How to Write a CHAPTER-BY-CHAPTER OUTLINE for Your Novel

NaNoWriMo is just around the corner and all month long we have been simplifying preptober as we get ready to embark on our new writing projects. Today, we are expanding our "rough sketch" into a detailed chapter-by-chapter outline for a full-length novel...using index cards in Scrivener. Look over my shoulder and watch how I do this! (Also, I'm going to be hosting a special live training this weekend diving deeper into using Scrivener to make the most of your writing experience this November. You don't want to miss it!)

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✨ T I M E S T A M P S ✨
00:00 Introduction
02:30 Come to my live training on Scrivener!
03:32 The chapter-by-chapter outline
04:30 How I organize my notes and outlines
08:33 Breaking down the chapters
15:54 Filling in more detail
18:25 Outlining future plot points
19:35 Save your spot at the live training!
20:39 Subscribe for more writing videos :)
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✨ V A L U A B L E R E S O U R C E S✨

MORE VIDEOS YOU WOULD LIKE:

→ THE SIMPLEST WAY TO OUTLINE YOUR NOVEL

→ THE ULTIMATE CHARACTER PROFILE

→ MY SCRIVENER SETUP

→ 10 WEAK WORDS TO CUT FROM YOUR NOVEL

✨F O L L O W ✨

✨ A B O U T ✨
My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.

Story isn’t about “what happens” — it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel – and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!

[iamluyu]

I'm currently writing a very long novel for which I outlined every single chapter (with over 4 pages per chapter summaries) and let me tell you it has been the BEST decision ever. Super helpful, super intuitive and really helps you get the overall mood of that piece of the story even a year after you wrote it down

[kellyshrewsbury]

I've been working on a story idea. Plotted it out, fleshed out characters, took notes, printed things I needed, and typed a chapter by chapter outline to follow. I made my novel roadmap PERFECT. Then decided I hate the characters and their story and everything about them and the world I created for them to live in lol. So, back to the drawing board and I'll keep this story idea and notes for another day ! :D

[nai]

Abbie, you have read my mind!! I absolutely love your videos. I'm a young, homeschooled writer and you have taught me everything I know, thank you so, so much for being an inspiration to us all😊

[edithendlesshobbies]

Can’t believe how perfect the timing was for this!! I’m currently outlining my novel 😁

[anthonywritesfantasy]

It helps so much to see you turn the 3 Act bullet outline into a list of chapters! I learned a lot.

[KimThirion]

This is by far, THE MOST USEFUL outlining video I’ve ever watched! Thank you, Abbie!!

[oddeyes]

Funny thing is, my story is coming together by writing character profiles. 😅 it's let me figure out where they fit in everything and what they do in it and keep my cast fairly small. It also helps me figure out how the story will go as well as plan out the prequel.

[taytaythehufflepuff]

Seeing all this outlining videos are scaring me. I’ve been more focused on finishing the story I’m nearly done with and haven’t been outlining much for next month (thankfully it’s fanfiction, unfortunately, it’s so all over the place with different POVs that I can’t classically outline it (using 3 act story structure)).

Thank you for the videos on writing. It’s going to be the only thing keeping me sane this (and next) month.

[madelyn]

I say this to everyone all the time: You've taught me everything I know about story and writing!

[ILeftMyNewTorchInNarnia]

As a wanna-be-author. Let me say, YOU ARE AN ANGEL. This is literally a life/career-saving video. Thanks for existing<3

[zenebornman]

Ahhh I needed this so much!! Thank you Abbie!!! ❤❤❤
I'm also homeschooled. Since I was eleven I started writing and ever since I found you my passion for writing turned into way more! I'm 16 now and you have always been the hugest inspiration! Love you to bits and all your books!!! 💖

[cannibal_redneck]

Been chipping away at the novel of my dreams for 2 years now and decided I needed to take a step back and look at the big picture. This video helped alot!

[katies]

Omg. No joke, your chapter-by-chapter outline method with the notecards just got me unstuck on my novel. By copying my messy bullet notes into the notes bar and just sorting into chapters, it made me realize I have most of it there written down already, I just needed to see it spread out like this. It seems so simple and basic, but everything is so much clearer now. Thank you!!

[JacobKelly-dgfb]

Thanks Abbie. I was lost halfway while writing my novel after 50 thousand words, I felt like nothing is working and I started writing my first chapter over and over again for 40 days and then I saw your video. Believe me when you said keep swimming even if everything felt like crap it helped me breaking the loop. Listening to you I added a new chapter after 40 days. Thanks and love from India

[glitchgoblin]

I've watched a handful of your videos over the past week and you've been 1000x more helpful than any of the books I've read on writing, and that includes some written by rather notable best selling authors. Thanks so much.

[shane]

Yess!
Just got into a stupid argument on youtube with someone and got called a LOT of names, trust me. Your video gave me a sense of calm and positive thoughts. I always tune into your podcast when I want to calm myself down. Thanks a lot, Abbie. And Kate, thank you too!

[TheChristianFangirl]

Hi Abbie! I haven't yet watched the vid but I feel like this needs to be said.

*Stands up and slowly claps*

Well done. And thank you.

If you're confused, I have literally just (like 4 seconds ago) finished reading 100 days of sunlight. I am blown away with your amazing story, as well as inspiration for my own books! I'll admit I had a bit of a negative view on the whole switching pov every chapter, but you proved me wrong and showed me this was _extactly_ what my story needs. (My current WIP book is a bit similar in plot, but it's set in a fairy world, focuses on death/loss, and the roles are reversed) Amazingly, I didn't get bored during the middle as I do with most contemporary books I read. Also, a romance that isn't cheesy/insta love?! *(dramatically falls on bed)* It's perfect.

I so very rarely read contemporary, and this was a great genre change for me. Now I want to read more lol. *(glances at the Christmas book)* Oh yeah, I'm coming for you next.

Thank you so much Abbie! 💕 ❤

Also the cover makes so much more sense now. I love it!

[zhanso]

Abbie, you are the best teacher when it comes to teach people how to write. Thank you so much. I've learnt a lot from you and still. Really thank you 🌹🌹🌹

[pallaviroy]

Thanks Abbie. I was lost halfway while writing my novel after 50 thousand words, I felt like nothing is working and I started writing my first chapter over and over again for 40 days and then I saw your video. Believe me when you said keep swimming even if everything felt like crap it helped me breaking the loop. Listening to you I added a new chapter after 40 days. Thanks and love from India

[EvilGrapefruit]

Scrivener is great for doing essays with strict word counts too! Makes it much easier to face writing when each section of the essay is separate and you can move it about