If it's one thing i struggle with is writing an outline. My mind is filled with my story that sometimes I don't know how to get it all on paper/computer. Thankfully with the help of Google I was able to locate some steps on how to begin to get your thoughts in order, or at least mine.

• Write your title and name on the first page.
• Outline your table of contents on the next page. A table of contents is a good starting point for a book outline. You can see your book at a glance and in logical order.
• Write the chapter name followed by 2 or 3 words that describe the content of that chapter; or, you can use the subheading for each chapter if you are writing non-fiction.
• Outline your introduction in point form on a new page. Include your subject or book hook. A hook is a line that gets readers reading and keeps them reading more.
• Include the purpose of your book. Everything you write should come back to this statement.
• Write a short outline for each chapter of your book. Include a main statement from the chapter, followed by points covering major events or areas of the chapter. End the chapter outline with a concluding sentence.
• Include a conclusion at the end of your book outline. You want to tie up all loose ends if it is fiction. Make sure all your chapters lead to this conclusion. Step8Write an outline for your resources and index if you are writing nonfiction. You don't need to go into depth, just treat it like your table of contents. Make a list of headings and subheadings.

I sure hope this helped and hope to see your novel, essay, short-story, etc. published.