You’ve made the decision to write a book, but then it hits you as you sit down to write and encounter the blank page: You have no clue what you’re doing.

How do you get from that first blank page to a finished novel? The answer is much simpler than you think. You do it by writing one word at a time.

Before you can get started with writing the first word though, you need a game plan. You need to outline.

There are several methods to choose from, including an outline like you used in school where you write down the main topics with points underneath each one. The Snowflake method and mindmapping are also pretty popular.

I’ve tried quite a few methods over the years, but my favorite is the tried-and-true summary, where I just write down everything I want to happen in the story. I like this method because it gives me a general idea of what I want to happen while allowing room for the story to develop.

Figuring out what works for you is really trial and error. As much as you might not like to hear it, I suggest outlining your book, whether you are doing fiction or nonfiction. At the very least, I recommend you write down where you want the story to start, the three major incidents in the book and where you want it to end.

An outline helps to get things percolating and for me makes things less intimidating when I look at that first blank page since I know where I want to start and I have a general idea of how to end it. It also serves as a way to get me back on track if I get off course.

Have you discovered ways to outline that work for you? If so, share them in the comments.