I started outlining my next novel today...

I will be using the Nine Act Structure. 

In the Nine Act structure, the story is divided into nine acts, each with its own purpose and focus. These acts are:

1. Act 1: Introduction - This act introduces the main characters, setting, and conflict of the story. It sets the stage for the events to come.

2. Act 2: Rising Action - This act builds upon the introduction and develops the conflict further. It introduces obstacles and complications that the characters must overcome.

3. Act 3: Midpoint - This act marks the halfway point of the story and often contains a major turning point or revelation. It can change the direction of the plot or reveal new information.

4. Act 4: Rising Action - This act continues to build upon the conflict and raises the stakes for the characters. It introduces new challenges and obstacles.

5. Act 5: Climax - This act is the highest point of tension and conflict in the story. It is the moment of greatest intensity and often leads to a resolution or change in the story.

6. Act 6: Falling Action - This act follows the climax and begins to resolve the conflict. It ties up loose ends and starts to bring the story towards its conclusion.

7. Act 7: Resolution - This act brings the story to a close and provides a resolution for the main conflict. It ties up any remaining loose ends and provides closure for the characters and the reader.

8. Act 8: Epilogue - This act is optional and provides a glimpse into the future of the characters or the world of the story. It can offer additional closure or leave room for interpretation.

9. Act 9: Aftermath - This act reflects on the events of the story and explores the consequences and aftermath of the conflict. It allows the reader to reflect on the story and its impact.

The Nine Act structure provides a clear roadmap for writers to follow, ensuring that their story is well-paced and engaging. It helps to create a sense of progression and development, keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end. Wish me luck!!

Tuesday Tips: Flexibility

When it comes to writing tips, I am more a consumer than a provider. One thing I encourage in writers that want to actually finish a story, without getting wrapped around the axel, is to outline the hell out of it first. 

So I outline very heavy before I get started.

Every now and then a character is so good that you want to divert from your original outline to include more of the character(s).

I am hitting this now in my next novel, The Sec Chief.

In my writing, I like to have fully developed secondary and even tertiary characters that create a thread to connect to the next novel. In the current project, a character that will become the main character in my NEXT project appears briefly in this book. 

Her role has grown a bit. I allowed it. The outline has been modified downstream to account for the boulder that just dropped in the river.

The lesson is: Be flexible, as long as it makes the story better. 

--Just don't be a dog chasing butterflies...

Outlines

Part of my process is a detailed outline. As I write I am not completely tied to my outline but it give me the general direction I am going.

I use the writing tool Scrivener. It makes outlining easy. It uses 3x5 cards on a cork board as a method. It allows you to label chapters and provide a small description of the chapter or scene.

The Internet has a lot of examples of Plot Diagrams as well. These can be handy for doing a one page start to even give you a start on your outline.

As always, just do it. Make it a habit. Two hours a day and you will get  a lot done. But don't get stuck at the outlining step. Limit yourself by setting your own deadlines.

--Have fun with it...