If you just started down the road writing a novel, then you’re reading this post at the right time.

If you’ve already written a first draft, it’s not too late but not quite as timely to get this tip.

I applaud the adventure you’re on and it is an adventure. It starts out simple enough. You have a great idea for a story, maybe half true but you’re certain it’s good because as you write it, there’s a smile on your face and you’re muttering, “this is good. This is really good.”

Hold that thought because for sure after the passage of some time, you’ll say the opposite. “This sucks.” All normal way points on the road you’re traveling. Just get on with it, you’ll be fine.

Regardless of how long and how many times you re-write the first and last chapters, eventually you will be done. Once done, the real adventure begins. Thats when you need to find out from other humans if your story makes any sense except in your own mind. But wait before you take that scary exciting step, you really need to know your book backwards and forwards.

I’ve often wished I could have a giant wall screen with each chapter as an icon. Well, that’s not going to happen any time soon, so then how to get a good grasp on the flow, POVs and just check if I say the same thing twice?

I’ve made you wait long enough. Here’s the tip. As you write chapters and scenes build a separate document with a Table of Contents. Each TOC Level 1 entry is for Chapters. Cut and paste into the Chapter heading in the TOC document, a few lines of text, usually the first 3 lines otherwise, just some lines that give the best hint of the chapter’s main focus. Make each Scene a TOC Level 2. Make Notes such as “this is a turning point for Protagonist”, Level 3.

This TOC document will build a summary of your book as you write (or right after you complete). The end result will be an abridged version which can be easily skimmed over and gaps or inconsistencies made obvious.

When drafting, editing and formatting are done and you receive a request for a full synopsis, you’ve got something ready to work with; no mad rush to get it done.

You’ll be more confident in your finished work, better able to describe what it’s about, able to craft an enticing query letter…the list of how this small effort will pay off goes on.

Leave a comment and let me know how this works for you. If you’ve got a tip to share, please do!

Until next time,

Write on!

Best, Clare.