What Are the 7 Steps to Outline a Novel?
If you’ve ever sat down to write a novel and felt like you were drowning in ideas with no clue where to begin, you’re not alone.
Writing a novel is exciting, but it’s also a big undertaking.
That’s why creating an outline can be a game-changer.
Think of it as your trusty roadmap—it doesn’t kill creativity; it channels it.
Outlining helps you stay focused, organize your ideas, and create a blueprint that makes the writing process way less intimidating.
So, where do you start?
Here’s a fresh, straightforward guide to outlining a novel in seven manageable steps that’ll leave you inspired and ready to dive in.
Uncover Your Story’s Heart
Every novel has a core idea—the heartbeat that keeps it alive.
Start by asking yourself:
- What’s the essence of my story?
- What emotion do I want readers to walk away with?
This doesn’t need to be polished or perfect.
It’s more like finding the compass for your creative journey.
Maybe your story is about redemption, revenge, or love that transcends time.
Nail down that central concept to anchor everything else.
Example: A young woman discovers she’s the heir to a supernatural dynasty but must confront an ancient curse to claim her power.
Let Your Characters Take Centre Stage
Characters are the lifeblood of your story, so spend time getting to know them.
Even if you don’t draft detailed bios, consider these essentials:
- Desires: What do they want more than anything?
- Flaws: What’s holding them back?
- Growth: How will they change by the end of the story?
For side characters, keep them relevant to the main plot.
They should enhance the story, not overshadow your protagonist.
Choose Your Destination
Think of your story’s ending as the ultimate destination.
Whether it’s a happy resolution or a heart-wrenching cliffhanger, having a clear sense of where you’re headed helps you stay on track.
Ask yourself:
- Does my protagonist achieve their goal?
- What’s the emotional takeaway for readers?
- How does the world of my story change?
Having an ending in mind doesn’t mean you can’t tweak it later—it’s just a guide to help you move forward with confidence.
Map Out the Key Moments
Once you know the “why” and “where” of your story, it’s time to sketch the “what.”
Identify the big turning points that shape your narrative.
A classic story structure might include:
- The Setup: Introduce your world and characters.
- The Catalyst: What event sparks the journey?
- The Climbing Tension: How do the stakes rise?
- The Climax: Where does everything come to a head?
- The Resolution: How do things wrap up?
Think of these moments as the skeleton of your story—everything else builds around them.
Layer in Subplots
Subplots are like the seasoning of your story—they add depth and flavour without overshadowing the main dish.
They can reveal new sides of your characters, reinforce your themes, or offer readers a breather from the main conflict.
For example: While the protagonist battles supernatural forces, a budding romance with a rival hunter adds tension and vulnerability.
Tie your subplots into the main storyline so they feel purposeful and cohesive.
Break It Into Chapters
With your major plot points in place, divide your story into chapters.
Each chapter should have its own mini-arc—an opening, a middle, and a close that either resolves something or sets up the next scene.
This is also a great time to focus on pacing.
Mix up action-packed chapters with quieter, reflective moments to keep readers engaged.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t forget: Sign up for my newsletter to get a free chapter outline template to help you organize your ideas!
Stay Flexible
Here’s the secret to a great outline: it’s not set in stone.
Think of it as a living document that grows and changes as your story evolves.
Your characters might lead you in unexpected directions, or a new idea might demand a rewrite of your plot.
That’s the beauty of writing—it’s a balance of structure and spontaneity.
An outline doesn’t trap you; it frees you to explore without getting lost.
Why You’ll Love Outlining
Let’s be real—outlining saves you time and frustration.
Instead of writing yourself into a corner, you’ll have a roadmap to guide you.
It also makes the editing process smoother since you’ll already have a clear idea of your story’s structure.
But perhaps the best part?
Outlining gives you the confidence to dive into your novel, knowing you’ve got a plan to bring your vision to life.
Get Started Today
Ready to create your novel’s outline?
Sign up for my newsletter to grab your free chapter outline template—a handy tool designed to make outlining easy and fun.
And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out The Ultimate Author’s Planner.
It’s packed with resources to help you brainstorm, organize, and write your novel with clarity and creativity.
Remember, every great story starts with a single idea.
Let’s turn yours into something unforgettable.
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Happy writing,
