Who can advise on how to do an outline for a novel? Is it simply chapter one followed by a brief summary, followed by chapter two with the same and so on until the end? Are you expected to say much about the characters?
Who can advise on how to do an outline for a novel? Is it simply chapter one followed by a brief summary, followed by chapter two with the same and so on until the end? Are you expected to say much about the characters?
Anthony, I cannot possibly cover everything you need to know. However, I have listed things a would-be author should consider, even though, some of the tips may be obvious to you.
I, also suggest you get a cheap second-hand copy of, Aspects of the Novel - E M Forster.
Storyline and Plot:
One main storyline and plot.
Keep it straight and as clear as you can make it.
Your opening should be dramatic, straight into the action.
Use simple vocabulary.
If in doubt over a choice of words, opt for the simple word over the longer more complicated word.
Characters:
A maximum of five or six rounded-characters is best, including the protagonist.
Flat-characters play minor roles.
What are the functions of your characters?
What makes each character uniquely different from each other?
Settings:
Settings have to be generally motivated. Be careful that there are not too many changes of setting. When you change, have a strong reason for doing so.
Chapters:
Make a list of 30 chapters with working chapter titles. Chapters should have a dramatic opening. A landmark signpost, ending with a cliff-hanger or a hook.
Who or what is each chapter about?
Where is each chapter set?
Chapters should be no more than eight to twelve pages. Where necessary, they can be as short as five or six pages, but it’s not advisable to have chapters of less than three pages in length.
Aim for 3000-4000 words a chapter.
Chapters should have broad themes, yet be strong as a unit.
A chapter should link with the preceding and following chapter.
Each chapter should be a water-tight, self-contained episode.
Dialogue:
Make sure that the dialogue between characters is relevant, that it advances the plot and storyline.
Use characters’ streams of thought to let people know their inner world; perhaps reveal things that would not be revealed in any other way.
Do not use dialogue or streams-of-thought to explain to the reader what is obvious to the characters - it’s a lazy way to convey information.
The reader should be drip-fed information and then left to work out things for themselves.
Scenes:
Use your imagination to picture the scene you are writing about.
Have something visual on each page.
Use vivid descriptions.
Use your characters sensory perceptions.
What do your characters see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.
Use real life experiences to describe characters, scenes and locations.
I hope that helps.
Good luck.