Writing a novel is tough work, but an outline can help you stay focused. Before getting flustered with dialogue and plot, it’s important to create a basic roadmap for the story. I don’t have all the pieces figure out for my new novel “Night Place” but I spent most of the week coming up with the following outline of what I want to accomplish with each chapter. Here is the only way you should ever outline a novel. (Spoiler alerts galore!)

See the exciting conclusion after the jump.

Now I have a clear idea of where my story is going.

Homework Assignment: Write two complete novels using a similar outline format. The first should be about a girl named Lisa who is of average strength. The second should be a word-for-word reprint of The Catcher in the Rye but printed in a hilarious font. Due tomorrow.