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How to outline a novel
From Idea to Structure
You sit down at your desk, excitement buzzing as you begin writing the story that’s been dancing around in your mind. You’ve created a vivid world, introduced intriguing characters, and set the stage with an exciting inciting incident. But then, you hit that all-too-familiar wall: what happens next? That dreaded act two looms ahead, and suddenly, the path forward isn’t so clear.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many writers find themselves in this exact spot—brimming with imagination but unsure how to shape that creativity into a cohesive, engaging narrative. It’s a common misconception that writer’s block or getting stuck means a lack of imagination. More often, it comes down to structure. Just like a well-told joke needs the right setup and punchline, a compelling story needs a solid framework to guide it. In other words, before you dive into the pages, it helps to know how to outline a novel.
How to Outline a Story Using Classic Story Structure
Thankfully, the mystery of how to structure a novel outline was unraveled long ago. Aristotle, in his Poetics, revealed that every great story has a beginning, a middle, and an end—removing the mystery from storytelling so that the magic could shine through the plot.
Centuries later, that foundation was expanded by authors like Christopher Vogler in The Writer’s Journey, who adapted Joseph Campbell’s concept of the Hero’s Journey into a practical storytelling guide. Vogler broke the story arc into a series of recognizable stages that appear in countless successful stories. It begins with the Ordinary World, where we see the protagonist in their regular life before the adventure begins. Then comes the Call to Adventure—a moment that disrupts that ordinary life and beckons the hero toward something greater. This is often followed by the Refusal of the Call, where the hero resists the journey out of fear, doubt, or loyalty to their current world.
From there, the structure continues through other pivotal stages like Meeting the Mentor, which offers guidance or tools the hero will need, and Crossing the Threshold, where the protagonist fully commits to the journey. In the middle of the story, the hero faces Tests, Allies, and Enemies, eventually leading to the Ordeal—a central crisis or confrontation that pushes the character to the brink. This structure not only helps writers organize plot points but also ensures that emotional stakes continue to build as the protagonist grows and changes.
These steps are incredibly helpful when learning how to outline a story that remains emotionally engaging from beginning to end. They provide a scaffolding that helps writers balance plot and character development, maintain narrative momentum, and keep readers invested in the journey—whether it’s physical, emotional, or both.
For those who want a more practical, scene-by-scene roadmap, Eric Edson’s The Story Solution offers a highly actionable alternative. Rather than focusing on mythic structure, Edson presents what he calls the “Hero Goal Sequences”—a series of approximately 23 storytelling beats designed to be spread across a traditional three-act structure. Each sequence includes specific turning points and emotional beats that move the story forward while keeping the protagonist’s goal front and center. For example, early sequences establish the hero’s everyday world and introduce the “set-up want” (a visible goal the hero is pursuing), while later sequences introduce a “true need” that the hero must grow into by the story’s climax.
This approach helps writers shape each act with intention and clarity. Instead of thinking in vague chapters or general plot points, Edson encourages writers to outline their story as a chain of mini-arcs—each with its own purpose, tension, and payoff. That makes it especially effective for writers who get lost in the long, foggy middle of a novel. By focusing on what each sequence must achieve in terms of story progression and emotional stakes, writers can maintain momentum and build toward a satisfying conclusion.
It’s an ideal framework for anyone learning how to write a novel outline that actually works on the ground level—scene by scene, sequence by sequence—while still supporting a cohesive overall arc.
These aren’t just academic tools—they’re frameworks designed to support your imagination and help you build a story that resonates from start to finish.
How to Outline a Story Without Losing Your Unique Voice
When learning how to outline a novel, many writers worry that the process might stifle their creativity or make their story feel formulaic. However, the truth is that an outline can actually highlight your unique voice if you approach it thoughtfully. Here are some actionable tips on how to create a novel outline that preserves your individuality:
Incorporate character voice early: As you outline each scene, add snippets of dialogue or character notes that reflect each character’s personality. This ensures that, even in the planning stages, your characters’ voices come through clearly.
Weave in personal themes: Identify the themes that are important to you and note where they will appear in your outline. This could be through specific scenes, character arcs, or symbolism that’s meaningful to you.
Experiment with structure: Don’t feel confined to a linear structure. If your story benefits from flashbacks, multiple points of view, or a non-linear timeline, reflect that in your outline. This keeps your narrative style fresh and engaging.
By focusing on these steps, you’ll find that learning how to write a novel outline doesn’t limit your creativity. Instead, it provides a solid foundation that allows your voice to shine through every step of the way.
Putting It All into Practice
Of course, reading these foundational books is invaluable. But applying their wisdom day to day, scene by scene, can be daunting — even if you know it in theory. That’s where tools like StorySteps can help.
StorySteps is a digital workspace built for writers who want to stay in flow while keeping their story’s structure on track. It doesn’t replace the craft — it supports it. As you develop characters, define traits, and break your story into sequences, StorySteps quietly helps you ensure that every part of your narrative is connected and purposeful.
Whether you’re just getting started or finally pushing through that second act, having a clear story structure will help you write with more confidence and help readers stay hooked past your introduction.
