In a new post on her blog, writer M.K. Tod discusses how she creates a story outline and offers tips for mastering this step in the novel writing process. “Over time, I’ve changed how I outline adapting techniques from various sources and gaining confidence as I went along,” she says.
Her first effort resulted in a simple matrix listing the section, chapter, scene, character development, and tension and conflicts. (You can see visual examples of her outlines by following the link below to the blog post.) By her third book, Tod added a row to help her track characters and developments across two timelines. Because this novel added a mystery element, she added “Clues and Tension” as a tracking column.
By her fourth book, Tod’s process evolved, focusing on hooks and plot points. At the top of the page, she wrote a reminder that “every scene must either advance the plot, advance one of the subplots, develop character, or address theme” and “must contain some degree of conflict.” Book five maintained this format, adding notes for alternating POV and the intended last line of the chapter.
For book six, Tod switched from historical fiction to contemporary thriller, adding Pacing and Timing elements to her outline. Instead of “hooks”, she looked for opportunities for cliffhangers.
