Take Off Your Pants!

Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing

By: Libbie Hawker

Narrated by: Nathan Agin

When it comes to writing books, are you a "plotter" or a "pantser"? Is one method really better than the other?

In this instructional book, author Libbie Hawker explains the benefits and technique of planning a story before you begin to write. She'll show you how to develop a foolproof character arc and plot, how to pace any book for a can't-put-down reading experience, and how to ensure that your stories are complete and satisfying without wasting any time or words. Hawker's outlining technique works no matter what genre you write, and no matter the age of your audience. If you want to improve writing speed, increase your backlist, and ensure a quality book before you even write the first word, this is the how-to book for you.

Take off your pants! It's time to start outlining.

©2016 Libbie Hawker (P)2017 Libbie Hawker

Very Helpful

I've seen 2 negative reviews of this book, and the rest are largely positive. Heed the positive reviews. The negatives I have seen have one thing in common: a complete and utter lack of understanding as to the purpose of the book. One reviewer went as far as to say "what does pants have to do with this? I couldn't even finish it!" Well. If you got this book to help you write books, and you don't have the forethought to actually consider that if you don't know what pantsing is, you probably need to know more about the craft before attempting a novel. Another review said that they felt abandoned after the instructional for the outline, and felt they needed more help fleshing out the story. Hello...this book is literally about how to write an outline, not how to write a book start to finish. This is a comprehensive, thoughtful, insightful, ever so helpful instructional that not only helps with an outline, but literally gives so much insight into the meat of a story that it can be completely eye opening and life changing for a writer, especially a beginner, a frustrated pantser or someone with writer's block. Excellent purchase, and clearly laid out. This book made some pieces fall into place for me that I had been lacking. It is a game changer.

Great For Structure

I'm new to writing (currently laying out my first story) and this provided me with great structure to get started on many aspects of my story including the story. Really liked this as I tend to crave structure in most things in my life. Can't wait to apply these to my story and see how it all goes.

Great advice!

I had just finished reading Truby's book "The Anatomy of Story" when I purchased Libbie's book. I was very pleased to hear her mention it a few times, as it was definitely the best book I've read on story building. But "Take off your pants" complements it in a great way because it gives you the most important aspects to focus on in a nutshell. It's very actionable and inspiring as well.

Has been such a big help

This had helped me bring my plot line back on track and out of the ditch. Currently listening to it again to help get some of the tips ingrained into my brain, will probably listen to it a third time. Its definitely worth the time to listen to.

I wish I would have read this sooner

This is the most intuitive book on writing that I’ve ever read. Libby Hawkers style not only walks you through the process step by step, but also gives masterful examples of how to apply the process to your writing. This is a must book for any aspiring writer.