So you want to become an author – part 4

PLOT FORMULA

There are many different ways of putting a plot together for a novel. Having a formula can give you a framework and helps with the planning of your work. Not everyone does this in a systemised approach but I have found using formulas invaluable. What is interesting is that different ones seem to work with different stories.

There are some gtreat examples of formulas already out there. Some of the best ones are :-

The Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson

Dan Well’s 7 point structure

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Nigel Watt’s eight point ARC

Lester Dent’s plot formula.

I have tweaked a couple of versions for my own use and these are what I have come up with :-

Formula

1. Murder or major incident
2. set tone, mood and style and snapshot of hero
3. hero and their world
4. hero in trouble/conflict
5. theme, story purpose
6. hint at mystery, menace or problem
7. apply pressure, something goes wrong
8. hero forced into action
9. introduce all villains
10. plot twist
11. hero forced into action
12. move from one state to another
13. hero questions their ability
14. break from main story
15. movie trailer moment – key point
16. hero reaches false peak
17. more pressure applied
18. plan fails
19. jaws of defeat
20. plot twist
21. hero buried in problem
22. hero makes some headway
23. dynamic changes, stakes raised
24. bad guys regroup
25. hero feels beaten
26. internal story provides solution to main story
27. hero takes control
28. final plot twist
29. triumph
30. proof of change

I also like this example of plot development :-

1. Start with a tagline

2. 1 or 2 sentence summary of the story

3. What does the hero have to lose and what do they want to win?

4. Do the back cover blurb

5. Complete a full blurb

6. Name 3 major disasters

7. Describe 3 red herrings

8. Summarise features of the main characters such as their name, age, description, history, and a little bit about who they are.

9. Develop this into a one sentence storyline about what motivates them, what they want and what is preventing them getting it, and what they eventually learn.

10. Write a full page from each of the main chaaracters point of view.

11. Decide on the ending.

12. Do a synopsis of the book

13. Break that down into a synopsis of each chapter.

With a lot of the plot formulas, there are many similarities. Sometimes, it feels right to develop your own. Hopefully you will find one to suit your needs.