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Hey, writers! Welcome to another edition of Better Writing in 5, where we help you crush your writing goals while resisting the urge to Google “What is my book even about?” If you haven’t written a word yet, outlining your novel can feel like trying to untangle Christmas lights after they’ve been in the attic for a year. You know the basic idea is there, but how do you actually make sense of it all? The good news: you don’t need to overthink it. In fact, with a few simple strategies, you can outline your novel quickly without feeling like you’re writing War and Peace before you even begin.

Here’s how to outline your novel without breaking a sweat:

1. Start with a big picture idea

This is the foundation of your outline. Grab a pen and jot down your basic concept. Don’t worry about getting every detail right. Just ask yourself, “What is the core conflict here?” and “What’s the central theme?” Your story doesn’t need to be a 500-page epic right out of the gate. If you can’t figure it out immediately, no biggie. A simple statement like, What happens if the protagonist doesn’t get what they want? will guide your outline without the need for a 100-point plot breakdown.

2. Set 3-5 major plot points

Think of your story as a movie you can’t stop watching. What are the big moments that push the plot forward? The plot points are like your story’s pit stops—without them, the journey gets messy and aimless. Keep it to 3-5. These are the major events that will drive your narrative from beginning to end. Don’t get caught up in minor details (like whether the protagonist drinks their coffee with almond or oat milk). Focus on the high-level stuff: What’s going to change your character’s life, like, now?

3. Sketch out emotional beats

What’s your character feeling throughout the story? Instead of breaking your outline into rigid chapters, break it into emotional shifts. How does your character change as they move through your plot? What do they want at the beginning, what do they need in the middle, and how do they evolve by the end? This keeps the outline fluid, gives room for creative freedom, and helps you focus on the bigger picture instead of getting stuck on micro-details.

4. Streamline your plotting with quick tricks

Outlining doesn’t have to be a weeks-long, soul-searching process. Try these quick strategies to speed things up:

  • Work Backward: Start with the ending and figure out how the characters get there. It’s like putting together a puzzle, starting with the edges.
  • The “3 Sentences Rule”: Summarize each major scene in just three sentences. This keeps it high-level and prevents you from getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
  • “What Happens Next?” List: Write down simple answers to the question: What happens next? It helps you keep moving without overthinking.
  • Beat Sheet: If you love structure, jot down 10-20 key beats that drive your story forward. These will guide you without cramping your creative flow.
  • Start with Stakes: Focus on the stakes of each scene by noting what your protagonist stands to gain or lose, keeping your plot driven by meaningful conflict without over-complicating things.

5. Set a timer and go

Now here’s the real kicker: set a timer. Grab your phone, set it for 30 minutes, and create your outline as quickly as possible. Don’t stop to second-guess yourself or wonder if it’s perfect. Just write. The pressure of the timer keeps you from overthinking and turning your outline into a masterpiece… before you’ve even written the first page. If you can’t get through the whole outline in one go, no worries! This is a first draft of your outline, not the final draft. The goal here is to get it done—fast—so you can get back to the fun part: writing.

Conclusion

Outlining your novel doesn’t need to be a daunting process. Start with your big idea, focus on key plot points, and trust your character’s emotional journey. Don’t overthink it. Set that timer and get it done! Your novel’s waiting—and so is that cup of coffee.