Reading books that fuel your creativity.
- Absorbing news and real-world events for fresh perspectives.
By following this method, you build your story in layers, ensuring each element is fully realized before moving on. If you’re intrigued, I highly recommend watching Victoria Schwab’s full talk for deeper insights into her process.
Happy writing, and may your stories grow strong, from the bones to the final touch of makeup!
Catherine
Catherine Croft 