How to Outline A Novel??

Question

I have already Writen the First Chapter of a Novel, and i am really proud of it. I have heard so many people say that it is important to outline most of the novel, I have looked eveywhere on the internet and i cant find an advice that fits other than carry around a small notebook and write down ideas in it...So far i have had it for a month and i have five ideas, sad i know.

I am writing a fantasy novel. I have an idea where it is going but not all of it. thats alot of my problem.

Answer 1

Don't worry if your ideas don't always come fast, but the notebook idea is one of the best for writers.

I do think outlining is important, although some people stress it a little too much. The best way is to sit down and write bullet points, or whatever works, on the main plot things you want to happen. Then edit this a few times, adding in more plot points as you come to realise them. If you keep adding to this, you'll have it all together and you can look over the whole outline as if it is your whole novel.

This also allows you to write whichever section of the book comes to your mind, and you can place it in the appropriate place in the outline.

Once you get this, you can turn it into a longer summary if you wish.

Answer 2

Hey Twig,

Do you have a thought where it is going? If so, put it down in bullet points or a time line. Then decide where you want to split it up, and start writing. Here is a book on outlining a romance novel, the concept is similar in other topics.