Using Other Books as a Blue Print for Your Book

July 17, 2022 Post a Comment

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· 112 ratings · 36 reviews

Start your review of Blueprint for a Book: Build Your Novel from the Inside Out

Sep 27, 2021 A.M. rated it really liked it

I am a big fan of Jennie Nash. I found her on Creative Live years ago doing a course on how to write your book, a lot of which has made it into this title, and I have followed her ever since.

If you read a lot of craft books, they are often all about the plot. You have to have this many scenes, and the turning point MUST come at page 50 or whatever it is and so on. And it all feels so contrived.

I have tried to 'fix' manuscripts that were not working for me by shoving them into just such a plot ta

I am a big fan of Jennie Nash. I found her on Creative Live years ago doing a course on how to write your book, a lot of which has made it into this title, and I have followed her ever since.

I have tried to 'fix' manuscripts that were not working for me by shoving them into just such a plot table, and all I managed to do was hate my own work. Whatever spark made me want to tell that story is so subsumed by the plot table I can't see it anymore.

Or as Jennie puts it:

Many writing methods ask the writer to make a giant story grid that plots out every one of these action/ reaction/decision moments. I am not a fan of giant story grids, because they tend to completely miss the point. I mean, literally. They tend to lead the writer to thinking only about plot—war and aliens and bad guys—and not about what any of it means to the protagonist. (p. 45).

Right. Titles like this read like action movies with no heart. You might be entertained for a moment but when someone asks you what the story was about, all you can provide is a 'then this happened and then this' summary, like a small child trying to tell you something.

[side thought: is this why the Fast Furious movies actually work? Everyone knows the theme is family, right? it's meme-able it is so clear]

Jennie wants you to add a line and it is 'and because of that...'

And that is where the heart of your story lives.

4 stars

Just an extra thought - and I totally admit this is probably just me. She gives examples of the Inside Outline from coaching clients of hers.

The last one, very detailed, is for a WWII story The American Cellist that the author sold to the first trad publisher they approached. I am dead sick of titles that make ACTUAL Nazis romantic interests or heroes. Dear god, just NO.

And (view spoiler)[ in this story the main character has romantic affairs with Nazis, one of whom is her own brother in law [girl, no], and then she fucks Goebbels. ***Blinks*** I mean I walked around the house for days just randomly shouting SHE FUCKED GOEBBELS much to the horror of my adult children. (hide spoiler)]

And this leaves a taste in my mouth so bad, it actually affects my opinion of this title.

Jennie is big on 'what is your why' and I can say definitively that my why is NEVER to write a Nazi story or have anything to do with one. So I guess that is something. Shrugs.

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Because I believe in transparent reviews, I should state that I know Jennie, have learned from her as a book coach, and won her book through a Goodreads giveaway. However, this does not in any way, I don't think, color my thoughts on this book.

The Blueprint for a Book changed my writing game. It took a book that I thought had failed and, along with book coaching and a lot of editing, helped bring it to readers (or will once it releases in less than three weeks). The Blueprint for a Book changed

As a writer, it helped me codify what I know about story and combine it with the ability to visualize my book in the marketplace. Not only did this later help me with deciding how I wanted to publish and market my book, but it gave me the drive to finish some pretty hefty revision and make the book a story that readers can connect with. This gave me the confidence to write and revise forward toward my debut novel after almost 20 years of writing in my genre and dealing iwth imposter syndrome.

As a coach, the Blueprint has become a keystone of how I coach other writers. It's given me a structure to build on with writers, and I love seeing the transformation they've made in working with these exercises before they begin work on their book and during as well. I've seen the Blueprint work for pantsers, plantsers, and planners.

I wholeheartedly recommend this structure--and this book--for writers, book coaches, and anyone aspiring to work in either or both fields.

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I pre-ordered it and snarfed it down. Keep on hand when you are losing courage as a writer.

Sep 02, 2021 Lisa Lewis rated it it was amazing

I took a weekend workshop from Jennie almost a decade ago through UCLA Extension -- she's accomplished, warm and inspiring. She's packaged all of that in book form, including great info about different types of narration, the importance of nailing down the book's timeframe, and shorter/more intuitive outlining (her technique for this is terrific). I received an advance copy of this, and I would highly recommend it to writers of all levels. It will up your game! I took a weekend workshop from Jennie almost a decade ago through UCLA Extension -- she's accomplished, warm and inspiring. She's packaged all of that in book form, including great info about different types of narration, the importance of nailing down the book's timeframe, and shorter/more intuitive outlining (her technique for this is terrific). I received an advance copy of this, and I would highly recommend it to writers of all levels. It will up your game! ...more

Aug 22, 2021 Cara Finnegan rated it it was amazing

I was lucky to get access to an ARC of this book, as an Author Accelerator certified book coach. I strongly recommend this book for *any* writer at *any* stage of the process. As a writer, I have used Jennie's blueprint approach to reboot a long-abandoned novel, and also to structure a completely new project from scratch. In both cases, the blueprint gave me everything I needed to move forward confidently without saddling me with uptight rules that would overly constrain me. As a coach, I have s I was lucky to get access to an ARC of this book, as an Author Accelerator certified book coach. I strongly recommend this book for *any* writer at *any* stage of the process. As a writer, I have used Jennie's blueprint approach to reboot a long-abandoned novel, and also to structure a completely new project from scratch. In both cases, the blueprint gave me everything I needed to move forward confidently without saddling me with uptight rules that would overly constrain me. As a coach, I have seen how the blueprint, especially its signature component, the Inside Outline, provides a flexible structure that helps me design an individualized coaching process for each client. I will definitely be sharing this book with my coaching clients to supplement our work together. ...more

This little writing craft book is light, only 123 pages, and super easy to read. Unlike a lot of other craft books by writing gurus who spend a lot of time and pages trying to convince you to outline your story (Larry Brooks, especially, Jessica Brody, Shawn Coyne and most of the others do it, too), this one skips a lot of that and cuts right to what you, an author with a story idea and possibly starting on an outline, need to do. I liked that, a lot. It felt like it gelled well with my writing This little writing craft book is light, only 123 pages, and super easy to read. Unlike a lot of other craft books by writing gurus who spend a lot of time and pages trying to convince you to outline your story (Larry Brooks, especially, Jessica Brody, Shawn Coyne and most of the others do it, too), this one skips a lot of that and cuts right to what you, an author with a story idea and possibly starting on an outline, need to do. I liked that, a lot. It felt like it gelled well with my writing style, but then I've done a ton of reading other craft books, and I didn't need to be convinced. My critique partners know, I'm an outliner. It also offers a concrete strategy (as opposed to amorphous suggestions) for getting there -- the Inside Outline. And THAT I really liked, but you know I'm a planner / plotter, so take that for what it's worth.

However, I picked this one up for revision, not drafting, and so my eye was drawn not to the exercises it asks writers to do to develop their stories in the beginning, although they're great, too. What does your character want, what's her emotional journey, write the query blurb, the logline, etc. A workbook is available for free if you're interested.

But I'd done all those exercises, and I have a darn good idea of what I want to accomplish with my MS. The problem is, it's in my head and not on my pages.

With my writing it's a matter of execution. Prior to this I was just not… accomplishing on the page what I wanted my story to do. I'm on version 6 (six) of my MS, which I know still has issues because beta readers weren't responding to the story the way I wanted. I don't want to make anyone sob over my book, that's not my writing goal on this one. A fun romp with a light heart-string pull is what I want to achieve. My beta readers and CPs had some great suggestions for tightening what was on the page, and I employed most of their suggestions for another version, but even after that rewrite, I knew in my gut, there was something still missing.

I will say, the traditional "show don't tell" advice that litters most writing craft books was definitely getting in the way of my figuring out what I needed to do with my MS. The Blueprint doesn't engage in any of that. In fact, the emphasis in the Blueprint is on making sure your character's emotional struggles, during and as a result of the external plot struggles, feed into their emotional journeys, every step of the way.

If you're interested in reading more, I'll be periodically posting my progress with the Inside Outline on my blog, amb.mystrikingly.com

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Oct 05, 2021 Diana Renn rated it it was amazing

Full disclosure, I know Jennie Nash and had the pleasure of working with her and learning from her at Author Accelerator. I've trained coaching students to use her Blueprint method with clients, I've helped to explain it to writers, I've seen book coaches use this framework with writers, and I've used it for my own writing. Having seen the Blueprint in action in these various contexts, I fully believe in its power to lay a strong foundation for a novel and save writers a lot of heartache and ind Full disclosure, I know Jennie Nash and had the pleasure of working with her and learning from her at Author Accelerator. I've trained coaching students to use her Blueprint method with clients, I've helped to explain it to writers, I've seen book coaches use this framework with writers, and I've used it for my own writing. Having seen the Blueprint in action in these various contexts, I fully believe in its power to lay a strong foundation for a novel and save writers a lot of heartache and indecision down the road. This book distills Jennie's Blueprint workbook steps (which are reflective, targeted, and fun to do!) as well as her philosophy about writing, in a highly accessible way. She is so generous with her advice and her insights. If you're someone who wrestles with decision-making, this is definitely the book for you; it will break the process of planning a novel down into manageable steps and force you to articulate everything from your point to your ideal reader to your book jacket copy, so that you can envision where you are going. The process allows for iterations and some flexibility; it's structured without being rigid, so it's especially helpful for the types of writers who are hesitant to plan. Jennie's personality and voice sparkle on every page, making for a highly engaging read (in fact, I suggest reading it cover to cover first, without writing, and THEN going back to do the exercises). But this book is not about her - it's about you, and your story, and your choices as a writer. Reading and working through BLUEPRINT FOR A BOOK is an empowering experience for novelists of all skill levels and at all stages of the process. ...more

"Writing a novel is a complex intellectual and creative undertaking. It's hard. When the going gets tough, return to your why. . . . This knowledge is what propels a novel, but it is also what propels a writer."

This quote is one of my favorites from the book, but take note: This isn't a book full of lofty writing motivation or ideas without instructions on how to apply them. This book is actionable, full of step-by-step exercises that, when complete, will result in a solid blueprint for your book. On top of that, it's full of examples and writerly wisdom from one of the wisest individuals in the publishing industry. Jennie Nash has decades of experience helping writers turn their books into stories that readers want to read. And she created this Blueprint for a Book process so that other writers and book coaches can apply her simple-to-use tool to improve their work. I've used the method in my book coaching business from the start and I'm grateful for it every single time it helps one of my clients start, revise or rescue a book that might otherwise have gone off the rails or gathered dust in a drawer.

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Jan 23, 2022 Lori Puma rated it really liked it

Makes excellent arguments about what novelists need to do prior to writing scenes. These are consistent with what other book coaches and editors recommend. What is unique about Nash's system is the outlining

In the Inside/Outside outline you not only write a short description of the major scenes or plot points, you also state what the point is of the scene or plot point. The goal in stating the point is to emphasize the cause and effect nature of well-crafted scenes. To try to stop writers going

I agree that that is a common place for novelists to get stuck. However, I wish that there was more information about what counts as "the point" for a scene because this is an incredibly difficult idea to help writers wrap their heads around.

There's a case study that shows an Inside/Outside outline that has some flaws and this would be a five star book for me if it had included some more commentary pointing out what could have changed to make it stronger.

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Okay, I am a pantser and recently I've changed my wicked ways. I used to just pants my way through a novel and then use revision tools to revise and fix it. Luckily I worked in the film industry for a long time and have been a reader for the studios as well as a writing/story coach for the last 13 years so I know story, BUT this book has changed the way I approach my novels.
The reason?

Well, it's simple.
The way Jennie teaches this technique of outlining and getting to know your big WHY before Okay, I am a pantser and recently I've changed my wicked ways. I used to just pants my way through a novel and then use revision tools to revise and fix it. Luckily I worked in the film industry for a long time and have been a reader for the studios as well as a writing/story coach for the last 13 years so I know story, BUT this book has changed the way I approach my novels.
The reason?
Well, it's simple.
The way Jennie teaches this technique of outlining and getting to know your big WHY before you do the writing makes it so the book is much stronger than if you just know your plot points and toss down a story.
I am going to use this method with every novel I use and I'm adding it to my list of books that I recommend for all my coaching clients.
It's a must for all novelists and aspiring novelists out there! ...more

Mar 02, 2022 Zibby Owens rated it it was amazing

This book is about using a different approach to writing. It suggests that writers should take some time upfront before writing to answer some fundamental questions. This solution may make your writing more manageable and more efficient. This blueprint has 14 steps that take writers through a list of fundamental questions to unlock answers. It helps writers make sure that their beginning is solid also they can write forward from a great space.

Too often, writing is about leaping into the craft o

Too often, writing is about leaping into the craft of writing a scene, developing a character or a plot, and creating dialogue. This book changes up that process. I liked the fresh approach. This book is such a valuable resource in helping writers become authors and achieve their dream.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/jen...

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Jul 27, 2021 Carol rated it it was amazing

Jennie Nash led a brilliant writing workshop I'd taken early in my writing career. Her points still resonate.

I agree with her suggestion in 'Blueprint for a Book' to start by identifying the point we're trying to make. This is similar to the advice I give when speaking about personal brand at writers' conferences: start with your 'why.'

The heart of her blueprint method is the inside outline, which recommends laying out your plot into a simple and sound "what happens" and "because of that" fram

Jennie Nash led a brilliant writing workshop I'd taken early in my writing career. Her points still resonate.

The heart of her blueprint method is the inside outline, which recommends laying out your plot into a simple and sound "what happens" and "because of that" framework. These are great pointers, actionable for any writer, and proven through Jennie's many clients.

All writers will find value in this book!

Jennie Nash

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Apr 03, 2022 Bryan Conlon rated it it was amazing

I am finding this book very helpful. I'd reached an impasse with my first novel to the extent that I was dreading sitting down at the laptop every day.
The 13 step blueprint within this book has helped very much even if one or two of the steps don't make complete sense yet e.g. Step 12 - 'Because of that' Story Summary.

I am certain there are many processes that can be followed when faced with a large book project, and if this is to be my process, then so be it, it's 100% better than the crazy pav

I am certain there are many processes that can be followed when faced with a large book project, and if this is to be my process, then so be it, it's 100% better than the crazy paving route I was already on!

The chapters are short and to the point - no faffing - just how I like it. I'll be referencing this book a lot during the gestation of my own.

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May 18, 2022 Jade Eliasson rated it really liked it

My lovely book coach went through Jennie Nash's Author Accelerator program and shared this title with me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a super quick read but is filled with helpful exercises. I only wish it were longer and had even more examples in it! The Stoplight Method is also something my book coach taught me about, and I found them a genius way of providing feedback on a manuscript. You'll learn about the Stoplight Method in this book, among other things! I would definitely recommend My lovely book coach went through Jennie Nash's Author Accelerator program and shared this title with me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a super quick read but is filled with helpful exercises. I only wish it were longer and had even more examples in it! The Stoplight Method is also something my book coach taught me about, and I found them a genius way of providing feedback on a manuscript. You'll learn about the Stoplight Method in this book, among other things! I would definitely recommend this book to writers looking to either plan out their novels or revise their work. ...more

Jun 27, 2022 Lia K Cook rated it it was amazing

I've been a fan of Jennie Nash and her knowledge of story since signing up for her Author Accelerator program back in 2017. The program has shifted from focusing on writers to focusing more on book coaches, but Jennie's stellar insight on how to write a book remains available in this book. At 130 pages, Blueprint for a Book clearly and concisely guides you through a set of deep dive questions that will help you design and plan the foundation of your own book. This book is a valuable resource tha I've been a fan of Jennie Nash and her knowledge of story since signing up for her Author Accelerator program back in 2017. The program has shifted from focusing on writers to focusing more on book coaches, but Jennie's stellar insight on how to write a book remains available in this book. At 130 pages, Blueprint for a Book clearly and concisely guides you through a set of deep dive questions that will help you design and plan the foundation of your own book. This book is a valuable resource that I will return to again and again. ...more

Jul 30, 2021 H. Davis rated it it was amazing

This book is absolutely phenomenal. I gobbled it up in a three hours, and I truly believe it has already helped me become a better storyteller. Blueprint for a Book helps writers easily weave together plot and story, generating the necessary cause-and-effect trajectory that gives a book narrative drive. This method is simple and intuitive for both plotters and pantsers, and it can easily be used to augment any other writing method. Thanks, Jennie! I will read this book again and again! :-)

Aug 13, 2021 LaToya Carter rated it it was amazing

Full disclosure, I'm an Author Accelerator student (nonfiction track) and have come to view Jennie as a mentor, and friend (in my head). I finished the book today and I really enjoyed it. This is one that will stay close by for repeated use.

What I love is that Jennie is taking the reader, and/or writer, step-by-step through what she teachers her students and coaches her writers. The reader is getting a high quality education for the cost of a book. Jennie clearly states the challenges of writing a novel but with at solid plan, the writer can succeed. That's where the Inside Outline come in. It will serve the writer as they strive to craft a story that will be loved by many.

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Dec 26, 2021 Jill rated it really liked it

Slender volume comprised of a useful approach to outlining, but especially to revising, your novel. I used Nash's "Inside Outline" technique for writing a synopsis and found it helpful, lending more drive ("because of that...") to an otherwise dry plot summary. I'll try using her approach for revising my current novel. I would have liked less pages devoted to cut-and-paste examples (with no commentary on what was working and what wasn't), and more pages on craft. Slender volume comprised of a useful approach to outlining, but especially to revising, your novel. I used Nash's "Inside Outline" technique for writing a synopsis and found it helpful, lending more drive ("because of that...") to an otherwise dry plot summary. I'll try using her approach for revising my current novel. I would have liked less pages devoted to cut-and-paste examples (with no commentary on what was working and what wasn't), and more pages on craft. ...more

Mar 26, 2022 Samantha rated it really liked it

A succinct complement to Story Genius because it's written by the book coach and author (Jen Nash) whose work is used as an example in Story Genius. These are helping me see the value in book coaches for developmental editing and also introducing me to their methodology and plot philosophy. Really helpful when you get stuck in spots in revision and know it needs help but you don't know the why, what, and how of it. A succinct complement to Story Genius because it's written by the book coach and author (Jen Nash) whose work is used as an example in Story Genius. These are helping me see the value in book coaches for developmental editing and also introducing me to their methodology and plot philosophy. Really helpful when you get stuck in spots in revision and know it needs help but you don't know the why, what, and how of it. ...more

Jul 31, 2021 Susan rated it it was amazing

I took an Author Accelerator revision workshop a few years ago led by Jennie Nash and have used that blueprint for book prep ever since. This book goes through all the steps of the blueprint explaining how each step leads to a deeper understanding of your novel and main character before writing a single word. A quick, easy to follow craft book for writers at any stage.

Sep 01, 2021 Maxie Mccoy rated it it was amazing

Read this if you have any dream of writing a novel. Read this if you've had a few false starts on novels and can't seem to figure out why. Read this if you feel too overwhelmed to even begin. Jennie's instruction is as helpful as it is inspiring. You'll feel supported, clear, and creative by following the decades-won wisdom in Blueprint. I can't recommend it enough.

Great stuff in this book. The Blueprint walks the author through every part of book development. It's way more than just outlining the plot of the story. I can't wait to share it with the aspiring authors in my life. Great stuff in this book. The Blueprint walks the author through every part of book development. It's way more than just outlining the plot of the story. I can't wait to share it with the aspiring authors in my life. ...more

Everything you need to know, in one place

I've always loved Jenny's way of teaching writing into manageable chunks, and her Inside Outline method is, for me, the most useful to approach the complex task of writing a book.

Everything you need to know, in one place

I've always loved Jenny's way of teaching writing into manageable chunks, and her Inside Outline method is, for me, the most useful to approach the complex task of writing a book.

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Sep 20, 2021 Jarm Boccio rated it it was amazing

If you are looking for a simple yet comprehensive way to write and revise your novel, "Blueprint for a Book" is your key. With logical step-by-step instructions, you will see your novel come to life, move towards excellence, and end with a manuscript that is ready for publication.

Oct 12, 2021 Rose Kerr rated it it was amazing

A new tool for my writing

Ms. Nash explains the Blueprint
very well.
The Inside Outline will be a good tool in my writing kit.
And I'll be using it for my next book.
Thanks Jennie Nash!

A new tool for my writing

Ms. Nash explains the Blueprint
very well.
The Inside Outline will be a good tool in my writing kit.
And I'll be using it for my next book.
Thanks Jennie Nash!

...more

Jan 07, 2022 Sara Miller rated it really liked it

This is a book I've referred back to several times already. It's nuts-and-bolts rather than another writing book that is SO conceptual. I've listened to Jennie's podcasts over the years, and she's a guru and a gift to the writing community. Highly recommend if you're working on a fiction project.

Apr 19, 2022 Ester rated it really liked it

Great for starting writers. I found the inside outline to be interesting and something to try with my future stories. Also learned to ask why as I'm writing a story. Why is the character doing that?
Jennie Nash has written a great book for writers of any amount of experience. Great for starting writers. I found the inside outline to be interesting and something to try with my future stories. Also learned to ask why as I'm writing a story. Why is the character doing that?
Jennie Nash has written a great book for writers of any amount of experience. ...more

Sep 25, 2021 Tammy rated it it was amazing

what a great book. Short, succinct, actionable. Might be my favorite craft book for structure

informative blueprint for writing a novel

Read through a few outline books lately and this one is okay for a read through to rehash or learn

Such a smartly written book to help new writers. What I think I like most is that it's more workbook than narrative text. I'm going to have it right next to me as I start to write this year. Such a smartly written book to help new writers. What I think I like most is that it's more workbook than narrative text. I'm going to have it right next to me as I start to write this year. ...more

Jennie Nash is the founder and CEO of Author Accelerator, a company that trains book coaches to help writers bring their books to life. For twelve years, writers serious about reaching readers have trusted Jennie to coach their projects from inspiration to publication. Her clients have landed top New York agents, national book awards, and deals with houses such as Scribner, Simon & Schuster, and H Jennie Nash is the founder and CEO of Author Accelerator, a company that trains book coaches to help writers bring their books to life. For twelve years, writers serious about reaching readers have trusted Jennie to coach their projects from inspiration to publication. Her clients have landed top New York agents, national book awards, and deals with houses such as Scribner, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette. Jennie is the author of 9 books in 3 genres. She taught for 13 years in the UCLA Extension Writer's Program, is an instructor at CreativeLive.com and speaks on podcasts and at writing conferences all over the country. Learn more about being coached or becoming a coach at bookcoaches.com or authoraccelerator.com ...more