Story Structure: 8 Essentials for Outlining Your Novel or Script

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to writing story, but having nowhere to start can be intimidating. Whether you're a panster or a plotter, novelist or screenwriter, these eight essential story points will help you define the heart of your story and build your conflict towards the most emotionally satisfying climax.

Each lesson will go over one of the eight essential story points, putting it into context within a three-act structure and giving you tips on how to utilize it for your unique story. You will also have the opportunity to see how these points have been used in successful stories of varying genres. Your class project will be an outline of your own story, using these eight points.

No story, however, is 100% plot-driven. Character must be taken into account as well! For the best results, pair this course with my other writing class,  Making A Hero: Protagonist Development for Film & Fiction.

• Class Overview
• Intro to Act I: The Setup
• Act I - Point #1: The Hook
• Act I - Point #2: Upsetting the Status Quo
• Act I - Point #3: Doorway of No Return
• Intro to Act II: Rising Conflict
• Act II - Point #4: The Initial Plan
• Act II - Point #5: Midpoint & Mirror Moment
• Act II - Point #6: All Hope is Lost
• Act III - Point #7: Transformation
• Act III - Point #8: Climax & Resolution
• Conclusion