How to Outline Like Brandon Sanderson with AI

In this video, the speaker discusses the outlining process of renowned author Brandon Sanderson and demonstrates how AI can be utilized to streamline this process. The video outlines a method to create a comprehensive template for a novel by identifying different storylines and scenes, as exemplified by Sanderson's book 'Mistborn'. The speaker uses AI, specifically Chat GPT, to generate lists of scene types for various plotlines such as a heist, master and apprentice, and a love story. The process involves combining these elements into a cohesive narrative structure. The video also compares the effectiveness of different AI tools like Chat GPT, Claude Pro, and Gemini Advanced in generating outlines and concludes that while AI is excellent for generating scene lists, the final layering and narrative structuring are best done by the writer themselves.

Takeaways

• 📚 Brandon Sanderson is renowned for his intricate outlining process, which can be emulated using AI to simplify and enhance your novel's structure.
• 🚀 Start by creating a general outline template for your novel to serve as a foundation for filling in the details of your story.
• 🎓 Sanderson's method involves listing different scenes for each storyline, major viewpoint characters, and then layering them into a cohesive narrative.
• 💡 Use AI tools like Chat GPT, Claude Pro, or Gemini Advanced to generate scene types for different storylines, such as heist, master-apprentice, and love stories.
• 🧩 AI can help compile a list of scenes, but the layering of these scenes into a coherent plot may require manual adjustments and human touch.
• 📝 When using AI, provide specific prompts and details about your characters and story to receive more tailored and relevant scene suggestions.
• 🔍 Analyze the AI-generated scene list and decide which scenes can be combined effectively without losing narrative clarity.
• 📉 Be cautious of combining too many scene types into a single chapter or scene, as it may overwhelm the reader and detract from the story.
• 📈 Utilize a basic underlying story structure, like the 24-chapter novel outline, to ensure a solid plot and character arc for your protagonist.
• 🤖 AI excels at generating scene lists but may fall short in intricately layering them; this is where a writer's creativity and judgement become crucial.
• ✍️ After generating a comprehensive outline with AI, manually review and adjust the scene order and layering to best fit the narrative flow and character development.

Q & A

What is Brandon Sanderson known for in the context of writing?

Brandon Sanderson is known for being one of the greatest outliners of the modern day, with a methodical approach to outlining his novels.

What does the video suggest as a way to simplify the outlining process for a novel?

The video suggests using AI to create a general outlining template for a novel, which can then be filled in with specific details to create a rich and complex outline.

How does Brandon Sanderson approach outlining his novels?

Sanderson approaches outlining by first identifying the different storylines in his book, making a list of all the different scenes needed for each storyline, and then layering them together into a cohesive narrative structure.

Can you provide an example of how Sanderson's outlining method is applied in one of his books?

In 'Mistborn', the primary plot is a heist. Sanderson would outline the different elements of a heist, such as assembling the team, drafting out the problem, and the steps required before the actual heist, and then integrate other storylines and character arcs.

What AI tools are mentioned in the video for assisting with the outlining process?

The AI tools mentioned in the video are Chad GPT, Claude Pro, and Gemini Advanced.

How does the AI help in generating a list of scene types for a specific storyline?

The AI is prompted with a request for all the different scene types for a specified storyline, such as a heist or a master and apprentice storyline. It then generates a list of scenes that would typically be included in that type of storyline.

What is the purpose of creating a foundational novel outline and character arc?

The foundational novel outline and character arc provide a solid structure for the overall plot of the novel and a clear path for the protagonist's character development.

How can AI assist in combining different plot lines into a comprehensive outline?

AI can take a list of different scene types and storylines and attempt to layer them together into a comprehensive outline, suggesting where scenes might be combined for efficiency.

What is the limitation of AI when it comes to layering scenes together in an outline?

AI may sometimes combine too many scenes into one, making it difficult to establish the necessary narrative depth and detail. It may also not always make the most logical or coherent sense in terms of story flow.

Why is a human touch considered important in the final layering of scenes in an outline?

A human touch is important because it allows for creative judgment on where and how scenes should be included or combined, ensuring that the narrative makes sense and maintains a logical flow.

How does the video suggest improving the AI's performance in layering scenes?

The video suggests tweaking the AI prompt to avoid asking the AI to combine scenes and instead allowing for a more differentiated approach, which might yield better results.

What does the video conclude about the best use of AI in the novel outlining process?

The video concludes that AI is particularly useful for generating lists of scenes for different storyline types but that the final layering and combining of these scenes is a task better suited for human judgment.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to AI-Assisted Outlining

The video discusses using AI to create a novel outline, similar to the method used by Brandon Sanderson. It emphasizes the importance of a general template to fill in the details of the novel. The speaker references Sanderson's lectures at BYU and his YouTube channel for insights into his outlining process. The video outlines how Sanderson layers different storylines and character arcs to form a cohesive narrative structure, using his book 'Mistborn' as an example. It also mentions the use of AI tools like Chad GPT, Claude Pro, or Gemini Advanced to assist in this process.

05:02

🎬 Scene Types and Storyline Development

The speaker demonstrates how to use AI to generate a list of scene types for different storylines, such as a heist, master and apprentice, and a love story. It shows the process of creating separate documents for each storyline, including the foundational novel outline and character arc for the protagonist. The video then illustrates how to prompt AI to combine these scene types into a comprehensive outline. It also discusses the potential need for manual adjustments to ensure the scenes fit together logically and the importance of a basic underlying story structure.

10:03

🤖 AI Tools Comparison and Layering Scene Types

The video compares the performance of three AI tools—Chad GPT, Claude, and Gemini—in creating a layered outline that combines various plot lines. It provides insights into the limitations of AI in layering scenes together and suggests that while AI is excellent for generating scene lists, the final arrangement and layering of these scenes might be better suited for human judgment. The speaker concludes by stating that AI can significantly aid in the outlining process, particularly in listing scenes for different storylines.

Keywords

Outlining

Outlining is the process of creating a structured plan for a piece of writing, such as a novel. In the context of the video, outlining is central to the theme as it discusses how to use AI to create a detailed plan for a novel similar to the method used by Brandon Sanderson. The video emphasizes the importance of outlining in producing a complex and rich narrative structure.

Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a renowned fantasy and science fiction author known for his intricate storytelling and world-building. The video uses Sanderson's outlining technique as a model for demonstrating how AI can assist in the outlining process. Sanderson's method involves listing different scenes for various storylines and then layering them to form a cohesive narrative.

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. In the video, AI is presented as a tool to facilitate the outlining process for writing a novel. It is used to generate lists of scenes for different storylines, which can then be layered together to form a comprehensive outline.

Storylines

Storylines are the plot structures or narratives that run through a story. The video discusses the importance of identifying different storylines, such as a heist, master and apprentice, and love story, and creating a list of scenes for each. These storylines are integral to Sanderson's outlining process and are used to build the novel's plot.

Character Arcs

Character arcs refer to the personal journey and development of a character or characters within a story. In the script, character arcs are mentioned as an essential element to plot out and integrate into the overall narrative. They contribute to the depth and richness of the story, adding complexity to the characters' development.

Heist Storyline

A heist storyline is a type of plot that revolves around a planned theft or robbery. The video uses Brandon Sanderson's book 'Mistborn' as an example, where the primary plot is a heist. The AI is used to generate a list of scenes typical for a heist, such as assembling a team, planning, and executing the heist, which are then layered into the novel's outline.

Master and Apprentice

The master and apprentice dynamic is a common theme in storytelling where a skilled, experienced character guides a less experienced one. In the context of the video, this storyline is used to develop the world-building and character relationships, such as between the main character Vin and her mentor Kelsey in 'Mistborn'.

Love Story

A love story is a type of narrative that focuses on romantic relationships and the journey of the characters involved. The video discusses how to plot out the various scenes necessary for a love story and integrate them into the overall narrative. In 'Mistborn', the love story is between the protagonist and a noble, adding another layer to the novel's complexity.

Scene Types

Scene types refer to the different kinds of scenes that can occur within a story, each serving a specific purpose in advancing the plot or character development. The video demonstrates how AI can help identify and list scene types for various storylines, which are then used to build a detailed outline for a novel.

Layering

Layering in the context of the video refers to the process of integrating different storylines and scenes into a cohesive narrative structure. It involves combining various plot threads and character arcs to create a rich and complex story. The video emphasizes the importance of layering in achieving a well-structured novel outline.

Chat GPT

Chat GPT is an AI tool mentioned in the video for its ability to assist with structural tasks like outlining. It is used to generate lists of scenes for different storylines and to help layer these scenes into a comprehensive outline. The video compares Chat GPT with other AI tools like Claude Pro and Gemini Advanced to demonstrate its effectiveness in the outlining process.

Highlights

Brandon Sanderson is renowned for his outlining techniques, which can be emulated using AI to simplify the process.

AI can assist in creating a general outlining template for a novel, providing a structure to fill in.

Sanderson's method involves listing different scenes for each storyline, then layering them into a cohesive narrative.

In 'Mistborn', Sanderson uses a heist plot, master and apprentice, and love story, each with its own set of scenes.

AI tools like Chad GPT, Claude Pro, or Gemini Advanced can generate scene types for specific storylines.

The AI-generated list of scenes can be used as a backbone for the novel's structure.

Combining scenes that serve multiple purposes can optimize the storyline.

AI can help plot the novel by layering different plot threads identified by the writer.

The process may require manual adjustments to ensure scenes are logically sequenced.

Including a basic underlying story structure is crucial for character arc and overall plot.

The 24-chapter novel outline is a favored method for structuring the story and character development.

AI can provide a comprehensive outline by layering all plot lines, but manual review is often necessary.

Gemini tends to be more creative in brainstorming and merging different chapter types.

While AI is excellent for generating scene lists, human touch is essential for final storyline layering.

The final novel outline benefits from a combination of AI-generated scene lists and manual adjustments for narrative flow.

AI tools can significantly ease the outlining process, making it more efficient for writers.

The use of AI in outlining can result in a rich and complex novel structure, similar to Sanderson's works.