The Novel Plotting Process

In this episode of Book Crew, Dirk Hooper and Beth A. Freely dive deep into one of the biggest questions writers face: should you plot your book or write by the seat of your pants? Dirk reveals his evolving plotting system, complete with notebooks, note cards, character arcs, and beat sheets, while Beth explains how outlining transformed her from a slow writer into a prolific one capable of finishing novels in weeks. Along the way they discuss market research, writing habits, finding your creative “sweet spot,” and why even the most famous “pantsers” still understand story structure. If you want to write faster, build stronger stories, and turn ideas into finished books, this episode is packed with practical advice from two working authors.LinksBeth A. Freely* https://bethannefreely.com/* https://themusesfunhouse.com/* https://x.com/bafreely* https://www.instagram.com/bafreely/* https://linktr.ee/BAFreelyDirk Hooper* https://www.writeworks.dirkhooper.com/* https://allmylinks.com/dirkhooperwriting* https://asherlake.net/* https://themusesfunhouse.com/* https://x.com/dirkhooperplus* https://www.facebook.com/dirk.hooperAbout Book CrewBook Crew, hosted by indie authors Beth A. Freely and Dirk Hooper, was crafted to help writers get their book written, edited, published and promoted.Book Crew features interviews with writers currently in the trenches, deep-dive tutorials, hot topic panels with experts, and copious tips, tricks, and personal insight to help you on your author journey.The Eddy County Dispatch, presented by KCCC 930 AM is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to KCCC Eddy County Dispatch at kccc930am.substack.com/subscribe