The 10-Column Outline That J.K. Rowling Used to Become The First Billion Dollar Author
J.K. Rowling made history as the first billionaire author, and her journey to that status is nothing short of extraordinary.
At 32, she was a single mother on welfare, trying to make ends meet. But during a delayed train ride, the character of Harry Potter appeared to her, fully formed.
Rather than diving straight into writing, Rowling spent the next five years meticulously planning out the entire seven-book series.
The result? Harry Potter became the best-selling book series of all time.
Her method? A detailed 10-column outline that structured her entire narrative.
Rowling’s outline was divided into two key areas: Progress & Progression (covering time and chapters) and Plot & Characters (focusing on the main plot, subplots, and character arcs).
This approach allowed her to weave multiple layers of storytelling, keeping readers hooked as the story unfolded.
Each chapter was crafted with at least three interwoven subplots: the central mystery (like the Chamber of Secrets), character development (such as Ron’s struggles with insecurity), and the day-to-day life at Hogwarts (think Quidditch matches). This structure added depth to every part of the narrative.
In “Order of the Phoenix,” Rowling streamlined her approach: she focused on one main plot (The Prophecy and Voldemort’s return), five subplots (including Umbridge and Dumbledore’s Army), and less than ten key characters.
Her detailed outline ensured no plot point was missed, and the story's complexity only deepened as she connected events across three generations: Harry, Ron, and Hermione; James, Lily, and the Marauders; and Dumbledore and Voldemort’s origins.
By consistently following this structure—one school year at Hogwarts, one central mystery, and five intertwined subplots—Rowling built anticipation and delivered a climactic finale that resonated with readers worldwide.
Rowling's 10-column outline boils down to these key elements:
1. Time: When does your story take place?
2. Chapters: How will you structure your narrative?
3. Plot: What’s the main storyline?
4. Subplots: How will you add complexity and depth?
5. Characters: Who are the key players driving your tale?
But before any of us can dream of writing the next bestselling fantasy franchise, we've got to master the art of completion.
Let’s be real—starting a book is easy. We’ve all felt that rush of excitement when a new idea hits, but the real challenge is carrying that momentum through to the end.
Early in my book writing journey, I was notorious for leaving manuscripts to rot in the purgatory of unfinished projects. Somewhere between the second and third act, my inspiration would flatline, and my work would end up in the trash, another casualty of poor planning.
For years, I resisted outlining like it was the plague. I believed that outlining would suffocate the magic of discovery and spontaneity, robbing me of those unexpected moments that make writing feel alive.
But here’s the kicker—I was dead wrong.
Once I committed to outlining, my creativity thrived. Instead of floundering to keep the plot tight, I found myself free to focus on what really matters—painting with words, breathing life into characters, and building worlds that feel real.
My outlining process has become the engine that powers my stories. I start with character notes, digging deep into who they are, what drives them, and how they’ll evolve. Then I dive into the settings, jotting down details about locations, atmospheres, and the histories and myths that give the world depth.
Worldbuilding is the foundation, and as I write, I keep adding layers to this part of the outline, discovering new details that make the world feel richer and more authentic.
But the real game-changer?
Outlining the story scene by scene.
This step ensures that I don’t leave any gaps or plot holes that could derail the narrative. It’s like running a safety check before takeoff—I can adjust the pacing, tighten the tension, and make sure every scene serves the story.
I’m practicing what I preach here (and incorporating Rowling’s blueprint) as I complete a dark southern gothic fantasy book set in the same shared universe as Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss, a YA fantasy book I co-authored with my father. We are also underway on the prequel and the sequel to Spellbound.
