First, stick to your outline but allow for some flexibility. Let your creativity flow within the framework. Second, focus on developing interesting characters and a compelling plot. Make sure each scene moves the story forward.
Maybe you should do more research on the topics related to your novel. If it's a historical novel, dig deeper into the history. This extra knowledge can make it easier to write. Also, break the writing process into smaller parts. Instead of aiming to write a whole chapter, focus on writing a few paragraphs at a time. And talk to other writers. They might have faced the same problem and can give you some useful advice.
One possible solution is to take a break. Sometimes, stepping away from the outline for a while can clear your mind. You might come back with fresh ideas and renewed energy. Another tip is to start writing small snippets or scenes that you're excited about, rather than trying to follow the outline strictly from the beginning. It can help you get into the flow of writing.
First, decide on the setting. It could be a modern - day hospital where the character is recovering from an illness and can't take care of themselves. Then, create a relatable character. For example, a young athlete who has had a career - ending injury. Next, describe their struggles in detail, like how they can't tie their shoes or cook for themselves. Don't forget to add some emotional depth, such as their frustration or sadness about the situation.
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.
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.