Why Outlines Don’t Work For All Books

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Why I Don’t Do Outlines for Memoirs (Part 2 of the Genre Conversation)

This is a continuation of the genre conversation from the last episode, and I dive straight into something I get asked about all the time: book outlines. Specifically, why I do create outlines for prescriptive nonfiction (what I call memoir-ish), and why I don’t use outlines for memoir or personal essay.

I also introduce a new term I’m using with clients—memoir-ish—to distinguish prescriptive books that are driven by teaching, insight, or process but are supported by personal story. This is different from memoir-plus (or hybrid memoir), where the personal story leads and other elements supplement it.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you “should” outline your memoir, or you’re trying to figure out what kind of book you’re writing in the first place, this episode will help with clarity, language, and direction.

In today’s episode:

* what I mean by memoir-ish and how it differs from memoir and hybrid memoir

* the role of personal story in prescriptive nonfiction

* a client example of someone who thought she was writing memoir—but wasn’t

* why prescriptive books need outlines (and how I co-create them with clients)

* how your process, framework, and client stories become your table of contents

* why memoir and essay don’t lend themselves to outlines

* the puzzle metaphor: collecting pieces before trying to assemble structure

* how outlines can constrict discovery in memoir writing

* what’s really going on when memoirists spin their wheels for years

* trusting yourself, trusting the work, and letting the story tell you what it needs

Links mentioned in this episode:

* submit or subscribe to Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com

* get whole bean coffee from Café Santoro → cafesantoro.com/janna

* book a 15-minute Book Diagnosis Call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis

Follow & Connect

* subscribe & find show notes for this episode at moretothestory.substack.com

* follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies

* follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtree

Question for You

Are you writing from discovery—or trying to force your memoir into a structure too soon? What do you notice about your own process? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear and may respond in a future episode!

Thanks so much for listening and for being here!

(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.)

Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe