The Best Way to Outline a Novel Before Writing

Writing a novel is a daunting task, but having a well-planned outline can make the process smoother and more efficient. Here's a structured approach to help you outline your novel effectively and successfully.

Understanding the Core of Your Story

Define Your Topic and Theme: Before you start writing, it's crucial to clearly define the central idea and underlying message of your story. This will provide the foundation for your entire novel. Whether it's a felt sense of justice, personal growth, or heartbreak, having a clear theme will help guide your narrative choices and the overall direction of your story.

Building Rich Characters

Create Your Characters: Each character in your novel should be well-developed, with a detailed profile that includes their name, personality, backstory, family dynamics, emotions, motivations, dreams, and goals. Understanding your characters deeply will make them more relatable and compelling to your readers.

Mapping Out the Narrative

Outline Key Events: Identify the major events that will drive your narrative forward. These events are the backbone of your story, providing the necessary conflict, resolution, and momentum. Think about how these events will unfold and how they will shape your characters' journeys.

List Main Events Chronologically: Write down all significant scenes and incidents in the order they occur, without assigning chapters. This will provide a comprehensive overview of your novel’s structure and help you see the big picture. As you write, you can assign chapters to these scenes, ensuring that your story flows logically and maintains reader interest.

Choosing the Right Outlining Method

There is no one-size-fits-all method for outlining a novel, but there are a few best practices that can help new writers get started. Here are some effective ways to structure your outline:

Format Choices

You can choose from a variety of outlining formats, depending on your personal preference:

Digitally using tools like Excel spreadsheets or Google Sheets for easy visual segmentation of subplots. Using sticky notes on a wall, which are flexible and easy to rearrange and color code by chapter, subplot, or act. Making use of online document platforms like Notion, which allow you to attach subpages or links for reference. Making a physical map of your story on a large piece of paper. Downloading a pre-made outlining template. Keeping a physical notebook for brainstorming and organizing thoughts.

Experiment with different formats until you find one that works best for you. Be open to switching formats if a particular method feels restrictive or limiting.

Story Structure Outlines

For additional guidance, consider using highly structured story outlines such as:

Save the Cat!: A popular framework that provides a detailed roadmap for character development and plot progression. The Snowflake Method: A step-by-step approach for expanding your story idea. Romancing the Beat: A method that emphasizes the rhythm and pacing of your story. The Hero’s Journey: A classic narrative arc that can help you structure your story.

While these frameworks may seem overly structured, they can provide excellent guardrails. At the very least, I recommend using the Three-Act Structure as a backbone for your story. This structure helps create a clear beginning, middle, and end while leaning on crucial plot points such as the set-up, inciting incident, midpoint, crisis, climax, and resolution. Once you have the skeleton in place, you can flesh out the in-between scenes or further outline each scene.

Supporting Materials for Your Story

Creating supportive materials can deepen your understanding of your story and characters:

Mood Board: Create a mood board on Pinterest to visualize the atmosphere and tone of your story. Character Analysis Sheets: Fill out detailed character sheets for your major characters to understand them better. World-Building Sheets: Develop your world with facts and insights to make it richer and more believable. Writing Practice Pages: Write a few pages in the voice of your protagonist to deeply explore their voice and POV.

These materials can be particularly helpful when you get stuck. If you're having trouble with a particular scene or the overall narrative, diving into research or developing these supporting documents can inspire new ideas and bring your story to life.

Balancing Plotting and Pantsing

Some writers prefer to plot out everything before writing, while others write "by the seat of their pants" and discover their story as they go. In reality, you can do both, and many successful writers use a combination of the two:

Plotting-first: If you prefer to have a detailed outline before you begin writing, start with a comprehensive outline of your story's structure and key plot points. As you draft, you can uncover what happens in between these major plot points. Pantsing: If you prefer to write without a detailed outline, you can start drafting and let the story evolve naturally. Once you have a substantial portion of your story written, you can work on an outline to help you finish and refine the structure.

Experiment with both methods to find the one that suits you best. The more you write, the more you'll develop your writing process and find a balance that works for you.

Getting Unstuck

Writing can be challenging, and it's normal to get stuck. If you're struggling at any stage, don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted reader or editor for feedback and guidance. They can help you break through writer's block and keep your story moving forward.

If you have any questions about outlining or need advice, feel free to ask. I'm here to chat and help you explore your story structure.

Happy Writing!