Outlining Your First Novel: Where to Begin?

First, start with a strong concept. Think about the overall theme or message you want to convey. Then, create your main characters. Outline their personalities, goals, and backstories. Next, plot out the major events in the story. Consider the beginning, middle, and end. For example, in the beginning, introduce the characters and the setting. In the middle, build up the conflict. And at the end, resolve the conflict. Don't forget to also include sub - plots that add depth to the story.

You can begin by thinking about the genre you want your story to be. If it's a mystery, start with a strange occurrence that will hook the reader. If it's a comedy, perhaps start with a funny situation or a character's humorous quirk. Another option is to start with a strong character voice. Let the character introduce themselves and their situation right from the start.

You could start with an idea that really excites you. It could be a character, a situation, or a theme. For example, if you have a really interesting character in mind, start by fleshing out their backstory, their appearance, and their personality traits.

Another great starting point could be a setting. For example, a small, idyllic town that has a dark secret hidden beneath its charming exterior. Describe the cobblestone streets, the old-fashioned shops, and then slowly reveal the mystery. Maybe there's an abandoned mine on the outskirts that holds a terrifying past.

When you aim for a first draft in thirty days, you may not have time to fully develop every aspect. It can lead to a rough draft that needs heavy editing later. Outlining, on the other hand, allows you to map out the story arc, character arcs, and key plot points. This can make the actual writing process smoother as you know where you're going. It also helps in maintaining consistency in the story.

Outlining your novel allows you to plan the plot, characters, and themes in advance. It can prevent you from getting stuck in the middle of writing. On the other hand, writing a first draft in thirty days can create a sense of urgency that might lead to some unique and raw ideas. But it might also result in a messy draft that needs a lot of rework. So, it depends on your writing style and what you aim to achieve.

Outlining your story is like building a blueprint. It gives you a clear sense of where your story is going. You jot down the major scenes, conflicts, and resolutions. It makes the writing process more smooth and focused.

First, think of a story idea that really excites you. Then, create some main characters and outline a basic plot. Start writing even if it's just a rough draft. The important thing is to get those initial thoughts down on paper.

The best place to begin when writing your story in an open - book way is with a strong hook. It could be a strange encounter or a thought - provoking question. Say you start with 'What if one day you woke up in a world where colors didn't exist?' This will immediately grab the reader's attention and make them want to read more.

Well, starting with your earliest memories is a great idea. Think about your childhood home, your first friends, and the games you used to play. It gives a foundation to your life story. For example, if you remember the smell of your grandmother's cooking, that's a wonderful detail to include.