Nanowrimo Outline

The Power of a NaNoWriMo Outline

NaNoWriMo. The National Novel Writing Month. It's a challenge that beckons aspiring authors every November to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. It sounds daunting, and for many, it is. The biggest hurdle isn't always finding the words, but knowing what words to write next. This is where a solid outline becomes your secret weapon.

Think of your outline as the blueprint for your novel. Without it, you're building a house with no foundation, hoping it doesn't collapse. A good outline provides structure, keeps you focused, and prevents that dreaded blank page syndrome. It’s not about stifling creativity; it’s about directing it.

Why Outline for NaNoWriMo?

• Prevents Writer's Block: When you know what scene comes next, you can just write it. No agonizing over plot twists or character motivations in the moment.
• Ensures Pacing: An outline helps you map out your story's progression, ensuring you hit key plot points at the right time.
• Maintains Consistency: It's easy to forget details when you're rushing to hit 1,667 words a day. Your outline acts as a reference point.
• Boosts Confidence: Having a plan in place makes the goal feel more achievable.

Choosing Your Outline Method

Not all outlines are created equal, and what works for one writer might not work for another. Experiment to find your sweet spot.

The Snowflake Method

Popularized by Randy Ingermanson, this method starts small and expands outwards.

1. One Sentence: Summarize your entire novel in a single sentence.
2. One Paragraph: Expand that sentence into a single paragraph describing the core story.
3. Character Summaries: Write a one-page summary for each main character.
4. Scene List: Break down the story into a list of scenes, each described in a sentence or two.
5. Expand: Flesh out each scene description further, then start writing.

This method is great for writers who like to discover their story as they go, but with a structured approach.

The Three-Act Structure

A classic for a reason, the three-act structure divides your story into a beginning, middle, and end.

• Act I: Setup (Approx. 25% of the story)

Introduce characters, setting, and the protagonist's ordinary world. Inciting Incident: The event that disrupts the protagonist's life and sets the story in motion. * Plot Point 1: The protagonist commits to the journey or goal.

• Act II: Confrontation (Approx. 50% of the story)

Rising Action: The protagonist faces obstacles and challenges, leading to increasing stakes. Midpoint: A significant event that changes the protagonist's understanding or approach. * Plot Point 2: The protagonist faces their lowest point or a major setback.

• Act III: Resolution (Approx. 25% of the story)

Climax: The peak of the conflict, where the protagonist confronts the antagonist or central problem. Falling Action: The immediate aftermath of the climax. * Resolution: The story concludes, and the new normal is established.

This is a fantastic framework for ensuring your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with rising tension.

The Beat Sheet

Developed by Blake Snyder for screenwriting, the beat sheet is a 15-point plot structure. While it's geared towards film, it's highly adaptable for novels.

1. Opening Image: Sets the tone and mood.
2. Theme Stated: A character hints at the story's core message.
3. Set-up: Introduce the protagonist and their world.
4. Catalyst: The inciting incident.
5. Debate: The protagonist hesitates or considers the call to adventure.
6. Break into Two: The protagonist commits to the journey.
7. B Story: A subplot, often romantic or involving a mentor, that explores the theme.
8. Fun and Games: The protagonist experiences the new world, facing challenges and enjoying successes.
9. Midpoint: A false victory or defeat, raising the stakes.
10. Bad Guys Close In: Opposition intensifies.
11. All Is Lost: The protagonist hits rock bottom.
12. Dark Night of the Soul: The protagonist reflects and finds a new resolve.
13. Break into Three: The protagonist has a plan and moves towards the climax.
14. Finale: The climax and resolution.
15. Final Image: A mirror of the opening image, showing the protagonist's transformation.

This method provides a very detailed roadmap, which can be incredibly helpful for hitting specific plot points within your word count.

Simple Bullet Points or Index Cards

Sometimes, simplicity is best. Jot down your main plot points, character arcs, and key scenes as a series of bullet points or on individual index cards. This allows for easy rearrangement and a less rigid approach.

Building Your NaNoWriMo Outline: Step-by-Step

Regardless of the method you choose, here's a practical way to build your outline.

1. Brainstorm Your Core Idea

• What's the hook? What makes your story unique and compelling?
• Who is your protagonist? What do they want? What are their flaws?
• What's the central conflict? Internal, external, or both?

2. Develop Your Characters

Even a basic outline needs a sense of who is involved.

• Protagonist: Their goal, motivation, arc (how they change).
• Antagonist/Opposing Force: What stands in the protagonist's way?
• Supporting Characters: Who helps or hinders the protagonist? What are their roles?

3. Map Out the Major Plot Points

This is where you start to structure your narrative. Think about the key events that drive the story forward.

• Beginning: How does the story start? What's the inciting incident?
• Middle: What challenges does the protagonist face? What are the turning points?
• End: How is the conflict resolved? What is the final outcome?

Example: For a fantasy novel, your major plot points might look like:

• Beginning: Orphan discovers latent magic, village threatened by dark sorcerer.
• Middle: Travels to ancient academy, trains with a reluctant mentor, faces a betrayal, discovers the sorcerer's true motive.
• End: Confronts sorcerer in a magical duel, sacrifices something precious to save their home, becomes a respected protector.

4. Flesh Out Scenes or Chapters

Once you have your major plot points, start breaking them down.

• For each major point, what needs to happen?
• What's the goal of this scene? What information is revealed? What action takes place?
• How does it connect to the previous and next scene?

Don't feel you need to write full summaries for every single scene if that feels overwhelming. A few sentences per scene is often enough to jog your memory.

5. Consider Your Word Count

NaNoWriMo requires 50,000 words. That's roughly 1,667 words per day. If you have 30 days, you'll need around 15-20 major plot points or turning points. If your outline is too sparse, you might struggle to hit the word count. If it's too detailed, you might feel constrained.

Tips for a Successful NaNoWriMo Outline

• Be Flexible: Your outline is a guide, not a prison. If a new idea sparks, feel free to adjust.
• Don't Over-Outline: Aim for enough detail to guide you, but leave room for discovery. You don't need to write dialogue or descriptions at this stage.
• Focus on Conflict and Stakes: What's at risk? What makes the reader care?
• Use Visual Aids: Whiteboards, sticky notes, or outlining software can be very helpful.
• Get Feedback: Share your outline with a trusted friend or writing group.

Writing a novel in a month is a marathon, not a sprint. A well-crafted outline is your training plan, your hydration, and your cheering squad all rolled into one. It empowers you to tackle the word count challenge with confidence and a clear direction.

If you find yourself struggling with the structural elements of your novel or need a second pair of eyes on your outline, services like EssayGazebo.com offer professional writing and editing support that can help you refine your ideas and get your story on track.