Writing a Novel: Should You Outline First?

The age-old question that splits the novel writing community right down the middle. Should you meticulously plan every chapter, scene, and character arc before you write word one? Or should you dive in headfirst and let the story unfold naturally as you go?

Here’s the thing: there’s no single right answer. Some bestselling authors swear by detailed outlines, while others wouldn’t dream of plotting beyond a vague idea. The real question isn’t which approach is “correct”: it’s which approach works best for you and your creative writing process.

Let me walk you through both sides of this debate so you can make an informed decision for your novel writing journey.

The case for outlining: structure is your friend

If you’re someone who likes to know where you’re going before you start the journey, outlining might be your best friend. And honestly, there are some pretty compelling reasons to consider this approach.

You’ll actually finish your novel

This one’s a big deal, folks. Writing down your story goals makes you significantly more likely to achieve them. When you have a roadmap laid out, you’ll know exactly what to write during each writing session. No more staring at a blank page wondering what comes next.

Plot holes? What plot holes?

Here’s something I learned the hard way: it’s much easier to fix structural problems before you’ve written 50,000 words. An outline helps you spot plot holes, pacing issues, and character inconsistencies while they’re still easy to address. Trust me, discovering your story doesn’t make sense when you’re halfway through your first draft is not a fun experience.

Character development gets easier

When you outline your characters ahead of time: figuring out their desires, fears, and internal conflicts: they become more three-dimensional on the page. You’ll have a clearer sense of how they’ll react in different situations, which makes writing dialogue and character interactions much smoother.

You can see the big picture

An outline gives you a bird’s-eye view of your entire story. This makes it easier to:

• Identify opportunities for foreshadowing
• Balance pacing throughout the novel
• Weave in subplots effectively
• Ensure your themes are properly developed
• Make large-scale structural changes

The case against outlining: discovery writing has its magic

Now, before you rush off to create a 50-page outline, let’s talk about why some writers avoid this approach entirely. These “pantsers” (as in, writing by the seat of your pants) have some valid points.

Spontaneity can lead to better stories

Sometimes the best plot developments happen when you’re not expecting them. If you’re rigidly following an outline, you might miss those organic moments where your characters surprise you or your story takes an unexpected turn that actually improves the narrative.

Outlines can feel restrictive

Some writers find that knowing exactly what happens next makes the actual writing feel mechanical. Where’s the excitement of discovery if you already know every twist and turn? For these writers, the joy of creative writing comes from not knowing what their characters will do next.

Your first ideas aren’t always your best ideas

Here’s something worth considering: the story concept that gets you started isn’t necessarily the story you should be telling. Sometimes you need to write your way into the real story. An overly detailed outline might lock you into your initial ideas when better ones emerge during the writing process.

Finding your middle ground

The good news? You don’t have to choose between being a complete planner or a total pantser. Many successful writers find approaches that blend both methods.

The Rough Frame method

Instead of a detailed outline, try creating what I call a “rough frame.” This includes:

• Your protagonist and their main goal
• The inciting incident that kicks off your story
• 3-5 major plot points or complications
• Your general idea for the climax
• How you think the story might end

This gives you enough structure to prevent major plot problems while leaving room for discovery and spontaneity.

Outline after your first draft

Another approach is to write your first draft by discovery, then create an outline based on what you’ve written. This outline becomes your revision roadmap, helping you identify what needs to be cut, expanded, or restructured.

Chapter-by-chapter planning

Some writers outline just a few chapters ahead of where they are in their draft. This provides some direction without locking them into decisions about the entire novel.

How to decide what works for you

Your approach to novel writing should match your personality and creative process. Ask yourself these questions:

Do you like to plan other areas of your life? If you’re someone who makes detailed vacation itineraries and keeps organized to-do lists, you might find comfort in outlining your novel too.

How do you handle uncertainty? If not knowing what comes next in your story creates anxiety rather than excitement, an outline will probably serve you well.

What’s your writing experience level? If this is your first novel, an outline can provide helpful training wheels. You can always experiment with pantsing on future projects.

What genre are you writing? Complex fantasy novels with multiple POV characters and intricate world-building often benefit from detailed planning. A character-driven literary novel might be more forgiving of a discovery approach.

Practical steps for both approaches

If you decide to outline:

1. Start simple. Begin with a basic three-act structure before diving into detailed scene breakdowns.
2. Focus on your protagonist’s journey. What do they want, what’s stopping them, and how will they change?
3. Identify your major plot points. You need an inciting incident, several complications, a crisis, and a resolution.
4. Stay flexible. Your outline is a guide, not a contract. Feel free to deviate when better ideas emerge.

If you decide to write by discovery:

1. Know your protagonist’s goal. Even if you don’t know how they’ll achieve it, understand what they’re trying to accomplish.
2. Establish your story world early. Make decisions about setting, time period, and basic world-building before you get too far in.
3. Keep character notes. Even pantsers benefit from tracking character details to maintain consistency.
4. Be prepared to revise heavily. Discovery writing often requires more extensive revision than outlined writing.

The Bottom Line

Whether you choose to outline or wing it, the most important thing is that you actually write your novel. Both approaches can lead to published books and satisfied readers. What matters is finding the method that keeps you motivated and moving forward with your creative writing goals.

Remember, you can always change approaches on your next project. Many writers try both methods before settling on their preferred process: or before deciding they like to switch it up depending on the story. Pick an approach that feels right for your current project and personality, then get started. You can always adjust as you go.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these choices or want guidance tailored to your specific novel writing goals, consider working with a writing coach or joining a creative writing course. I can support you with writing your book, whether you’re a  planner or a pantser, through my personalized book writing coach sessions and creative writing course for beginners. Whether you’re outlining your first novel or diving into discovery writing, having an experienced guide can make all the difference in your self publishing journey.

The most important thing? Start writing. Your story is waiting for you, outline or no outline.