Million Dollar Outlines

By: David Farland

Narrated by: Gary Johnston

Best-selling author David Farland has taught dozens of writers who have gone on to staggering literary success, including such number-one New York Times best sellers as Brandon Mull (Fablehaven), Brandon Sanderson (Wheel of Time), James Dashner (The Maze Runner) and Stephenie Meyer (Twilight).

In this audiobook, Dave teaches how to analyze an audience and outline a novel so that it can appeal to a wide readership, giving it the potential to become a bestseller. The secrets found in his unconventional approach will help you understand why so many of his authors go on to prominence.

Please note: Any files referenced in the audio will not be included.

Please note: The PDF for this title is no longer available.

©2013 David Farland (P)2013 David Farland

It's worth it.

A previous reviewer stated that the podcast "writing excuses" covers everything this book had to offer.
With respect to that reviews opinion, I'd like to strongly disagree.

Writing excuses is good. I'm a big fan, but this is an entire book on the subject of outlines, and not 15 minutes.
Also this is much more a first had teaching, where writing excuses (even if it is good on it's own) is somewhat a synopsis if this kind of information. It's simple and to the point.

I wanted to dive in a bit more and this book did just that. I got a much fuller overview on this topic.

Other then that- I'd say that this book was enlightening. I was disappointed that there was so much back and forth about how much this movie made or that movie. It seemed like the reader was just reading out a chart to me during that chapter. That may he been helpful for some- but I have Dyscalculia so it was just numbers and names for me on that part- but I'm sure not going to rate it down for that because I'm sure it would be helpful for those who understand numbers.
And even with that handicap I still loved it- so what does that say? I'd call it a keeper.

Nothing about outlines.

What was most disappointing about David Farland’s story?

This book didn't deal with outlines at all.

Any additional comments?

This is NOT a book about outlines. It's a decent book on writing commercial fiction. I'd have given it 4 stars had it been advertised as such.

Interesting concepts

I'm trying to change my ways as a writer and need practical help with outlining. While this book gives great things to think about and include in your outline, I would have appreciated a more step by step approach. The final chapters had what I was looking for, but it took a long time to get there.

A top 3 writing resource

If you could sum up Million Dollar Outlines in three words, what would they be?

"A game changer"

What did you like best about this story?

The intro looks at "what makes a story tick". I think this is something often overlooked by other writing guides that deal with the technical details.

What does Gary Johnston bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Well narrated although I did wish that there is a way to see the examples and exercises in print format.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

N/A

Any additional comments?

This book made me recosider my approach to storytelling. It is infused with practical examples and tools. I only wish I had read it sooner!

Readable, Enjoyable and Valuable

A reference book filled with great stories about stories, solid advice and good recommendations for other books / websites for further reading.