Writing and creative work
How to plan a novel before drafting chapter one
A flexible plan gives a story direction without locking every sentence. Start with the promise of the book, the turning points, and the change the reader should feel.
A clear sequence
- Write the central premise in one clear sentence.
- Define the protagonist’s starting problem and desired change.
- List the major turns that force the story to move.
- Give each chapter a job before writing its scenes.
- Leave a short note about the next decision at the end of every session.
The plan is a navigation aid. It should make the next page easier to write, not become a second manuscript.