Here we are focused on every step of a writer's journey, from the plot outline to the published novel; including how to use a plot outline, how to craft a story arc, researching literary agents, tips on sensitivity readers, query letter success, an...
Determine Your Setting: Time and place can be just as important as the characters and are dependent on the type of story you're telling. Do as much research as you can. If your novel is set in the real world, find photos and descriptions to bring your ideas to life, even down to the details of how something might smell, taste, feel or sound.
Get To Know Your Characters: Write character profiles. Visualize them. Pretend you're introducing them to your friends. What would you say about them? What details would you include, and what details would you omit—and why? What kind of journey will each character undertake in the novel? Where will they start, and where will they end up?
Write character backstories. Think of the moments in each character's life that led them to the point where they are introduced. What elements have shaped their personality? Do they have unresolved issues that are crucial to the plot?
Construct A Plot Timeline: Write down everything that happens in the story from beginning to end. Where do events take place, and who is involved. Include the outcome of events and how they will impact the story's overall plot, if you know this already. These can help form the foundation of additional subplots.
Write Your Scenes: Once your plot outline is in place, you'll have a better idea of scene structure and where they should be placed. Some writers do this with their chapters. Flesh them out—everything from where the action takes place to who is involved, even dialogue if you know what you want your characters to say. Don't worry about things making sense, you'll go back later and highlight anything that feels out of place.
Done and Done: Once your outline is complete, you can start writing your first draft with the knowledge that if you falter, you have an outline to refer to.
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Why not write a synopsis?
Now that you've finished rolling your eyes, we will explain why writing a synopsis during the outlining process is beneficial. If you are planning to send your novel around to agents and publishers, you will have to write a synopsis at some point anyway.
Because a synopsis is written in chronological story form, it is more informal than an outline and can feel like free-writing. It's often a liberating exercise that allows you to let go, not worrying about broader story structure. You can include notes to yourself to work out parts you aren't entirely sure about yet. Just get the bulk of the storyline written and worry about making it publisher-ready later.
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