The Writer ' sStory BibleTemplate

A H A N D Y G U I D E F O R T U R N I N GY O U R I D E A S I N T O A F I R S T D R A F T

F R O M T H E N O V E L S M I T H Y R E S O U R C E L I B R A R Y

L I K E W H A T Y O U S E E ? F I N D M O R EA T T H E N O V E L S M I T H Y . C O M

When it comes to writing a novel, having a plan is the name of the game.

This plan will be there to support you through every stage of the writing process, fromovercoming writer's block while finishing your first draft, to helping you organize yourthoughts as you edit your second and third.

Fortunately, creating this plan doesn't have to be difficult!

Over the next few pages, I'll walk you through a series of simple prompts to help youget a grip on the many elements of your novel, all culminating in a handy story bibleyou can reference whenever you need a refresher on your story.

Then, if you would like to take your new outlining skills one step further, you can findeven more tips, tricks, and advice in The Ten Day Outline.

I hope you'll check it out! 😄

— Lewis Jorstad

The Writer's StoryBible Template

Story bibles go by many names, but they're actually quite simple—this is a documentused to keep track of the most important details in your novel. So, to help jog yourmemory as you write and edit your manuscript, let's create a story bible of your own!

Creating Your Story Bible

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Next, think about your protagonist. How will they change—or change the world aroundthem—throughout your story? Summarize this change in a short paragraph.

What inner journey will your protagonist go on?

Your novel's core conflict will be the primary challenge or struggle your characters facethroughout your novel. So, describe it in a few sentences below.

What is the core conflict of your story?

(Want to learn more? Check out: Character Arcs 101: Positive and Negative Arcs)

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Describe your protagonist's background and appearance.

What type of titles are popular in your genre?What important items, events, or characters feature in your novel?Do you want a plot-focused, character-focused, or world-focused title?What unique element of your story can you highlight in your title?

While you may already have a title in mind, you might also be at a loss for what to callyour novel. So, to give you a head start, think about these questions:

Once you've considered these questions, brainstorm a few potential titles below.

What ideas do you have for your novel's title?

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(Want to learn more? Check out: 5 Ways to Title Your Novel)

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(Want to learn more? Check out: 4 Ways to Choose the Right POV for Your Novel)

What is your story's point of view?

First Person: In a positive arc, your hero starts with a deep inner struggle, which theylearn to overcome and grow past throughout the course of your story.

First Person Peripheral: In a negative arc, your hero starts with a deep innerstruggle, but rather than move past it, it eventually consumes them by the end of

Third Person Limited: In a flat arc, your hero already knows an important truth,meaning their quest is about spreading that truth to the world around them.

Third Person Omniscient: In a flat arc, your hero already knows an important truth,meaning their quest is about spreading that truth to the world around them.

What is your story's tense?

Past Tense: In a positive arc, your hero starts with a deep inner struggle, which theylearn to overcome and grow past throughout the course of your story.

Present Tense: In a negative arc, your hero starts with a deep inner struggle, butrather than move past it, it eventually consumes them by the end of your story.

Review your list of potential titles, and then pick your favorite!

Based on your list, what is your novel's new working title?

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As you go, make sure to include their name, as well as 2-4 key details about them.

List any important secondary characters from your novel.

Just like you did above, give each location a short name or title and then describe it in afew sentences, paying special attention to its role in your story.

Describe the major settings in your novel.

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If your story includes a lot of in-depth worldbuilding and unique cultures, try to focuson just three or four of the groups that play the largest role in your plot.

Describe any groups or cultures that feature in your story.

Depending on your genre, your novel might not feature a lot of crazy magical abilities,in which case you'll want to focus on the technology that shapes your story.

What technology or magical systems will appear in your novel?

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Finally, wrap things up by summarizing the plot of your novel. As you go, pay specialattention to your novel's conflict, as well as the key turning points that define your plot!

Summarize your novel's plot in one or two paragraphs.

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(Want to learn more? Check out: Why You Should Write a Skeleton Draft)

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Step 5: What Comes Next

Check It Out!

Finally, your story bible is complete—but, what comes next?

Well, if you'd like to take your outlining process even further, consider checking out thebook this template was based on: The Ten Day Outline. This book will guide you througha simple, ten-day outlining process, taking you from initial idea to completed story—meaning by the end, you'll be ready to dive into your first draft with confidence! 😄

Before beginning any journey, you needa plan—writing a novel is no different.

Through a simple ten-day challenge, The Ten Day

Outline will guide you as you create an outline builtto support every step of your writing journey!

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