Sketching a novel might seem difficult, but with these steps, you can do it in no time!
Steps
Step 1. Collect ideas
First, think about the main idea. If it looks like that of another writer, you can give it a new interpretation by having the characters do something different, changing some important details and, above all, thinking about what makes your story unique. Remember that the second, third, or fourth idea is usually better than the first.
Step 2. Take note of any ideas that come to you in as much detail as possible
Don't worry if some of them don't make sense or if you don't know the ending yet - it's part of the idea gathering process. Use keywords, concept maps, and any other elements that seem important to the story and help you remember your mental processes.
Step 3. Take a break
Try to do something different, for a few hours or a few days. You'll need to get a new perspective when you sit back and start drafting the novel.
Step 4. Review the ideas you have had and consider which ones continue to interest you
You may decide to include others, talking about the ones you prefer with someone whose opinion you trust and respect. At the same time, don't take it personally if others don't love your favorite ideas. You are the author, and it is ultimately up to you to decide whether a story deserves to be written.
Step 5. Once you have decided what the premise of the story is, write the storyline in its essential form
Perfect it as much as possible.
Step 6. Develop the characters
Write a small bio for each of them, including a description, names, their past experiences, etc. Conclude by defining the role they will play in the story.
Step 7. Break the story into chapters
Think about each chapter and determine what happens to the characters. Focus on the most important events and make a note of them. At this stage you are not yet writing the actual novel, so you can set out the ideas in a few sentences - you are just trying to outline the main element of each chapter. Take the time to reflect on the evolution of the story.
Step 8. Evaluate the track you made
Remember to go back to the beginning of the synopsis and review it. Are you satisfied with the character descriptions? Does the draft chapter adequately express the description of the plot you have outlined? If the answer is no, go back and keep working on it until you're happy with it. Focus on inconsistencies and challenge yourself to find new ideas and solutions.
Step 9. Write the book
Advice
- Take the time to develop the plot.
- Remember that writing a track is intended to give structure to the story and allow you to see the evolution of the characters and the plot. It will allow you to rethink how the different elements of the story fit together and determine if they make sense.
- Comments from others can be extremely helpful. Ask a friend or colleague to tell you the story of the novel and give you some opinion on how to improve it.
Warnings
- There are different approaches to sketching a story. The key is to outline the ideas in a way that helps you analyze the plot, the characters, and the overall development of the story.
- Don't make the descriptions too vague. Outline the characters, the plot… everything.
- You don't necessarily have to stick with absolute fidelity to the outline you sketched out. If you find an idea, follow it! You may not be able to fit it into the novel, but you could at least try. Sometimes, even the best writers discard synopses they've already made.
