A Great Book Starts with a Great Plot
Starting the process of writing a book is no easy task, and the key to a successful book lies in a good plot or outline. In fact, an outline is a roadmap that guides you through the writing process, and it's essential to its success. An outline is a snapshot of what the story is all about, and it's what will keep the book on track, make the writing process easier, and keep your enthusiasm high.
A good plot or outline can help in the following ways:
1. Provides structure
An outline provides structure to the book. Writing can often become overwhelming, and it's easy to get lost in the story. An outline breaks the story down into manageable chunks and ensures that each is given the right amount of time and space.
2. Helps in story development
A good plot or outline helps in the development of the story. Through outlining, the writer can identify the strengths and weaknesses of the story and ensure that the narrative is cohesive, sufficiently detailed, and well-paced. This ensures that the story is engaging and will hold the reader's attention throughout.
3. Saves time
An outline saves time in the long run.Many writers fall into the trap of writing with no end in sight, which can lead to rewrites, excessive editing, and ultimately, frustration. An outline eliminates the need to rework unnecessary scenes, and instead streamlines the storytelling process, making it easier to identify the important elements of the book.
4. Provides direction
An outline provides direction for the story. Without an outline or plot, it's easy to lose focus and direction, and the story can lose its way. Writing is much like taking a long journey, and just like a map guides a traveler, an outline ensures that the writer knows where the story is headed, which characters are important, and what plot points are crucial to the overall story.
5. Ensures consistency
An outline can help ensure consistency throughout the story. This consistency is crucial to the overall success of the book, and an outline can help the writer to identify where characters may have strayed from their personalities or plot points may have gone awry.