

- Blank stage plot template how to#
- Blank stage plot template software#
- Blank stage plot template download#
Since this kind of writer engages in organic world-building and character-building, a traditional novel outline probably won’t be a natural fit for them - though a mind map might be useful. But as the plant comes up and they water it, they don't know how many branches it's going to have.

Martin’s own words: “Gardeners dig a hole, drop in a seed, and water it. We’ve suggested some for you below - though old-fashioned pen and paper work perfectly fine, too.
Blank stage plot template software#
Let’s head to the armory, where your choice of outlining software will probably depend on your style of writing. When you have an idea of the novel outline that you want to produce, it's time to arm yourself with the right tools to execute it. Prioritizes character development, character arcs, and character beats over planning of the plot.ĭetails all the scenes and sequences - in other words, the large set pieces of the novel. Imagine a roadmap with only big-name destinations marked in red - the road to get there is up to you.Ī character-led novel outline.

Examples of beat sheets are here and here.Ĭonstructs the spine of the novel, or the key plot points. Each individual ‘beat’ gets a bullet (or a number). Here we list a few ways that you can plan a work.Ī visual approach to outlining that shows the spatial relationships between your plot points, characters, themes, conflicts, chapters - you name it.Ī holistic story outline that gives a brief overview of the story’s plot, characters, conflicts, and themes in a two- to three-page paper.ĭocuments the beats of the story in shorthand. Trust that there’s a story outline for every writer: it’s just a question of finding the right one to fit your mindset, personality, and writing style. So if you’ve had trouble outlining in the past, you may be dealing with a classic case of square peg meets round hole. Think of it as a way of organizing your room - everyone tidies up differently. Like we mentioned, there’s no one-size-fit-all for a novel outline. In this section, we’ll look at all the things you need to do to find the right outlining system for yourself. So let's see what equipment you need to get you going.Ĭlick to tweet! Before you start outliningįirst, throw out your old high school outlines. Rowling, Joseph Heller, and more created to plan their books later in this post.) Your novel outline isn't a chain or a set of shackles: it’s a map that will guide you to the end of your writing journey, and help you go faster along the way. (And we’ll give you examples of the outlines that J.K. This would enable you to climb faster, more fluidly, and with greater confidence in the near future.īut aren’t story outlines creativity killers? Many bestselling authors would beg to differ. Or: you could stay on the ground a little longer to read the route. You might reach the top this way - but there’s a bigger chance that you’ll fall face-first or hit a dead-end along the way. You could just leap onto the rock and see what happens.

Imagine you’re a rock climber looking up at a tall cliff, for instance. Time invested in a story outline is foresight gained for your novel. The argument for outliningĭon’t let the naysayers fool you: a story outline is the closest thing to a “get out of jail free” card in the long game of novel-writing.
Blank stage plot template download#
If you’re looking for some additional inspiration, skip to the appropriate section below to download a book outline template.
Blank stage plot template how to#
In this post, we pull back the curtain and show you (step-by-step) how to create a story outline. Are your eyes tired of staring at a blank Word document? Are you sick of crashing and burning every time you try and start a novel? Well, we have the not-so-secret key to success right here: it involves learning how to outline a novel.īook outlines have saved the neck of many a bestselling writer - but the process behind them is mysterious at best.
