Some novelists can write an entire novel right off the top of their heads, but some prefer to start out with an outline. A good way to organize your novel is by using a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel. The following information on organize a novel is a starting point; you will adjust and modify this spreadsheet as you go along. A writer's ideas for a novel tend to come in waves, so update your spreadsheet regularly before you begin writing.
Instructions
1. Double click the name of the first worksheet at the bottom of your spreadsheet (usually pre-named as Sheet1). Type in "Synopsis and Characterization." In this worksheet you will write a short synopsis of what your novel is going to be about towards the top. Type in the name of the main character(s) and the name of the most important secondary characters in Column A. When you're writing a novel you tend to add characters as you go along, so it is not dire that you name every single character as you organize the novel. In Column B next to each name, give a short description of the character. In Column C estimate when the character should appear in the book.
2. Divide your novel up into sections. Again, change the worksheet names ("Sheet2" and on) to one- or two-word descriptions of what each section will be about. For example, you might want to start off with the main character's early life as a youngster in the novel; name that worksheet "Early Life." The next transition/section might be a flash forward to the main character's college years, so name it "College" and so on and so forth.
3. Start dividing your book up into chapters. You do not have to name the chapters or even add numbers; the point here is to write a list of what should happen in each section. You will eventually be able to organize the information into well-defined chapters. At the top of the sheet name Column A "Event," Column B "How This Ties Into the Plot," and Column C "Comments." Under the "Event" column, write a short description of the actions you want to happen in each section. In "How This Ties Into the Plot" note whether this event is a setup for something to happen in the future, meant to give the reader background information about the character, or a climax (high point of action) in the novel. The "Comments" column is for you to note any additional information that you don't want to forget about when writing each event. Repeat this for each section.
4. For the last section (might simply be named "The End") write a list of possible endings for the novel. Many authors will tell you that this is the most difficult part of writing a novel. Some authors suggest that you start with the end, and develop your book from there.
