outlining a mystery novel

The key elements often include a puzzling crime or mystery at the start. Then, there should be a set of interesting characters like the detective, suspects, and witnesses. The setting also matters, it can create an atmosphere for the mystery, like a spooky old house or a busy city street. And a series of clues that are gradually revealed to the reader as the story progresses.

Start with the mystery. Decide what the big question is that the story will answer, like who killed the rich businessman. Then, create your main character, the one who will solve the mystery.

Begin by deciding on the genre. If it's a romance, you'll outline different aspects compared to a science - fiction. For a romance, you might start with how the two main characters meet. In general, after genre, list out the major plot points. These are the big events that drive the story forward. For example, in a coming - of - age story, a major plot point could be the character's first day at a new school or a significant argument with a parent.

To start outlining a novel, first, you need to have a basic idea. It could be a character, a setting, or a situation. For example, if your idea is a character like a detective, you can then start thinking about the world this detective lives in, such as a big city full of mysteries. Next, consider the main plot. What kind of cases will the detective take on? Is it a serial killer case or something related to a valuable artifact theft? Then, think about the sub - plots that can add more depth to the story, like the detective's personal life problems or his relationships with other characters.

Yes, it is. Outlining helps organize your thoughts and plot, making the writing process smoother.

Scrivener is a great one. It has features like corkboard view where you can easily jot down and organize your plot points, characters, and settings in a visual way. It also allows for easy re - ordering of sections, which is very useful for novel outlining.

One important element is the plot. It's the sequence of events that drive the story. For example, in a mystery novel, the plot includes the crime, the investigation, and the revelation of the culprit. Another element is the characters. Their personalities, motives, and relationships are crucial. In a family - drama novel, the relationships between family members shape the story. Setting is also important. A historical novel needs an accurate and vividly described setting like a 19th - century London street.

One of the best methods is the 'Three-Act Structure'. First, in Act One, introduce the main characters and the setting, and present the inciting incident. Then, Act Two is all about the rising action, where the characters face challenges and conflicts. Finally, in Act Three, reach the climax and then resolve the story. This structure gives a clear framework for the novel.

Some of the best books for outlining a novel are those that focus on the fundamentals of story - telling. 'Story Engineering' by Larry Brooks is one such book. It breaks down the elements of a story like character, plot, and theme in a way that is very useful for outlining. 'Writing the Breakout Novel' by Donald Maass also has good insights. It can help you think about your novel's overall concept and how to structure it effectively. Additionally, 'The Anatomy of Story' by John Truby offers a comprehensive look at story elements, which can be applied to outlining a great novel.

One of the best tools for outlining a novel is Scrivener. It allows you to break your story into sections and scenes easily. You can move things around, add notes, and keep all your research in one place. It has a corkboard view which is great for visualizing the structure of your novel at a glance.