Writing a novel can be a daunting task. Keeping track of characters, plot points, and timelines can quickly become overwhelming. Many writers struggle to find a system that helps them organize their ideas effectively. A solid outline can make a huge difference, but creating one from scratch can be time-consuming.
This guide will explore how to build a reusable novel outline template that you can adapt for each new project. We'll look at how you can use a tool like Notion to make this process easier, but the principles apply regardless of the specific software you choose.
1. Creating Your Novel Outline Database
To begin, we'll create a database for your novel outlines:
- In your Notion workspace, click the "+ New page" button.
- Select "Table" from the database options.
- Name your database "Novel Outlines."
2. Setting Up Database Properties
Add the following properties to your database:
- Title (default)
- Status (Select: Brainstorming, Outlining, Writing, Editing, Complete)
- Genre (Multi-select)
- Target Word Count (Number)
- Deadline (Date)
3. Creating a Novel Outline Template
- In your Novel Outlines database, click the "+" button to create a new page.
- Click "New template" at the top of the page.
- Name your template "Novel Outline Template."
4. Structuring Your Template
# [Novel Title]
## High-Level Overview
- Premise:
- Theme:
- Setting:
## Character Profiles
- Protagonist:
- Antagonist:
- Supporting Characters:
## Plot Structure
### Act 1: Setup
- Inciting Incident:
- First Plot Point:
### Act 2: Confrontation
- First Pinch Point:
- Midpoint:
- Second Pinch Point:
### Act 3: Resolution
- Climax:
- Resolution:
## Chapter Outlines
[Create a toggle list for each chapter]
### Chapter 1
- Scene 1:
- Scene 2:
## Notes and Ideas
[Use this section for additional thoughts and brainstorming]
5. Customizing Your Template
Notion allows you to further customize your template:
- Use different text styles (headings, bold, italic) for better organization.
- Add emoji icons to sections for visual appeal.
- Include prompts under headers to guide your outlining process.
- Create linked databases for character profiles or world-building elements.
6. Using Your Template
- Go to your Novel Outlines database.
- Click the "+" button to add a new page.
- Select your "Novel Outline Template" from the template options.
- Start filling in your novel outline!
7. Refining Your Template
As you use your template, you may find ways to improve it. Notion allows you to easily update templates:
- Go to your Novel Outlines database.
- Click the "▼" next to the "New" button.
- Find your template and click the "..." menu.
- Select "Edit" to make changes to your template.
Wrap-Up
By creating a novel outline template in Notion, you're setting yourself up for a more organized and efficient writing process. The flexibility of Notion allows you to adapt the template to your specific needs and writing style. Remember, the key to a successful novel outline is finding a structure that works for you. Don't be afraid to experiment and refine your template as you go along.
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