Basic Outline for Novels

Plotting a novel can be very annoying, especially when you don't have it all figured out. It becomes an even more daunting task when you have so many ideas that you don't know where to start. The latter is usually my problem. I could write a hundred stories with the same general plot, only differing in twists, mini quests, and the development of the characters.

In order to combat this, I did a lot of research to figure out what plan format would work for me. Over the last year, I found a way to include all the important general information into my plot without restricting any of the details of the story.

Once I have my outline planned out, I take each idea from each point in the story and create a chapter around it. I'll plot out chapters in between to increase the flow of the story and show the emotional depth of my characters.

You don't need to follow the outline exactly. You can have as many or as few of the points as will fit your story. I don't follow this structure rigidly since it is just a general outline, but I do find that it helps me get all of my ideas organized and in chronological order.

Happy planning!

Basic Outline for Plotting Novels.pdf

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