How to Outline a Novel

Every hour spent outlining prior to starting a novel saves you many hours in the actual writing process. There is no single way to outline, but options include a text document, a spreadsheet, mind maps, scrivener or other software. James Paterson outlines his books and uses the process to complicate his plots and come up with twists that surprise readers. Jeffrey Deaver creates a length of the outline for his thrillers.