books, stories, or articles? outlining to figure out what you’re actually creating
As I mentioned in my previous post, I’ve got a few books in progress—three, actually: one fiction and two non-fiction. And things are moving along, thanks largely to the outlining method I’ve come to rely on. The process itself is simple but effective. I start by breaking things down into topics—broad strokes at first. Then I layer in key sentences for each topic. From there, I expand, piece by piece, until what I’m looking at are segmented drafts that will eventually come together in a coherent, meaningful whole.
And since I’ve been talking about Notion for weeks now, it seems only reasonable to compare the outlining process to creating a Notion template. Just like Notion templates you create for yourself, an outline breathes. You can move things around, shift priorities, tear it apart if necessary, and rebuild. It’s like crafting a skeleton that gets fleshed out as new ideas come in.
the evolution of a writer’s mindset
Even though I’ve been satisfied with the writing I’ve shared online—whether through Substack or other platforms—there are certain ideas that demand more space than a newsletter allows. Some things feel like they belong in a book, where they can unfold at their own pace. It’s not that I’m trying to write for the sake of being published, but I know that certain concepts need the depth and room to breathe that only a book can offer.
Being a writer has evolved for me. I’m no longer fixated on being a “published author” in the traditional sense—one of the books I’m writing is about that, by the way—, but I still feel the pull to write these books. It’s about the craft, the act of writing itself, and how that process shapes the ideas I’m working through. There’s a sense of satisfaction in the small victories of publishing online, but the longer form is calling, and it feels like there’s no escaping that.
finding your own outlining path
This unfolding method has not only helped me write more consistently but also better. It gives me the tools to decide early on whether something belongs in a short story, an article, or a full-length book. Each format demands a different kind of attention, a different approach, and outlining gives me the clarity to make that call. It’s like having a compass to guide me through the creative process.
Descartes had it right—starting from a place of doubt, breaking everything down, and rebuilding it piece by piece—this method of unfolding and reconstructing works just as well for writing as it does for philosophy. Instead of floundering in a sea of ideas, I know exactly what the next step is, and it feels like a relief. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a jumble of ideas, I can see the next steps clearly. This has given me the freedom to focus on creativity while maintaining a sense of structure.
But not just that! If you’re unsure whether your idea is meant to be an article, a short story, or a full-length book, outlining can help you shape that decision. The outline gives you the flexibility to explore the depth of your idea and choose the form that will allow it to flourish. The method isn’t restrictive—it’s liberating.
And there’s no “right” way to outline. This “unfolding method” is what works for me, but there are countless others out there. Whether you prefer a rigid structure or something more freeform, there’s a method—or even a mix of methods—that will suit your style. The beauty of outlining is that it adapts to the way you think, not the other way around. It’s all about finding what keeps you moving forward, what keeps you writing.
So, what’s stopping you from building the framework for your next great idea?