Novel Outline Template (Writing Tips & Templars) Doc Formats

Cover 46 Best Story Outline Templates (Novel, Book & Plot) ᐅ TemplateLab (1240x1754)

Table of Contents

1. What is a novella?
2. Why outline a novella?
3. Step 1: Know your story
4. Step 2: Outline the plot
5. Step 3: Develop characters
6. Step 4: Create worldbuilding
7. Step 5: Refine outline

What is a novella?

Novellas, in terms of length, are longer than short stories but shorter than novels. They are typically around 20,000 to 50,000 words. Novellas are great for writers who want to tell a more complex story than a short story but don't want to commit to writing a full novel.

Why outline a novella?

Outlining a novella can help you stay focused on the story you want to tell. An outline can help you organize your thoughts and streamline the writing process. It can also help you identify any potential plot holes or issues with character development before you start writing. This can save you time and effort in the long run.

Step 1: Know your story

Before you start outlining your novella, you need to have a clear idea of the story you want to tell. This means identifying the main conflict, the characters involved, and the themes you want to explore. Start by asking yourself some basic questions about your story. Who is the protagonist? What is their goal? What is standing in their way? What do they stand to lose if they fail? Once you have a clear understanding of the story you want to tell, you can start outlining.

Step 2: Outline the plot

The plot is the backbone of your novella. It's what drives the story forward and keeps readers engaged. When outlining your plot, start by identifying the major events that will happen in your story. These events should build on each other and lead to the climax and resolution of the story. As you outline, think about the pacing of your story. You want to keep readers engaged and interested throughout the entire novella. This means balancing action and character development, and avoiding any lulls in the plot.

Step 3: Develop characters

Your characters are the heart of your story. They drive the plot forward and keep readers invested in the outcome. When developing your characters, start by identifying their goals, motivations, and flaws. These elements will help you create well-rounded, believable characters that readers can relate to. As you outline, think about how your characters will grow and change throughout the story. What challenges will they face? How will they overcome them? How will their experiences shape them as people?

Step 4: Create worldbuilding

Worldbuilding is the process of creating a believable, immersive world for your story to take place in. This includes everything from the physical setting to the culture and history of the world you're creating. When creating your world, start by thinking about the rules that govern it. What are the physical laws? What is the political and social structure? What kind of technology exists? What are the cultural norms and traditions? As you outline, think about how your world will impact your characters and their goals. How do they fit into this world? What challenges will they face because of it?

Step 5: Refine outline

Once you have a rough outline of your novella, it's time to refine it. This means going back over your work and identifying any areas that need improvement. This could be anything from plot holes to underdeveloped characters. As you refine your outline, think about how each element of your story fits together. Does the plot make sense? Are the characters believable? Is the world immersive and engaging?

Conclusion

Outlining a novella can seem daunting, but by breaking it down into smaller steps, it becomes more manageable. By knowing your story, outlining the plot, developing characters, creating worldbuilding, and refining your outline, you can create a well-structured novella that readers will love. So take a deep breath, grab a pen and paper, and start outlining!