Book SummaryBlueprint for a Book, by Jennie Nash

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Blueprint for a Book

Pre-writing's Role In Building a Novel Foundation

This section delves into the importance of pre-writing in establishing a solid base for your novel. It emphasizes the necessity of approaching your writing with intentionality and a well-defined plan, highlighting the potential pitfalls of writing without a plan and advocating for the use of Nash's "Blueprint for a Book" methodology to streamline your writing process.

Approaching Novel Writing With Intentionality and Preparation

Before even starting to write, spending time understanding your story's core elements, such as the protagonist's desires, your message, and the genre conventions, is crucial. This preparation steers you clear of common pitfalls and ensures your work has a solid foundation.

Avoiding Pitfalls of an Unplanned Writing Process

Nash stresses that writing without a clear plan can lead to numerous pitfalls. Just as constructing a home requires a detailed plan, a novel needs a framework to ensure coherence and effectiveness. Writing with no plan can result in meandering plots, inconsistent character growth, and unsatisfying endings. You might end up with a collection of captivating scenes that, unfortunately, don't form a cohesive, compelling narrative. Imagine writing thousands of words only to realize your story lacks direction or that your main character's arc is weak. Engaging in pre-writing helps you avoid these issues.

Context

• Planning doesn't stifle creativity; instead, it provides a foundation that allows for more innovative storytelling within a defined structure.
• Pre-writing involves the planning and outlining stages before the actual writing begins. This process can include brainstorming ideas, developing character profiles, and outlining the plot structure. It helps writers organize their thoughts and establish a clear direction for the story, reducing the likelihood of encountering the pitfalls mentioned.
• Without a clear plan, the editing process can become more complex and time-consuming, as writers may need to restructure large portions of the text to achieve coherence.

Value of Blueprint for a Book System

Nash champions her "Blueprint for a Book" approach as a solution to the pitfalls of unplanned writing. This system compels authors to engage with fundamental questions about their story before diving into the drafting phase.

Establishing Core Elements Before Writing

The system in Blueprint for a Book guides you through 14 essential questions about your story. These questions delve deep into the "why" behind your story, the protagonist's wishes and internal struggles, the genre conventions, plus the structural framework of your narrative. By establishing these core elements beforehand, you can ensure a more focused and impactful story.

Other Perspectives

• The system's focus on pre-planning could discourage discovery writing, where authors develop their story organically as they write.
• Focusing too much on the "why" could result in a narrative that is too didactic or heavy-handed in its messaging, which might not resonate with readers looking for entertainment or escapism.
• The questions might not account for the evolution of genre conventions over time, which could result in a story that feels outdated by the time it is published.
• The structural framework is just one aspect of storytelling, and other elements such as...

Blueprint for a Book Summary Story Core: Protagonist, Point, Genre, Etc

This section focuses on your story's core components, encompassing the main character's motives, what you aim to convey, and the genre you choose. It underlines the importance of each element in shaping a compelling and resonant narrative.

Discovering the Driving Force of Your Narrative

Before delving into plot details, it's crucial to grasp the "why" behind your story. What compels you to create this particular narrative? What message do you wish to convey to your audience? Nash believes that identifying these underlying motivations is essential to crafting a meaningful story.

Uncovering a Writer's Drive and Connection to Narrative

Nash emphasizes the importance of articulating why you feel compelled to share your specific tale. This motivation is intensely personal and rooted in your beliefs and experiences. It lays the groundwork for your narrative, providing a sense of sincerity and passion that will resonate with your readers.

Other Perspectives

• While motivation can be personal and rooted in beliefs and experiences, it is not exclusively so; external factors such as market demand, audience expectations, or professional obligations can also...

Blueprint for a Book Summary Structuring a Novel With the "Inside Outline" Technique

This section introduces Nash's proprietary "Inside Outline" technique for structuring your writing. This tool intertwines the internal and external aspects of your story, ensuring a cohesive narrative driven by the main character's emotional journey. It stresses the significance of the "so that" phrase in connecting scenes and developing narrative momentum.

The "Inside/Outside" Approach of the Inside Outline

The "Inside Outline" serves as a powerful tool that goes beyond simply plotting events. It requires you to consider both the external plot and the main character's inner world, ensuring a tightly interwoven narrative that resonates on both levels.

Linking Protagonist's Emotional Growth to Plot Events

The "Inside Outline" framework has two layers: one describes the plot events, and the other explores the protagonist's emotional reaction and how they make sense of those events. This linking of the protagonist's "internal" emotional journey with the "external" plot developments guarantees a story that feels grounded in character motivation and avoids the pitfall of mere plot-driven narrative.

Practical Tips

• Use a mobile app that allows you to log...

Blueprint for a Book Summary Creating a Summary Using a Structured Plan

This section explores how the Internal Outline can be used as a powerful resource not just during the writing process but also for creating a compelling synopsis to pitch to agents and editors.

Leveraging the Inside Outline to Write Confidently

The work you do leveraging the Interior Outline framework provides a solid foundation for writing your novel with confidence. It functions as a consistent reference point, ensuring your narrative stays on track and delivers on its intended message.

Maintaining a Clear, Logical Structure for Your Narrative

By following the Inside Outline, you'll ensure that your story maintains a clear and logical structure. Every scene emerges organically from the preceding one, driven by the protagonist's actions and reactions. This interconnectedness creates a cohesive narrative that feels purposeful and avoids the pitfalls of a meandering plot.

Other Perspectives

• Scenes that emerge organically from the preceding one may not always be the best choice for certain storytelling techniques, such as non-linear narratives or stories that employ flashbacks, flash-forwards, or other forms of disrupted chronology.
• In some genres, such...