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Short Story Plot Outline. This worksheet is based on a screenshot from the Novel Factory Online novel writer’s software. If you’d like to be able to use the interface to complete and edit your plot outline, and see a range of other plot outlines for popular genres, you can get a free trial here.
- Novel Outline Worksheet
- How to Write A Novel Outline
- Build: Putting Together All of The Great Story Elements You Need
- Organize: How to Write A Novel Outline
- Writing Prompt
- How to Outline A Novel
Download your complete guide to outlining (it’s free)! It’s a summary of this post that is turned into a really helpful worksheet, plus a handy timeline template for writing your first draft (for filled out example see below). Never again get confused or caught up in your plot threads like in sticky spiderwebs! Ugggh!! And now, let’s get right into...
Outlining your novel might feel confusing. But splitting it up into two parts will make it much easier. Let’s start with step…
A. Your Plot in a Nutshell
Let’s create your plot in a nutshell – the simplest possible version! Here are the very basics of any plot. Answer these questions: 1. Who is your main character? 2. What do they want? 3. What’s the problem? Let’s look at these questions one by one in detail:
1. Who is your main character?
To give your story focus and direction, you need one (or in rare cases several) main character(s). This is your starting point. Who shall it be? Dig into the deepest corners of your brain and see if someone is at home. If you have several characters, it’s good to settle on one or two maximum. Spend a bit of time on describing the personality of your main character. It will serve you well later, when you figure out your plot’s direction and which new twists to insert.
2. What do they want?
What your main character wants will create your entire story. His motive is what sends him on the journey and kicks off the plot. You can choose between many different types of goals for your character. Here are some examples: If you have no idea what your main character’s goal could be, then ask her! Look at it like this: If grandpa asked you to cook him soup, you wouldn’t stand in front of the kitchen cupboard endlessly pondering on which soup to cook, would you? No way – you would just ask...
Let me quickly outline for you how to outline. Many writers seem to be confused about what a structured outline should look like, but it’s really very simple. Let’s go step-by-step again, because we like steps:
Instead of challenging you to outline a full plot (which none of you would do anyways because it takes way too long), I want to ask you for your personal take on outlining:What does your outline look like? Is it a table, a timeline, a bubbly tree or something entirely different? Have you found your personal way of outlining that works best for you?...
A solid outline is the foundation of a tight and interesting first draft. Lay down who your main character is, what they want, and what their problem or obstacle is. Be creative and add some more elements, then make sure you bring in a new twist every 25% of the way. Focus on your main story and look out for missing connections. Finally, in a secon...
- Character Driven Plot Outline. This story outline is driven by the development of a compelling character arc. The protagonist begins with something missing from their existence, even though they may not be aware of it.
- Romance Novel Story Outline. The classic romance story structure, including all the major story beats and complications. Based on characters having personal character arcs and motivations that conflict with the romance aspect.
- Hero's Journey Novel Plot Outline. The Hero's Journey, as proposed by Joseph Campbell, trimmed to the bone and applicable across all genres - not just sword-wielding fantasies.
- Mystery / Crime Thriller Plot Outline. A fairly detailed structure that explains how to develop the sleuth's inner character journey alongside solving the crime and uncovering deeper conspiracies.
Looking for FREE WORKSHEETS and resources on STORY STRUCTURE? Look no further! These activities cover the exposition, rising action, climax, and more! Print, edit, or complete online!
Easy novel outline techniques to plan your whole book. Free worksheets and templates to design your story's plot. Novel writing has never been so easy!
- 1. It can make it less intimidating to start writing. 2. You have a roadmap as you're writing your novel. You know what you have to write next. 3....
- 1. Know yourself, and figure out the method that works best for you. 2. Don't waste time choosing the perfect words for your outline or color-codin...
- 1. Go to a complete list of CWN pages on how to write a novel. 2. Sign up for our online writing course Story Structure. 3. Sign up for our online...
Nov 1, 2019 · 1. Story Premise Worksheet. This worksheet from Evernote is a simple way to outline the main characters, plot themes, events, and conflicts within your story. By teasing them out of your mind and onto a worksheet like this, you'll be able to plot the broad story arc. Remember to keep your descriptions specific and concise.
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Jun 10, 2023 · Correct! Outlining is both timesaving and enables you to have some sort of a road map—it gives you the freedom to unleash your artistic genius rather than focus on trivial crinkles of the story itself.
