Write Your Novel: A Project Timeline for Fiction Writers

From first idea to final draft

Writing a novel can feel overwhelming. Breaking it into manageable steps makes it easier. This project timeline will help you stay organized.

Brainstorm and Develop Ideas (1–2 Weeks)

Jot down all your ideas. Don’t worry about structure. Think about the story’s genre, setting, and main characters. Ask questions like: What’s the central conflict? Who’s the protagonist? What’s the world like?

Writing a mystery, brainstorm the crime, the suspects, and the detective’s backstory. For a fantasy novel, sketch out the magical system and the kingdom’s history.

Tip: Keep a notebook or document for ideas. Inspiration can strike any time.

Outline the Plot (2–3 Weeks)

Create a basic outline. Start with major plot points: the inciting incident, the midpoint, and the climax. Fill in the gaps with smaller scenes.

In a romance novel, the inciting incident might be the first meeting between love interests. The midpoint could be a big fight, and the climax a grand gesture to win back the other person.