Read time: 5 minutes
Expanding a basic outline into a detailed plan for your story can feel like a daunting task. But it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the writing process.
With a little guidance and the right tools, you can transform your initial scene briefs into a rich, actionable outline that sets the stage for compelling prose and productive writing session.
In today’s post, we’ll explore how to take those foundational ideas and add depth, structure, and personality to them.
Whether you’re outlining for the first time or refining a story-in-progress, this process will help you create a roadmap that keeps your writing focused while leaving plenty of room for creativity.
Pull up a chair, maybe grab that cup of coffee, and let’s get to work.
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Start Where You Are: Every Idea Counts
If you’ve got even the tiniest spark of an idea, you’ve got more than enough to get started.
Maybe your scene brief looks like, “They argue at the coffee shop,” or it’s as vague as, “Something big happens.”
That’s okay—seriously.
This process isn’t about having all the answers upfront. It’s about exploring the possibilities and shaping the scene into something meaningful. And something you can use to write.
Your first step?
Focus on the essentials: What needs to happen here? What’s the purpose of this scene in your story? Is it about building tension, showing growth, or dropping a clue for later?
Think about the vibe, the stakes, and the emotions driving your characters forward.
Start small—you can always build from there.
Consider Letting AI Do Some Heavy Lifting
AI is like having a brainstorming buddy who never runs out of ideas.
It’s great at suggesting things—dialogue exchanges, setting descriptions, twists—but don’t let it take over.
Think of AI as a creative partner, not the creative driver. If it tosses you ideas you like, grab them! If something feels off, tweak it or scrap it entirely.
You’re the boss here.
Keep Your Notes Handy
Your notes are your lifeline when working with AI.
AI can be fantastic at organizing and condensing, but that also means it might gloss over the quirky, heartfelt, or specific details you love.
Keep a running document or notebook for those gems so they don’t get lost.
Consider:
- Use a “parking lot” for random thoughts to come back to later.
- Write down recurring themes, like character quirks or motifs, so they stay consistent.
- Jot down “must-haves” for each scene: an emotion, a key clue, or a witty exchange.
Think of it as your safety net for your best ideas.
Pace Yourself: Top to Bottom, or Hop Around?
When it comes to outlining, there’s no right or wrong way to move through your story.
If you like working chapter by chapter, go for it. If you prefer jumping to the big, dramatic moments first, do that!
Just remember to connect everything later.
Consider:
- If you’re stuck on one scene, but another is crystal clear, move to that scene.
- If a subplot idea pops up that needs fleshing out, run with it.
- If your brain says, “This is boring,” shift gears and come back later.
The key is to keep going, even if that means skipping around.
Layer in Those Extra Details
The magic of storytelling is in the details.
This is where you bring in your humor, your heart, and your unique perspective. Don’t just think about what happens in the scene—think about how it feels, smells, and sounds.
Is your character’s heart racing? Is there a dog barking in the background?
Consider:
- Use sensory details to immerse readers.
- Tie actions to character motivations: Why does this matter to them?
- Sprinkle in foreshadowing or hints for future revelations.
These little touches make your story come alive.
Layer in the Intrigue (Mystery, or Drama, or Humor, etc)
Subplots are the glue that hold your main story together.
Whether it’s a budding romance, a family mystery, or a hilarious misunderstanding, use subplots to add texture.
Drop hints, raise questions, and make readers (and your characters) curious.
Consider:
- Keep hints subtle. Let readers piece things together.
- Connect subplots to your protagonist’s journey for emotional payoff.
- Use them to balance pacing: a lighter moment can follow a tense scene.
The more interconnected your subplots feel with the main story, the richer your world becomes.
👩🏾💻 You’ll see me work through these steps using AI in the Demonstration video on Substack. HERE.
Closing Thoughts
Your story is your own, and the way you shape it—one scene, one chapter at a time—is what makes it special.
As you expand your outlines and explore the details, let your creativity lead the way. Keep your audience and genre in mind, but always leave room for your unique voice to shine through.
And remember, this process is flexible. It’s okay to adjust, revise, and discover new ideas along the way.
I’m here for you. If you have questions, hit a challenge, or just want to share a breakthrough, let’s talk about it in the comments.
You’ve got this—happy writing!