How to Outline a Novel Before You Start Writing

Do you have a great novel concept but lack the skills or techniques to get it rolling on paper? Look no further than outlining! Outlining your novel allows you to structure the plot and key points of your story before you even put pen to page. It’s an incredibly efficient way to make sure that all your hard work goes into crafting a well-structured piece of fiction. In this blog post, we will be giving content marketers and writers an insight into how they can use outlines as a foundation for their novels. You’ll learn tips and tricks on how to format outlines, how much detail is needed in each category, and finally — what happens if you need an outline summary! Read on for our top guide on how to outline a novel before writing starts.

Brainstorm and research your ideas — what is the idea behind your novel and what are its main themes, characters, and settings?

Every great novel starts with a spark of an idea. But where do you start? Brainstorming and researching your ideas can be a great way to cultivate your ideas and get the ball rolling. Your characters should be relatable and have depth, your setting should transport readers to another world, and your themes should resonate with your audience.

Create a timeline for the story — outline major plot points, chapter divisions, and important events in chronological order.

Crafting a timeline for a story is no simple feat. It requires a delicate balance of strategic planning and creative flair. To do it justice, one must meticulously identify and outline major plot points, chapter divisions, and important events in chronological order. It’s akin to creating a carefully choreographed dance, where each step must seamlessly flow into the next. A good timeline can make or break the success of a story, ensuring that readers stay engaged and invested in the world that the author has created. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work — with some strategic planning and creative thinking, we can create an unforgettable timeline for any story.

Develop character sketches — who will be in the story and how might they affect the plot or theme?

Every great story needs captivating characters that readers can’t help but invest in. Developing character sketches is a crucial step in the storytelling process. Who are the people that will bring your narrative to life? What motivates them? What conflicts will they face? Consider these when creating your cast of characters. The right characters can drive the plot forward and amplify the overall theme of your story. Careful consideration of character development is key to crafting a story that resonates with your audience. So grab your notebook, pen, and imagination and get ready to bring your characters to life!

Map out locations — where will each scene take place and what types of settings are necessary to convey atmosphere?

How do you translate the image you have in your head onto the page for your readers? Part of the answer lies in mapping out your locations. By carefully considering where each scene will take place and what types of settings are necessary to convey the proper atmosphere, you can transport your readers right into the heart of your story. A professional and clever approach to location planning can make all the difference in creating a truly immersive reading experience that will keep your audience engaged from beginning to end.

Draft an outline summary — summarize the overall plot with one succinct sentence 

In a tale as old as time, two star-crossed lovers find themselves torn apart by their feuding families. With each passing day, the divide between them seems insurmountable, and their love only grows stronger in defiance. As they fight against the world and struggle to find a way to be together, they must navigate the treacherous waters of betrayal, heartbreak, and ultimately, sacrifice. Will their love prevail against all odds, or will their families’ hatred be their undoing? Only time will tell in this timeless classic of love and tragedy.

Expand your outline into scenes — break down each part of the story into individual scenes that build from one another

The art of storytelling lies in the ways we structure our plot and develop our characters. To truly engage our audiences, we must bring our stories to life with vivid scenes that build upon one another. So how do we go about transforming our outline into a narrative masterpiece? It all starts with breaking down each part of the story into individual scenes that flow seamlessly from one to the next. From captivating dialogue to unforgettable action, every moment must serve a purpose, driving our plot forward and immersing our readers in the world we’ve created. With a little mastery of scene building, you can elevate your storytelling to new heights, leaving your readers eager to turn the page for more.

Writing a novel takes a significant amount of planning and preparation, but the results can be rewarding and fulfilling. Drawing from the above tips, readers should be well equipped when starting their own creative journey. Take the time to brainstorm and research, create a timeline for events, develop interesting characters, map out locations, write a succinct summary for an outline, and finally, expand that outline into individual scenes. The work on the outset may seem daunting, but it’s all worth it in the end. When you’re feeling stuck or need help turning an idea into a masterpiece — let Elite Authors guide you in this creative process. Our team consists of professional authors who are experts at helping first-time novelists bring their ideas to life! Experience the joys of writing your own stories with us today!