100 Books Like Outlining Your Novel

The original Save the Cat by Blake Snyder was written for screenplays but captured the imagination of all kinds of writers, myself included. But often it was difficult to translate to novel format. Jessica Brody’s book is an excellent adaptation of Snyder’s foundation for book people. 

The story structure methodology uses the same 15 beats (plot points) as the screenplay version. I love that Brody uses book examples as even most books about writing books tend to use movie examples. I think some authors worry about following story structure too closely, but I have always felt thinking analytically about story can only improve your writing. It’s only formulaic if you write it that way.

The houses on your block probably all have walls, roofs, foundations, floors, and plumbing…but they don’t all look the same, even on the outside. Once you get inside—all bets are off, right? But they all need… show more.

I loved how this book made me think about why I like stories. What engages me as a reader and excites me as a writer? Why two books with the same tropes can hit so differently. And how to add what the author refers to as “butter” to both the writing and the marketing, which is very important.

If your back cover copy is dry toast, it doesn’t matter how wonderful the writing on the inside is. The author is also very engaging and warm and my favorite, funny.

This is one of the first books I read about writing that gave me that A-HA feeling. Originally published in 1999, it’s still relevant and foundational. What does your character want? Why? And what is standing in their way? It seems like a simple concept, but it isn’t easy! And boy, oh boy, if you are missing one of those elements, it can be the difference between a page-turner and a wall-banger (when a reader throws your book against the wall because you just wasted their time.)

Without really understanding what your character wants and why, writers risk nonsensical plot progression and alienating the reader.

It’s never too early to think about how to actually sell your books, whether you indie publish or pitch to agents and editors. Writing a series is more profitable in almost every genre compared to writing standalone novels. And it will save you much heartache to have a series in mind before you start book one. Trust me. You don’t want to write yourself into a corner in book one that makes book two or three implausible. Think…Star Wars trilogy (the original 123 that became 456 in later years) as opposed to Speed and Speed 2. Which flowed better?

I’ve seen Ms.York speak at conferences, and her book voice is just as candid and engaging. This book covers many business writing/publishing topics but is never dry. From how to use comparable titles to world-building, I find myself returning to this book often.

Another book that focuses on story structure, and explains the difference between literary and commercial fiction without talking down to those of us who aspire to the latter. I found it full of illuminating visuals, excellent examples, and exercises to help me immediately apply his advice. And above all, remember that advice weeks later as I write more and more pages.

It works because he does more than expound. He *engages* the reader–mentally and physically. Reading the book is like taking a master class.

I really enjoyed this engaging plot and the characters have interesting dynamics.

It’s definitely a character-driven story and the dual narration from Izzy and Tristan worked beautifully for me, giving each of them a distinct voice and adding depth as their backstories unfolded.

I especially liked how their perspectives contrasted and played off one another. 

A year or so ago, I read a lot of factual books about India, so I was delighted to find this Golden Age cozy mystery set in a land I was falling in love with through books. This book took me back to a pre-partition India still under British rule, with a realistic glimpse of life under colonialism alongside a hefty–hopefully less realistic–dose of murder and mystery.

I adored how Harini Nagendra created a strong, independent female character who still feels genuine and believable in the time and place in which the book is set–a time when most women were stifled, submissive, and governed by their husbands–and how the observations of colonization feel true to life while remaining both sympathetic and observant to the Indian culture and ways of life.

The setting is vividly portrayed, and the sights and sounds of 1920s India are an absolute delight. The main characters… show more.

This book is like nothing I’ve ever read.

Fraimow combines a con-job storyline, a space diaspora setting, a 1920s aesthetic, and an unexpected sapphic romance, and somehow, it all works. I found myself totally immersed in the fragile glitz of New Monte, a kind of Monaco-in-space clinging to a satellite, where debutantes wear breathers as fashion accessories and extravagance masks the threat of scarcity.

And I fell in love with the characters: Ruthi, the cool, competent protagonist with a gift for wisecracks and a tender underside, and Sol, the chivalrous, sharp-suited, hoverbike-riding love interest, who develops from an intriguing antagonist into a fully-rounded human being who is Ruthi’s perfect match.

I love a tense, character-driven thriller, and this one was set in a remote town I’ve visited. 

I love that the book is set in 1963, a decade that had particular significance for Australian women, their roles, and the expectations placed upon them.

It’s not fast-moving, but the setting is an almost palpable character in its own right. I found it dark, rife with corruption, violence, oppressive heat, and both the best and the worst of what Australia has to offer.

This book has one of the most refreshing and terrifying take on the concept of immortality that I’ve ever seen. I love it because of how it tackles policing, what it means to be a decent person, and how power unchecked will inevitably consume all it touches. Also, it’s extremely queer, and the prickly immortals were just too hard not to fall in love with.