Crafting Your Novel Outline: A Flexible Approach to Story Planning

Novels, like many creative endeavors, require a well-structured foundation. Outlining your novel can be a critical step in organizing your thoughts and guiding your storytelling. However, the approach to outlining varies widely among authors. This article explores different methods for creating a novel outline, highlighting the flexibility and importance of this process.

Personal Approach: A Timeline and Scenes

For me, a novelist, the outlining process begins with a timeline of historical events. This is particularly crucial when writing historical fiction. By creating a timeline, I can ensure that the events in my story align with historical facts. Additionally, I maintain a list of scenes, marking down key moments and events within the narrative. (Keyword: story planning)

Timeline of Historical Events: This helps in keeping the story period accurate and consistent. List of Scenes: This serves as a starting point for the plot development.

Next, I decide when these scenes need to occur. This is where the flexibility comes in; I might describe a scene with a single word or a few words to jog my memory, like "So-n-so arrives at X" or "N meets Y." As I progress, I plan the scenes in a way that allows for some flexibility. (Keyword: story planning)

Variety in Outlining Techniques

It's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to outlining a novel. Some authors prefer a structured and organized outline, while others find that a more sporadic and personal approach works best for them. According to the free online course I recently took, the basic elements of a novel outline should include:

Chronological Order of Plot Points: List as many plot points as are relevant to your story. This helps in maintaining the timeline and keeping track of the narrative’s progression. Identification of Major Plot Points and Characters: Clearly identify the key moments in the plot and the roles of the characters. Description of Settings: Conduct research and describe your settings with as much detail as necessary, aiding in a vivid and consistent world-building. Description of Characters and Their Roles: Provide a detailed description of your characters and how they contribute to the story and any relevant plots.

These elements can be detailed or kept as broad outlines. A basic outline allows for more flexibility while still providing a structured plan. In a basic outline, you might have points A, B, and C, along with a list of possible characters and settings related to these points. The settings and characters may be left as rough ideas or expanded upon. (Keyword: story planning)

Detailed Outline vs. Basic Outline

A detailed outline goes into more depth, exploring potential solutions and how different points interact within the story. In this type of outline, the settings are described in greater detail, which helps in maintaining a consistent world and furthering the story. Settings may be fully researched and documented, while characters are thoroughly developed, ensuring a rich narrative. (Keyword: story planning) Detailed Outlines: Provide a deeper exploration of how different plot points are resolved and how they work together in the story. The settings are described in more detail to ensure consistency and thorough research. Basic Outlines: Offer flexibility while still providing a structured plan. The storyline is open to adaptation as the writer progresses through the narrative.

Ultimately, the best outlining method is one that suits your personal writing style and the specific needs of your story. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, feel free to comment below!

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you prefer a detailed or basic outline, the process of planning your novel is crucial. Whether you use a timeline of historical events, a list of scenes, or a comprehensive outline, the key is to have a clear roadmap to guide your storytelling. By experimenting with different approaches, you can find the method that best suits your creative process and enhances your storytelling experience.