From Idea to Outline: How to Start Your Book When You’re Overwhelmed

You have a book idea. You’ve had it for a while. Maybe it came to you in a dream, during a conversation, or while journaling something raw and honest. You believe in it. You know it matters. But there it sits—in your head, or maybe in a few scribbled notes—while you stare at a blinking cursor, wondering where to start.

You’re not alone. One of the hardest parts of writing a book is starting it—especially when the idea feels big or meaningful. The good news? You don’t need to start with a perfect first line or a complete plan. You just need a way to move forward. Here’s how to go from idea to outline—even when you feel overwhelmed.

Step 1: Capture What You Know (Messy Is Okay)

Before you think about structure, just get the idea out of your head. Don’t worry about full sentences, flow, or what “counts.” Just write what you know right now.

Try brain-dumping the following:

• What is your book about (in one or two sentences)?

• Who are you writing it for?

• What do you want your reader to feel, learn, or understand by the end?

• What moments, stories, or lessons are begging to be included?

This raw collection becomes the foundation for everything else. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to exist.

Step 2: Identify Your Core Message or Theme

Ask yourself: If I could only say one thing with this book, what would it be?

Every book—fiction or nonfiction—has a message at its heart. It might be a truth, a question, or a theme. Maybe it’s about healing, resilience, reinvention, or joy. When you name that message, everything else starts to click into place. You now have a compass for what belongs in the book—and what doesn’t.

Step 3: Choose a Structure That Supports You

There’s no one right way to write a book. But choosing the right structure can take the pressure off and make the process more manageable.

Here are a few simple frameworks to consider:

For Nonfiction:

• Chronological – Great for memoir or testimony-based books. (What happened, in order.)

• Thematic – Each chapter explores a different aspect of a topic (common in self-help or devotionals).

• Problem/Solution – Start with a struggle your reader faces, then walk them through your solution step by step.

For Fiction:

• Three-Act Structure – Beginning (setup), middle (conflict), end (resolution).

• Character-Driven Arcs – Focus on internal transformation or relationships.

• Scene Skeletons – Brainstorm key scenes first, then figure out how to connect them.

Start with the structure that fits your idea and feels like something you can follow without panicking.

Step 4: Turn the Idea Into an Outline

Now that you know your core message and have a structure in mind, build a loose outline. This doesn’t have to be fancy.

Try this simple format:

Title or Working Title

Main Message or Goal

Audience: Who are you writing to?

Introduction: What problem or story are you opening with?

Chapters / Key Sections:

• Chapter 1: [Main idea or scene]

• Chapter 2: [Main idea or scene]

• Chapter 3: [Main idea or scene]

(… and so on)

You don’t need all the answers yet. But even having 3–5 chapter ideas gives you momentum.

Step 5: Set a Tiny Starting Goal

This is where many writers freeze. Even with an outline, they say: “I don’t know where to begin.”

The secret? Start small.

Set a ridiculously achievable goal like:

• “Write the first 150 words of chapter one.”

• “Describe my main character in a paragraph.”

• “Write the scene I keep picturing in my head.”

You don’t have to write in order. You don’t have to “open big.” You just have to begin. Once you start, you can build from there.

Bonus Tips for Battling Overwhelm

• Talk it out. If you’re stuck, try voice-noting your ideas or talking to someone about your book. Explaining it out loud often reveals more than you expect.

• Limit your writing window. Set a timer for 20 minutes and stop when it’s done. Small wins lead to bigger ones.

• Accept that your first draft won’t be perfect. That’s what editors are for.

• Give yourself permission to figure it out as you go. Your outline can change. Your story can evolve.

Remember: You Don’t Have to Write It Alone

Starting a book can feel like standing at the bottom of a mountain. But with the right tools—and the right mindset—you can take the first step. And if you need help along the way? That’s what I’m here for. Whether you need guidance, encouragement, or structure, I’d love to help you take your idea and turn it into something real.

Your story matters. Your message matters. Let’s get it written.