outline your novel or write a novel or jumpstart your plot

Copyright © Story & Craft 2015 • All Rights Reserved 1

The storytelling blueprint Summary of the plot formula used in bestselling novels

Section 1: The Big Picture …………..……… 3

Section 2: Story Starts with Heart ………… 4

Section 3: Jumpstart Your Plot ..…………. 10

Section 4: Jumpstart Your Plot ..…………. 18

This illustrative e-book was created to show you the building blocks of storytelling found in bestselling novels (and blockbuster films).

Soon enough, you’ll notice these building blocks in every story, use it to focus your creativity and outline your plot.

2Copyright © Story & Craft 2015 • All Rights Reserved

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Welcome & table of contents

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1% 2% 24%

a.k.a.

Caution

Midpoint1st Pinch

a.k.a. a.k.a.

26% 37% 50% 74%63% 75% 76% End

section 1: The Big picture

Hook

a.k.a.

2nd Pinch

a.k.a.

a.k.a.

Attack

2nd Plot Point

a.k.a.

Climax

a.k.a.

a.k.a.

Resolution

1st Plot Point

a.k.a.

a.k.a.

Setup

The Big Picture summarizes the plot formula of bestsellers including when each component typically occurs.

When you grasp The Big Picture, you’ll be able to use it in your work in progress and create a plot that moves readers.

a.k.a.

Setup

Part 2

reactivitya.k.a.

Cautiona.k.a.

Attacka.k.a.

Resolution

Part 1

status quo

face time

a.k.a. 1st Pinch

face time 2.0illumination

a.k.a. 2nd Pinch

a.k.a. Climax

a.k.a. Midpoint

seize face time apex

a.k.a. Hook

story goal launch a.k.a. 1st Plot Point


25%


90%

story goal enlightenment

a.k.a. 2nd Plot Point

Part 3

proactivityPart 4

Lucidity


section 2: story starts With heart

But before we drill down on The Big Picture, let’s check out the basics rooted in every Story.




story heart: Concept and Premise unite here to create your story’s purpose.

i.e. Concept = Story ideas Premise = Focused plotline





SETTING: Backdrop of your story.

i.e. Backdrop = Geography, time, weather, mood, culture, etc. story heart:

Concept and Premise unite here to create your story’s purpose.









i.e. Backdrop = Geography, time, weather, mood, culture, etc.

Protagonist: Lead character with a

Story Goal.

i.e. Goal = Defeat, save, survive, discover,

capture, etc.






i.e. Concept = Story ideas Premise = Focused plotlineantagonist:

Force opposing your Protagonist’s Goal.

i.e. Force = Villain (Wicked Witch), inner conflict (Mr. Hyde), exterior conflict (tornado), etc.




Story Goal.


capture, etc.






i.e. Concept = Story ideas Premise = Focused plotlineantagonist:

Force opposing your Protagonist’s Goal.

i.e. Force = Villain (Wicked Witch), inner conflict (Mr. Hyde), exterior conflict (tornado), etc.

stakes: Reason your

Protagonist has a Goal.

i.e. Reason = Life or death, freedom or imprisonment,

love or loneliness, etc.




Story Goal.


capture, etc.





section 3: Jumpstart your plot

Now that you’ve seen what’s connected at every Story Heart, we’ll explore the first set of building blocks in a plotline.

Note: The percentage markers shown in Sections 3 & 4 have flexibility, however, they generally occur at the percentages displayed.



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Beginning 25%




Part 1

status quo a.k.a. Setup:

• Establishes Setting, Characters & Stakes

• Ramps up scenes toward Protagonist’s Story Goal Launch which drives plotline


26% 50%

Part 2

reactivity a.k.a. Caution:

• Protagonist responds to the launched Story Goal

• Protagonist reacts, seeks help, regroups, learns & processes new info, etc




Part 1




Beginning 25%


51% 75%

Part 3

proactivity a.k.a. Attack:

• Protagonist charges forward to solve the Story Goal

• Protagonist progresses while still gaining the skill set vital to complete Story Goal




Part 2




26% 50%

Part 1




Beginning 25%


26% 50%Beginning 25%

Part 4

lucidity a.k.a. Resolution:

• Protagonist emerges as hero & concludes Story Goal using acquired courage, brilliance, maturity, creativity, etc

Part 3







Part 2




51% 75% 76% End

Part 1





seize a.k.a. Hook:

• Captures attention with an intriguing question • Creates curiosity, surprise, urgency, conflict, emotion, etc

1% 2% 25%

Part 4



Part 3







Part 2




51% 75%

Part 1




26% 50% 76% End


Part 1




story Goal Launch a.k.a 1st Plot Point: • Initiates an unmistakable, external mission when Protagonist’s Status Quo is forever disrupted at the end of Part 1, forcing Protagonist to enter Part 2’s Reactivity • Story Goal will regulate the flow of scenes, conflict & plotline throughout Parts 2, 3 & 4

25%

Part 4



Part 3







Part 2




51% 75%

seize a.k.a. Hook:


26% 50%1% 2% 24% 76% End


2% 24% 26% 50% 51% 75%1%

internal goal kickoff a.k.a Character Arc: • Begins a psychological growth curve that parallels Protagonist’s Story Goal, serving as a subplot • Internal Goal unfolds Protagonist’s emotional maturation throughout Parts 2, 3 & 4

25%

story Goal Launch a.k.a 1st Plot Point: • Initiates an unmistakable, external mission when Protagonist’s Status Quo is forever disrupted at the end of Part 1, forcing Protagonist to enter Part 2’s Reactivity • Story Goal will regulate the flow of scenes, conflict & plotline throughout Parts 2, 3 & 4

Part 4



Part 3




Part 1






seize a.k.a. Hook:



Part 2




76% End


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outline your novel or write a novel or jumpstart your plot

Education

story heart

copyright story craft

story ideas premise

story goal launch

story goal enlightenment

plot point

end section

plot formula of bestsellers