Writing a novel is a unique journey for every author. Some leap headfirst into the creative abyss, letting the story unfold organically. Others meticulously chart every twist and turn before writing the first sentence. When I began writing Soul Collector, I realized early on that for me, a clear outline was not just a preference but a necessity. The decision to outline not only shaped my novel but also transformed my writing process. Here’s why I chose outlining and the lessons I learned along the way—lessons that might just inspire you to give outlining a try in your own creative endeavors.
The Case for Outlining: A Foundation for Creativity
Many writers fear that outlining stifles creativity. I found the opposite to be true. Having a framework allowed me to focus on the artistry of writing without worrying about getting lost in the plot. With Soul Collector, the story had a complex narrative structure that weaved between the spiritual and physical realms. To do it justice, I needed to ensure every thread was purposeful and connected. Outlining gave me the clarity to achieve this while still leaving room for spontaneous creativity.
Lesson 1: Outlining as a Roadmap
Think of outlining as planning a road trip. You map out the main stops—your beginning, middle, and end—but leave room for detours. This approach ensures you reach your destination while still allowing for unexpected adventures along the way.
How I Outlined My Novel
1. Starting with the Big Picture
I began with a one-sentence summary of the story. This guiding statement became my North Star throughout the writing process.
Next, I expanded it into a one-paragraph summary, detailing the protagonist, major conflict, and resolution. This exercise forced me to think critically about what the story was really about before diving into the details. As I moved on from there, it became more detail with each chapter I developed. Some chapters were vague and some were more detailed with my big picture outline (but they got more detailed as I developed my story).
Lesson 2: Define Your Story’s Core
Before you start outlining, articulate your story’s main idea. This helps you stay focused and ensures your writing aligns with your vision.
2. Creating a Skeleton
I broke the story into three acts: setup, confrontation, and resolution. This structure is a classic for a reason—it provides a natural flow that readers intuitively connect with. Within each act, I outlined the key turning points. For example:
- Act 1: Introduction of the protagonist and her reluctant role as a soul collector.
- Act 2: The rising conflict as she uncovers truths about her abilities and enemies.
- Act 3: The climactic battle and her ultimate choice to embrace her role or reject it.
Lesson 3: Embrace Structure
Even if you don’t adhere strictly to a traditional three-act structure, dividing your story into clear sections helps manage pacing and keeps the plot on track.
3. Adding Flesh to the Bones
Once the skeleton was in place, I added details: specific scenes, character arcs, and subplots. I used index cards for flexibility, allowing me to rearrange elements easily. At this stage, I also created character profiles, ensuring each character had a clear motivation and role in the story.
Lesson 4: Develop Depth
Outlining isn’t just about plot; it’s an opportunity to delve into your characters’ backstories and explore themes. This makes your story richer and more compelling.
What I Learned Along the Way
1. Outlining Saves Time
One of the biggest advantages of outlining was how much time it saved during the drafting phase. Because I knew where the story was going, I rarely faced writer’s block. Instead, I could focus on crafting vivid descriptions and natural dialogue.
For example, in Soul Collector, there’s a pivotal scene where the protagonist confesses her true intentions (I wouldn’t consider them heroic intentions). Thanks to my outline, I knew the emotional beats I needed to hit and could concentrate on making the scene as immersive as possible.
Lesson 5: Avoid Dead Ends
Outlining prevents the frustration of writing yourself into a corner. It’s like having a GPS to guide you through the inevitable challenges of storytelling.
2. Outlining Doesn’t Mean Inflexibility
One misconception I had going in was that an outline would lock me into a rigid framework. However, I quickly learned that it’s more like a living document. Several times during the drafting process, new ideas emerged that improved the story. For instance, a minor character became a major player when I realized their potential to drive the plot forward. Adjusting the outline was easy, and the story became stronger as a result.
Lesson 6: Stay Adaptable
Think of your outline as a guide, not a rulebook. Allow yourself the freedom to deviate when inspiration strikes.
3. Outlining Enhances Editing
When it came time to revise, having an outline was a game-changer. I could see the entire story at a glance and identify weak points, such as sagging middle sections or underdeveloped arcs. This bird’s-eye view made the editing process more efficient and less daunting.
Lesson 7: Streamline Revisions
An outline serves as a blueprint for revisions. It helps you spot inconsistencies and ensures every scene contributes to the overall narrative.
Applying These Lessons to Your Writing
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, there are elements of outlining that can enhance your process:
- Experiment with Methods: From bullet points to mind maps, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to outlining. Try different methods until you find what works for you.
- Start Small: If outlining an entire novel feels overwhelming, begin with a single chapter or scene. Build from there.
- Combine Planning and Pantsing: Even if you prefer to write organically, consider outlining the major beats of your story. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
Outlining isn’t about limiting creativity; it’s about channeling it effectively. By providing a structure, it allows you to dive deeper into the heart of your story. For me, it was the key to bringing Soul Collector to life.
If you’re hesitant to try outlining, I encourage you to take a leap of faith. Start with something small—a character arc, a chapter outline, or even just a list of potential scenes. You might discover, as I did, that outlining isn’t a constraint but a tool that empowers you to tell your story with clarity and confidence.
What’s your take on outlining? Whether you’re a devoted planner or a free-spirited pantser, I’d love to hear about your writing process. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
