Writing a novel is not always about finding a great story, or characters, or ending, or climax, but rather going through the entire process with utmost clarity of thought and understanding of what needs to be done next. Long story short, it is a lot about the process as well. Spanning out a roadmap, also known as an Outline, of your work and process to deliver on it timely and not get lost in the entire workflow of things. However, most people don’t know the basics of this roadmap or how to write an outline for a novel and that is exactly what we’ll decode today.
Your novel outline is probably one of the most important steps of your novel-writing process and it includes all the important information about your novel’s story, plot, structure, characters, climax, ending and more. Now, this document can be anything, from a simple one-page word document with all the necessary details or even a very comprehensive visual mind map connecting the entire journey or the novel together. Some even go on to dedicate an entire wall at their workplace to connect everything together.
There are tons of positives of going ahead with a well-composed outline for a novel and it includes:
- Keeps the story on track
- Helps in visualizing the bigger picture better
- Helps in clearly seeing and presenting character arcs
- Super useful for when you’re stuck with writer’s block and don’t know what to do next
- Gives a clear understanding of which scene goes where and results in what
The Basics For Writing An Outline For A Novel
Now, let’s get right into the basics and important steps on how to write an outline for a novel and make your journey a smooth road to sail.
1. Start With An Elevator Pitch
Start by distilling your novel idea into one sentence, also known as, an Elevator Pitch. Derived from the art of concising your idea into a short paragraph which ideally finishes by the time you have to leave the elevator. This is also the brief that you would have to share with your publishing agency or agent, time and again.
2. Zero Down The Structure Of Your Story
The next step on how to write an outline for a novel is to select the kind of structure your story will flow through. While various popular and professional writers have started to break out from the conventional story structure, for new and budding writers the conventional and most effective structure is the best way to go and this includes: an opener (setting the scene and space for readers), an impactful incident that changes everything for the main character, series of crises and problems that builds up tension for the characters, a climax and finally an impactful and riveting end.
Suggested Read: 8 Amazing Tips On Writing A Novel That Novelists Swear By
3. Mapping Out The Characters
Post the above two pointers, the next thing on priority is to chart out the characters and map them to their personalities, as well as their roles in the story. Moreover, their backstory and the arc their character would go through (if they do).
4. Set The Plot
The next step is to set the plot and sequence of events the story would go through, including the – beginning, middle and end. This will greatly help you in charting out the scenarios you need to focus more on the ones that will entirely be driven by characters and their own struggles. Also, while you’re at it, try to do as much research as possible to perfect it for the readers and don’t leave any loose ends on it.
5. Summarize The Chapters of the Book
Another great thing on how to write an outline for a novel is to start summarizing or write a few sentences in the present tense about what is happening in each chapter of the novel. This also helps you in understanding and later focus on the brief and not wander aimlessly.
So, these were some of the best tips and tricks on how to write an outline for a novel that every budding and even experienced writer should keep in mind, at the start of their writing journey. Hope the entire experience will be as fun as possible for you, and keep you engaged with the process throughout.
Suggested Read: The Importance of Marketing Your Book
