So, you’ve got a novel idea. Maybe it’s the idea—the one that’s going to blow readers’ minds, launch a franchise, and possibly get you a Netflix deal. You crack open a fresh notebook (or a shiny new Notion page) and start planning. Characters? Check. Worldbuilding? Check. A vague idea of the ending? Sort of check.
And then… weeks pass.
Suddenly, you realize you’ve spent more time making aesthetic Pinterest boards than actually writing. Your novel is still a collection of notes and vibes instead of an actual draft. You, my friend, are stuck in the Planning But Not Doing Phase.
I know this phase well. I’ve lived in this phase. But after a lot of trial, error, and slightly unhinged Twitch planning sessions, I’ve figured out how to actually plan in a way that leads to finishing the damn book.
Step 1: Plan for Writing, Not Just for Fun
Let’s be real—planning is fun. Worldbuilding, character backstories, figuring out how your characters are going to suffer before they get their happily ever after? Chef’s kiss.
But here’s the problem: Planning can trick you into thinking you’re making progress when you’re really just procrastinating.
If you want to finish a novel, your planning needs to be focused on writing, not just collecting ideas. Ask yourself:
Step 2: The Three Levels of Novel Planning
There are three levels of planning that actually help you finish a book instead of just dreaming about it:
1. Big-Picture Planning (The “What Am I Even Writing?” Stage)
This is where you answer the big, essential questions about your novel:
- What’s the core premise? (One or two sentences—if it takes five paragraphs, you’re overthinking it.)
- Who’s the main character? (Give them a goal, a motivation, and a weakness.)
- How does it end? (It doesn’t have to be perfect, but you need a general idea.)
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re lost, try writing a fake back cover blurb. If it sounds exciting, you’re on the right track.
2. Scene-Level Planning (The “Keeping It Loose” Stage)
This is where you figure out what happens, but not in soul-crushing detail.
- Write a rough outline with 5-10 major story beats. Think of it as your novel’s roadmap—you know where you’re going, but you can still take detours.
- If full outlines make you want to cry, try “tentpole” planning—just plot the big turning points and let the rest flow naturally.
- Use a planning tool that works for you. (iPad or tablet for digital layouts? Rocketbook for flexible handwritten notes? Scrivener’s corkboard? Whatever keeps you from staring at a blank page.)
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re a hardcore pantser, just plan the next three scenes ahead of where you are. That way, you don’t stall out but still have creative freedom.
3. Day-to-Day Planning (The “Actually Writing” Stage)
This is where most writers fall off the wagon (hi, it’s me).
- Set a writing schedule, even if it’s loose. (Are you a “500 words a day” writer? A “one chapter per week” writer? Decide in advance so you don’t drift.)
- Use a daily planner or to-do list to track your progress. (I use my Rocketbook for daily tracking and Zinnia for weekly/monthly planning.)
- Plan your writing sessions in advance. If you sit down with no idea where to start, you’ll end up scrolling TikTok instead.
📌 Pro Tip: End every writing session by leaving yourself a note about what happens next. That way, you don’t sit down the next day going, “Wait… what was I doing?”
Step 3: Plan for the Finish Line (Not Just the Beginning)
Starting a novel is easy. Finishing one? That takes strategy.
- Set a deadline. Even if it’s just a personal goal, having an endpoint keeps you motivated.
- Track your progress. Use a progress bar, a word count tracker, or stickers—whatever keeps you engaged.
- Accept that first drafts are messy. If you get stuck revising chapter one for six months, you’ll never finish. Keep moving forward.
📌 Pro Tip: Give yourself mini rewards for hitting milestones. (Finished 10,000 words? Treat yourself. Reached the midpoint? Celebrate. Finished the whole draft? You’re a legend.)
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Planning isn’t the enemy—but if you’re spending more time making mood boards than writing scenes, it might be time to switch things up.
- Plan just enough to get started.
- Keep your planning focused on writing.
- Make a system that works for YOU.
And if you ever need motivation, I’ll be over on Twitch, wrangling my own writing chaos in real time. 😆
