No Right or Wrong Entry Point
First of all, deciding to write a novel is a fantastic idea. Same goes for planning a novel. While it can be challenging at times, it also brings much joy – especially if you approach it without pressure. Sure, some people thrive under pressure, but for many, it’s the number one creativity killer. Regardless of your working style, this guide will walk you through a clear, beginner-friendly process – especially if you’ve never dipped a toe into novel planning or writing before.
Generally speaking, there is no single »correct« way to begin your writing journey. Every writer works differently, everyone got their preferred style in writing. This all starts with the difference between Plotters and Pantsers.
Now, before you leave, even if you count yourself as a Pantser, you may still gain some inspiration from this article, so please keep reading.
Let me just reiterate that there is no right or wrong way. In other words, it doesn’t matter which of the following points you start with. Without spoiling too much, there are writers that start with an interesting character and build the story around that while others found a nice setting that got them on fire. Many writers even mix the direction they are going from novel to novel – that’s true creativity.
Without further ado, let’s dive into our guide to plan a novel in 2025.
Step 1: Start with an Idea
Of course, every novel starts with an idea. That particular idea may sound simple, maybe even too simple, but at first it’s just a starting point. In fact, often times writers aren’t settled on the exact genre when they got their initial idea. That is, because ideas need to grow. And when they do, writers are often surprised about the direction in which the idea is developing – as weird as that may sound!
In other words, there is nothing wrong if that happens. It happens to a lot of fellow writers and is part of the creative process.
The only trap? Letting your idea shift too often. At some point, you’ll need to commit to a version that works for you
Step 2: Choose a Genre
As we’ve just discussed, at some point in time you need to decide which genre your novel should serve. Our tip? Focus on one of the main, the parent genres. Like Romance, Thriller, Mystery, Syfy… Because again, going too deep can lead to major uncertainties and concerns. Imagine you settled onto Romantic comedy – as a subgenre. Especially as a beginner you may constantly ask yourself whether you hit the right level of comedy. Is it enough? Or already too much? It’s just so easy to get stuck with these kind of questions.
Step 3: Develop awesome Characters
Among the most important things your novel needs – independently from the genre you chose, are it’s characters. There is so much to get right here. Especially in terms of your main cast, you need to nail it. It’s not about getting one or two characters right.
Yes, you can put less effort into unimportant characters. But make sure to make your 3-5 main characters als believable and distinct as possible.
Plus: Don’t make them all too similar. A great ensemble works best when each person brings something unique to the table: different skills, flaws, perspectives. They don’t even need to know each other, but they should all matter to the story.
Need a deeper dive into creating memorable characters?
Step 4: Define your Setting
How deeply your locations need to be designed, depends on your story. Think of it like this: If you are writing a Thriller where most of the book happens in a court, then this court should be described as detailed as possible because it adds to the story. This doesn’t mean that you can abandon the lawyers office – assuming the lawyer is your protagonist. Use the lawyers office to tell your readers more about him, without telling them directly. Valuable insights like:
Is he or she happy with Nespresso machine or do they insist on Starbucks? Do they have a couch in their office? This could be a hint in terms of over hours. Do they take a nap in the office in between working sessions? Are they having pictures of their family on their desk? These kind of things.
At least equally important to craft a believable story: How far are your novels Locations apart from each other? Are those distances manageable by a quick walk? Do they need a cab or subway (And don’t forget to question whether your lawyer even uses the subway?)
Need help mapping out your locations? Untold Novel does exactly that using a real map – and much more.
Step 5: Plan Scenes
Scenes are the building blocks of your novel. Some writers keep them short (2-4 pages), others write longer ones (20-40 pages). What matters is making each scene purposeful.
Think about it: Tension and pacing, how the weather supports the mood, emotional shifts or turning points.
And what about cliffhangers? Some authors use them rarely, others rely on them to create page-turners. It’s up to your style.
Step 6: Use a Timeline
Timelines can be a powerful tool for plotting. One way to use them? Track events outside your novel – backstory, character milestones or world-building events that influence the plot.
Timelines help you stay consistent and spot holes in the logic of your novel.
Bonus Tools for Writers
Finally, we won’t let you go without providing you with two bonus tips that will help you reach your goals.
Pomodoro Focus
Struggling to stay focused during your novel writing or planning? A pomodoro timer can help with that by keeping your sprint manageable – usually in 25 minute increments – followed by short breaks. Pomodoro is a common technique among writers.
Now to the best part: We are readying a pomodoro timer feature for the next update of Untold Novel for iOS and iPadOS so you won’t even need another app for that in the future!
Widgets
Widgets allow us to glance at important stats at the right moment. With Untold Novel already leveraging chart data for your scene tension, scene rating and word count, the next update will bring stats to widgets as well. Why is that important, you ask? Well, simply because it provides you with a productivity and motivation boost each time you come across your widget. Think of it like »Well, only 200 words left for today’s goal. I’ll get it done.« or »My deadline is nearing. Let’s do it«.
Don’t you already feel the urge to keep writing your novel?
Ready to Start Planning?
Whether you’re a plotter, pantser or somewhere in between, novel planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use the steps above to guide your journey and let the creativity flow.
Want to plan smarter: Check out Untold Novel for iOS and iPadOS on the AppStore – a one-time purchase without any subscriptions.
Stay inspired and happy plotting!
