How to plan a Novel in Ten Steps?

For most writers, writing a book isn't that simple. So, how do you bring the story from your brain onto paper and into some user-friendly format, no shortcut workout that works for every single writer – what is helpful for one is another's the est concern. But, most writers agree creating a plan for your novel is important to avoid major plot and character goof-ups. Making a good plan can help prevent this from happening, so follow the tips given below and you'll make fewer mistakes.

Step 1 – The One-Liner

Start by writing a one-sentence synopsis of your book. Don't about the names of the characters at this point, describe the character, e.g. "an orphan prince". So, the sentence would be like this, "A young orphan prince gets caught in a battle for his motherland after embarking on a quest to find the killer of his parents". Take care when writing this as, when you come to write your book proposal for publication, this sentence will be an important key – it'll act as the hook to sell your book.

Step 2 – The first description

Now you need to elaborate the sentence you've written into a short fifty-word paragraph. You can use the three-act structure:

Use the beginning (the first act) to lead your reader in, introducing the main characters, setting up the central conflict and setting the time period for your book.

Use the middle to create a theme and let readers know about the main characters. But, make sure you have enough struggle and tension here so your story will not be boring for readers.

In the end section, the story will have to speed up; this is the point when you will develop a climax. Eventually, you should resolve the loose ends, but there's nothing like a few unresolved issues to get your readers screaming for a sequel!

Step 3 – Characters

Now you need to turn your attention to one of the most critical parts of the story – the characters. For each important character, write a one-page summary that includes:

• name
• Storyline – what role they are playing in the plot
• Goal – what do they want
• Motivation – what is the driving force for them
• Conflict – the obstacles between the goal
• Epiphany – their learning and how they evolve

In the end, write a full storyline for the character in a paragraph. These are only drafts so you can change them as you go. Remember, writing a novel always involves extensive planning and revising.

Step 4 – Expansion of the story.

Now expand fifty words you've written in Step 2 into a thousand words. By the time you do this, there would be a one-page description of the book – it'll still only be only a wireframe, but it will give you a good insight as to whether the story is going. If you don't like it, you can change it now, before you start writing in detail.

Step 5 – Again the characters

Now write a one-page synopsis for every character. It's useful to write this from the point of view of the character. This method will introduce you to your characters, understand their story and, ultimately, whether they should be in the story or not.

Step 6 – Now come back to the plot

Now expand the one-page summary completed for Step 4 – describing the main plot line and any subplots and flashbacks and create a four-page synopsis.

Step 7 – Bringing characters to life

Now you can expand the one-page character synopsis and make character charts including the details of their lives, such as:

• Date of birth
• Character's physical description
• Nature
• History

But, most importantly, make sure that how your character will transform throughout the story. This process will help you know more about your characters and the role they have to play in the story. Make sure each is a living, breathing character, not a two-dimensional stereotype.

Step 8 – Develop the storyline scenes

Use the four-page synopsis from Step 6 and write down every scene, you need to turn it into a book. Each scene should detail:

• what happens
• which character is narrating the scene
• struggle points and hooks that will move the reader ahead in the story.

Now you have all elements for the novel at this stage, it's moveable and gives you an excellent view into how the story moves forward.

Step 9 – Finishing your novel

Now, its the time to writing the book! You should be able to write the draft quickly as there'll be no wondering what comes next or who does what – we have decided everything now.

Step 10 – Edit and write more drafts!

Your book is not yet perfect after the first draft and you need to keep it aside for a period of time. Then read it again and start the editing and drafting. Until you are pleased with the book, keep doing it. It will take time but it will worth it.

Have fun in the process and when you will have the printed version of your book in your hand, you will be the happiest person on this planet.

Happy Writing!