The key elements often include a clear plot structure. You need to define the beginning, middle, and end. For example, in the beginning, introduce the main characters and the setting. The middle part should build up the conflict, like a character facing a difficult choice. And the end resolves the conflict, maybe the hero overcomes the villain. Also, character development is crucial. Each character should have their own personality, goals, and growth throughout the novel.
One of the top choices is Scrivener. Its features are very helpful for novel outlining. For example, it lets you create folders for different aspects of your novel like characters, settings, and plotlines. Then you can drag and drop these elements into your outline as needed. This flexibility makes it easy to experiment with different structures for your story.
The first key step is to come up with a strong concept. This is the foundation of your story. Next, identify your protagonist and antagonist. Know their motives and how they interact. Then, map out the story's structure. Include the setup, confrontation, and resolution. For instance, in a thriller, the setup might be introducing the threat, the confrontation is the hero fighting the villain, and the resolution is the threat being eliminated.
For a horror story outline. Introduction: A young woman moves into a new old - fashioned house. At night, she hears scratching noises from the attic. Rising Action: She goes to the attic to investigate and finds an old diary. As she reads it, she starts to have nightmares. Climax: She realizes that the house was once the site of a brutal murder and the spirit of the murderer is still there. Falling Action: She tries to call for help but all the phones are dead. She barricades herself in a room. Resolution: In the end, the spirit overcomes her and she disappears, leaving the house to be haunted forever.
The brevity of '2 sentance horror story' is key. It leaves a lot to the imagination. For instance, 'I opened the attic door. A strange smell and a soft whisper greeted me.' The lack of details makes our minds fill in the blanks with the scariest things we can think of. Also, they can end on a cliffhanger, making the horror linger in our minds.
Well, start with a fear that most people have, like the fear of the dark or being alone. Then build your story around that. You could introduce an unknown force that preys on those in the dark. Make the protagonist relatable so that the readers can put themselves in their shoes. And don't forget to have a twist at the end, like the 'villain' being someone the protagonist trusted all along.
Character development is crucial. You need to know your characters well so you can plan their arcs in the outline. Another important element is the plot structure. It gives the story a framework. Also, the theme should be considered. It's like the underlying message of the novel. For example, if your theme is redemption, your plot and character actions should reflect that.
First, decide on the setting. It could be a spooky old house, a dark forest, or an abandoned asylum. Then, create the main character, someone who is relatable but has some flaws. Next, introduce the horror element, like a monster, a ghost, or a deranged killer. Outline how the character encounters this horror, and finally, think about the climax and resolution. For example, in a haunted house story, the character could be a curious journalist. The horror is a vengeful spirit. The climax could be when the spirit tries to possess the journalist, and the resolution might be the journalist finding a way to exorcise the spirit.
The key elements are setting, character, and the horror factor. The setting should be a place that gives a sense of unease, like a cemetery or a dilapidated building. The character should be someone the reader can care about, so when the horror strikes, it has more impact. And the horror factor can be anything from the supernatural to human - made terrors. For example, a story set in a haunted castle with a young and brave protagonist facing a blood - thirsty vampire.