Outlining your novel can be a fantastic way to get your footing before jumping into your first draft. Even if you’re a discovery writer (or pantser if you will) there's something here for you. Not every outline has to be robust and not every outline needs to be finished before you start writing.
That’s right, outlining, like most other things in life, is not a one-size-fits-all technique! So, if you’re a planner, plantser, or pantser, stick around for some outlining options to kick your writing game up a notch and find an outlining style that works for you.
(Why is she talking about pants so much? The online community loves to come up with fun identity names and these are some of them!
If you’re new to outlining (or maybe writing in general) the key rule is to KISS your outline. Keep It Simple, Sweetie! With that in mind, consider what you and your story need as far as outlining goes and review the following suggested styles!
This style is meant to get some main ideas down about the main narrative elements that are required for a story: characters, setting, and plot. It’s a quick and dirty method of making sure you have the big puzzle pieces figured out without harping on exactly how they will play out. It’s one part world bible, one part bare-bones outline.
It works off a simple organization without too many moving pieces, but lacks the detail of some of the other options. This is not a fault, but a feature. A narrative element focussed outline works great if you fall on the pantser side of the spectrum.
It works as a quick inventory of your world and characters, those little details that you may forget or easily change. (Was that scar on his left or right eye? Did I say there were daisies or tulips all over the field to the east?)
You can make this as detailed or open as you like from a problem with no solution, a quick description of the main setting and a few traits of your character all the way to a more “planner” level of detail with a proper solution, multiple setting descriptions (many rooms, buildings, towns…) and your character’s journey from status quo through change and back. Though if you’re going to be that detailed, another method might be right for you.
Feel free to keep this in jot notes or expand it to small vignettes if that helps you work through your thoughts. As a discovery writer, you may find writing a paragraph explaining something works better than simple jot notes; try both and see what works best!
A structure focussed outline works like a narrative timeline. While the narrative element focussed on the big pieces, a structure focussed one works with slightly smaller scale pieces. It is best for writers closer to the planner end of the spectrum, because it is deciding the beats of the story rather than waiting to discover them.
Following a pre-made structure (with the ability to alter it if you feel the need) is helpful. You’ve probably heard of some of these before; the basic “roller coaster” is burned into my mind from elementary and high school.
Reedsy has a great resource compiling some of the common structures including the aforementioned classic, the tragic Freytag’s Pyramid, the epic Hero’s Journey, the fast paced Fichtean Curve among others. We also have structure resources like this blog post on the 3 Act structure.
Choosing the right structure is the first step because each will lead to a very different vibe. If you’re telling a happily ever after romance but try to outline it with Freytag’s Pyramid… That’s not going to be very helpful.
This structure focus mostly relates to the plot of your story and leaves out other key details like your setting and characters (though your character’s journey is taken care of) so you’ll need to be mindful of those details.
If you’re someone that knows the beats of your story and just needs to tie them together, a structure focussed outline is perfect for you. You get those big scenes on the paper, so you can focus on filling in the smaller details.
The reverse outline you make as you go. This style of outlining is particularly helpful for the discovery writers out there. It’s a build as you go method which helps in two major ways: looking back when you return to your next writing session and big picture editing when your draft is complete.
To use a scene inventory, simply have a document where you write a quick synopsis of each scene you write and check in with it at the beginning and end of each writing session. Who are the characters, where are they and what happens in each scene?
While most outlines help keep us on track, this one is more about helping us in the future, though it does provide some help in the “on track” department. Another huge advantage of this one is that it tracks your progress in a low stakes way; there’s no numbers to worry about, just the content of what you’ve created.
This is how you outline when you just want to write your story! You don’t need to do any work until you’ve written your first scene, so if you struggle with task initiation, this might be the right method for you. It does, however, only really work if you’re a discovery writer. Though you could adapt it to be an inventory of scenes you need to write rather than of what you have written. I take it back, this style of outline is for everyone.
I can’t give too much away on this one since it’s proprietary information, so if it intrigues you, maybe you’ll consider Rhonda’s First Book Finish program.
Essentially this outline takes the best parts of narrative focussed and structure focussed and mashes them together. Rhonda guides you through five main narrative elements and asks you to explore how they manifest in your story and reminds you that there are layers to how everything plays out.
By keeping it to these five specific elements, she capitalizes on the KISS method. Her goal is to help you finish your book after all, not just your outline!
👉 Grab The Essential Book Outline PDF Guide Here!
The greatest use of this chart outline is to build a list of key scenes your story must include. That can, in turn, be used as a timeline of sorts. Knowing these key scenes can also help you out of a writing slump; just skip ahead to the next scene if you're struggling with this one. Expanding the idea may give you an easy way to work backwards!
Choose the style that works for you and KISS that outline! Few things are one-size-fits-all, so finding what works for you is the easiest way to outline your novel that works. If you struggle with one technique, it’s not a failure; it simply wasn’t the right style for you!
In fact, the most productive outlining for you may be no outline at all, and there is nothing wrong with that! Some in the writing community love to say what is the right way to be a “real” writer, but we say, “You’re a real writer if you write.”
FREE RESOURCES:
👉 If you’re struggling to find the time or focus to get your outline (or your writing in general) completed, a writing retreat might be right for you; find out how you can DIY your own retreat with this step-by-step guide.
👉 Retreats not your cup of tea? Check out this podcast (transcript also available) on finding time to write.
Written by Jerrica Black a freelance editor & writer and content creator living in Ottawa. She works with small businesses and emerging writers to get their stories out there. When she’s not engulfed in words she can be found snuggling her two cats or hiking the trails. Find more about her publications, services and content at jerricablack.com.
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