Scene Outlining

Purpose

Create a detailed scene-by-scene outline for a chapter before any prose is written. Every scene must justify its existence by advancing plot, revealing character, or both.

Workflow

1. Read existing materials -- Read the plot outline, relevant character sheets, style guide, and any previous chapter outlines
2. Identify the chapter's job -- From the plot outline, what must this chapter accomplish?
3. Break into scenes following the structure below
4. Verify continuity -- Check against previous chapters for consistency
5. Write to file at books/<book-title>/chapters/chNN/outline.md
6. Review with user

Scene Outline Structure

# Chapter [N] Scene Outline: [WORKING TITLE]

## Chapter Purpose

- **Plot function**: What plot beat does this chapter deliver?
- **Character function**: What character development happens?
- **Reader experience**: What should the reader feel at the end of this chapter?

## Entering State

- Where are we physically?
- What just happened in the previous chapter?
- What is the POV character's emotional state entering?
- What does the reader know vs. what does the character know?

---

## Scene 1: [SCENE TITLE]

- **POV**: [character name]
- **Location**: [specific place]
- **Time**: [when, relative to previous scene]
- **Goal**: What does the POV character want in this scene?
- **Obstacle**: What prevents them from getting it?
- **Outcome**: (success / failure / complication / twist)
- **Emotional Beat**: What does the character feel at the end?
- **Information Revealed**: What does the reader learn?
- **Sensory Focus**: Which senses to emphasize?
- **Key Dialogue Moment**: The most important exchange (summarized)
- **Transition to Next Scene**: How do we move forward?

## Scene 2: [SCENE TITLE]

(same structure)

---

## Exiting State

- Where are we physically?
- What has changed since the chapter began?
- POV character's emotional state leaving?
- What question is the reader asking? (chapter hook)

## Continuity Notes

- Items/details that must be tracked going forward
- Promises planted in this chapter
- Character knowledge changes