Storytelling can sometimes feel like putting together a puzzle without the finished image to keep you on track. However, when you’re crafting an entertaining novel, a strong outline can help make the journey more enjoyable. For all those pantsers out there, like me, who are a bit skeptic of outlines, hear me out and find what you can apply. An outline gives you direction, clarity, and a roadmap to complete your manuscript with confidence. Here's how to create a solid outline for your work of fiction.
1. Start with Your Big Idea
Every great book begins with a central concept or purpose. What is the mission of your story? What do you hope to accomplish by writing this down and sharing it with the world?
For fiction, you’ll want to consider what the core conflict will be for your protagonist. Is there a lesson your reader might walk away with?
Exercise: Write an elevator pitch for your story, include the protagonist, their overall problem, and solution. If you’ve having trouble creating this pitch, think through a story you are familiar with, create a pitch for that story and then use it as a template to create a pitch of your own.
2. Break It Down into Key Sections
Divide your content into manageable chunks that provide structure. In my Journey of a Storyteller workbooks, I tell writers to create six stops along the way:
- Stop 1- The Backstory
- Here you will introduce your characters and create your setting.
- Stop 2: The Problem
- Here you will create an incident that kicks off your characters journey.
- Stop 3: The Challenges
- These will be subplots and conflicts that your characters face outside of the overarching problem.
- Stop 4: The Change
- Those challenges are meant to incite growth within your characters so they find their selves equipped to resolve the problem which started this journey.
- Stop 5: The Solution
- Your character will have to have a resolution to the initial problem that started the journey.
- Stop 6: The End
- Eventually, your reader will have to say goodbye to your characters. How will you wrap things up and end the story?
Pro Tip: Using the six stops from the storytelling map above, bullet point the main events of your story.
3. Add Supporting Details to Each Section
You can enhance each stop on your journey by adding key scenes to each stop. This could look like the protagonist (main character/hero) discovering something that adds to the backstory or kicks off the plot with the overall problem. It could also look like an encounter with an antagonist (villain/instigator) who escalates the stakes and builds tension for the story.
4. Be Flexible and Adaptable
I always thought of outline as a box I was being smushed into but over the years, I have changed my mind on this. Outlines are meant to guide you on your writing journey. Create the outline to keep you on track but also give it space to evolve throughout your writing journey.
Sometimes characters go rogue and provide you a brilliant idea for the story. It’s ok to go with these changes and adjust your outline. That’s what being creative is all about.
Pro Tip: Revisit your outline regularly during your writing journey to ensure it aligns with your vision for the story or message.
Your Path to a Finished Draft
A well-crafted outline is the first step toward a strong manuscript. By starting with your big idea, organizing key scenes or topics, and refining the details, you can write with clarity and purpose. This will help combat writer’s block and propel you towards your goals.
What’s your favorite outlining method? Share your tips in the comments. Hoping to develop a solid nonfiction outline, check back next week for tips on creating a nonfiction outline.