If you’ve found this post, you're probably wondering: how do you plan your novel? Should you outline your entire story or let the words flow as they come? 

As a writer who's been both a dedicated plotter and a pantser, I can confidently say that the best way to plan your novel doesn't involve a traditional outline. (Shocking, I know!) Instead, it’s about creating a framework that offers both guidance and freedom.

In this post, I’ll share how to plan your first or next novel without losing creativity using the strategies I’ve developed after writing multiple novels.

Why you shouldn’t rely on an outline

Before we get into the alternatives, let’s talk about why I don’t recommend outlining as the primary method for planning your novel, whether you’re a seasoned novelist or writing a book for the first time. While it may seem like an outline can save you time and prevent plot holes, I believe outlining can actually limit the potential of your story.

An outline often gives the illusion of control, but stories have a life of their own. They’re dynamic and can evolve in ways you don’t expect. If you map out every plot point before you even start writing, you may find yourself confined to a narrow vision of what your book could be.

So, instead of outlining, I suggest you explore other ways to give your story structure while still leaving room for discovery.

Strategy #1: Ask a big question

One of the key strategies I use for planning your novel is focusing on a big question. Rather than plotting each chapter, consider what question is at the heart of your story. This question will act as the compass that guides your writing.

For example, Meg Wolitzer’s The Wife asks, "What happens to an explosive secret over a lifetime?" The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett explores the question, "Can we completely change who we are?" Asking a question that your main character is grappling with gives you a deeper and more meaningful path to follow as you write.

So start with this: what question do you want to explore? This question should feel relevant, emotional, and challenging—not just for your character, but for you as the author.

Strategy #2: Create a story map

Another way to approach how to plan your novel is by creating a story map. A story map helps you identify key moments in your book without locking you into a rigid outline. Think of a story map as like dropping a pin on a map—you know the general direction you want to go, but you don’t have to know every turn in advance.

In this method, you choose a climactic moment or destination for your story. It could be a legal case being decided, a big revelation, or a character’s ultimate confrontation. You don't need to know how everything will unfold; the point is to have a destination that propels your story forward. By following your climatic moment as a destination, you’re writing with momentum instead of simply filling pages.

When you're trying to figure out how to plan your first novel, remember that your story map can—and likely will—change as you write. That’s okay! The map is just there to keep you moving in the right direction.

Strategy #3: Stay flexible

One of the most important things to remember when thinking about how to plan your novel is to stay flexible. You might come up with a destination and then reach it sooner than you expected. Or, your story might take a completely different turn halfway through. That's all part of the creative process.

By focusing on a big question and creating a story map, you give yourself enough structure to prevent writer’s block while allowing your story to evolve naturally. Trust your story to lead you where it wants to go, and you’ll find that you can write a novel that surprises even you.

Strategy #4: Stay open to discovery

At the end of the day, the best way to plan your novel is to stay open to discovery. As you write, you’ll learn more about your characters, their motivations, and where the story needs to go. This process can make your novel wiser and more profound than if you’d stuck to a rigid outline.

Every time I’ve written a novel, it has taught me something new. Your story will do the same for you if you give it the freedom to evolve.

Recap and final thoughts

If you’ve been wondering how do you plan your novel without stifling creativity, the answer lies in finding a balance. Skip the rigid outline, and instead use a big question and a story map to guide your process. Stay flexible, trust your instincts, and allow the story to unfold in its own time.

Happy writing!

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In addition to writing my own books, I help writers who are ready to turn their dream books into reality. If you’ve started writing or have a story to share, I’d love to know more about it!

Check out my free video, where I walk you through my personal book-writing process. Visit thebookincubator.com, tell me a little about yourself, and let’s get you on the path to writing success. Hope to see you there!