Writing a book is a journey—one that begins long before the first sentence is typed. For me, the magic starts with a single idea. but it’s the planning process that transforms that spark into a fully realized story. In this post, I’ll walk you through my obsessive (yet effective) method for planning books, from the initial outline to the moment I can’t wait to start drafting.
1. The Spark: Where It All Begins
Every book starts with an idea. It might be a character, a setting, or a “what if” question. I jot these down in a dedicated notebook or a digital tool like Notion or Scrivener. At this stage, I don’t overthink—I just let the ideas flow.
Pro Tip: Keep an “idea graveyard” for concepts that don’t fit the current project but could inspire future stories.
2. The Skeleton: Building the Outline
Once the idea solidifies, I move to outlining. My outlines are detailed but flexible, usually including:
-Act Structure: I break the story into three acts (Setup, Confrontation, Resolution).
-Key Scenes: I list the major scenes that drive the plot forward.
-Character Arcs: I map out how each main character evolves throughout the story.
I use tools like Google Docs for this stage, as they allow me to easily rearrange sections as the story evolves.
3. The Flesh: Adding Depth
With the skeleton in place, I start adding depth:
-Worldbuilding: If my story requires a unique setting, I create a worldbuilding bible with details like geography, culture, and history.
-Character Profiles: I write detailed backstories for my characters, even if only fragments make it into the book. This helps me understand their motivations.
-Research: I gather research materials to ensure authenticity, whether it’s historical facts, scientific principles, or cultural nuances.
4. The Obsession: Refining Until It’s Perfect
This is where the planning process becomes an obsession. I revisit my outline, asking questions like:
-Does every scene serve a purpose?
-Are the character arcs satisfying?
-Is the pacing balanced?
I often create a scene-by-scene breakdown with word counts and emotional beats to ensure the story flows smoothly.
Pro Tip: Share your outline with a trusted beta reader or writing group to get fresh perspectives.
5. The Transition: From Plan to Draft
Once the plan feels solid, I take a deep breath and start drafting. But the planning doesn’t stop there! I keep my outline open as a roadmap, allowing myself to deviate when inspiration strikes while staying true to the core story.
Conclusion
Planning a book is both an art and a science. It’s about finding the balance between structure and creativity, between control and spontaneity. For me, the obsession with planning isn’t just about avoiding writer’s block—it’s about falling in love with the story before I even write it.
So, the next time you sit down to plan your book, embrace the obsession. Let it guide you from outline to masterpiece.
