If you’re feeling stuck on how to start outlining your novel, don’t overthink it, just start writing! Any outline is better than none. Here’s a simple way to get your story structure in place.
1. Create Your Premise
Start with a one-sentence summary of your book, your elevator pitch. You should be able to describe your story in one or two sentences that grab interest right away. This will help you stay focused and make it easier to pitch your book to readers, agents, or publishers.
2. Build Your Setting
Think about where and when your story takes place. Consider the time of year, season, and time of day for key scenes. Also, think about how your characters see their world, and how that might differ from reality.
3. Develop Your Characters
Get to know your main characters inside and out. Define their:
Goals and motivations
Internal and external conflicts
Backstories, strengths, and flaws
Unique physical and personality traits
Relationships with others
Difficult situations and choices that push them forward
Characters drive the story, so the more real they feel to you, the stronger your plot will be.
4. Outline Your Plot
Answer these key questions to build your story’s structure:
What happens on the first pages?
What’s the setting?
What event sparks the main conflict (the inciting incident)?
What twists and turns lead to the climax?
How does the climax resolve?
What happens afterward?
What’s the final moment (the denouement)?
Start simple, you can always refine your outline later. The goal is to give your story direction and momentum from the start.
Hope this helps!