Tips for creating an outline for your novella

Writing a novella can benefit tremendously from making an outline. It helps authors write in a fluid and efficient manner with a clear plan on how to go about your creative process.

You can always choose a path when writing your novella. But make sure you never miss the outlining part in order to add structure and careful details to your work. Here are some tips to help you outline a good story:

Write a single sentence summarizing your narrative

You can use a single sentence as a template or guide for creating every new draft. It helps to tether your novella to a main storyline all the time so that every other detail serves as an extension of that sentence.

Draft your outline

Your outline should cover an extensive road map of your story. Try to look at the sequence of events from a broad perspective by focusing on the inciting actions, climax, and resolution before providing the minute details.

Put your protagonist’s interests front and center

Focus your outline on your main character’s desires in every scenario. Your protagonist’s interests, needs, and character arc take primary consideration, so make sure your scenes address those areas.

Jot down every new scene idea that comes to mind

Never hesitate to write ideas of scenes that you would like to add to your plot, regardless of whether you already have a plan of where to execute those events. Lay down all your ideas first before trying to organize them in a logical order.