7 Point Plot System

In case you haven't seen these yet, Dan Wells, author of "I Am Not a Serial Killer," has a great Youtube series on his 7 Point Plot System. If you're planning your NaNoWriMo novel now, or if you've pantsed a novel and need to refine the structure, this series can help a lot.

Wells reminds us that this plot system is only a skeleton, and that we also need the following to flesh it out: round characters, rich environments, try/fail cycles, and subplots. Some books start with an "Ice Monster Prologue," which is discussed in Part 4 of the series.

I'll summarize Wells' points here, and then link to all five videos below. Here is his seven point plot system:

1. Hook--Or story idea. Under #7, Resolution, it's mentioned that if we know our story ending ahead of time we can then work backward to determine our opening. 
2. Plot Turn 1--This can be described as the call to adventure, or the first doorway of no return. This plot turn introduces conflict, and changes our character's world.
3. Pinch 1--A pinch is designed to apply pressure to our character. It forces the character to act, and sometimes introduces the villain.
4. Mid Point--This is when our character moves from reaction to action.
5. Pinch 2--Applies more pressure, and makes our character's situation seem even worse. Their plans fail, and everything goes wrong. At this point, it seems the bad guys have won.
6. Plot Turn 2--This carries our story from the mid point to the end. Wells calls this a "The Power is in You!" moment, or "grasping victory from the jaws of defeat." Our character gets the last piece they need to solve their problem.
7. Resolution--This is how our story will end, and everything leads to this moment. Once we know our resolution, we can then start our story in the opposite state. This defines our character arc.

It's cool how Wells applies the same structure to fantasy, romance, tragedy, and horror.

Do you recognize these plot points in your own work, or in your favorite books or movies? Does this help you define what should happen, and when? Do you have any plotting tips you'd like to share?

Dan Wells on Story Structure, Part 1

Dan Wells on Story Structure, Part 2

Dan Wells on Story Structure, Part 3

Dan Wells on Story Structure, Part 4

Dan Wells on Story Structure, Part 5

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Strong Foundations

Foundation: A body or ground on which other parts rest or are overlaid

Whether we're building a home or a novel, if we stack upon a weak foundation, the product will suffer. What makes a strong story foundation? Here's what I've learned:

• Start with a three act structure
• Create strong characters who readers will care about
• Envision a setting that is rich with sensory details
• In the early stages of Act 1, preferably on the first page, the main character should experience a disturbance to their regular life
• The transition from Act 1 to Act 2 happens when the MC is thrust into the middle of the story
• The middle of the story, Act 2, is a series of complications for the MC (I like to create a "make 'em suffer" list for this section)
• The transition from Act 2 to Act 3 happens when the MC reaches a point of no return
• Act 3 is the climax and denouement (add a twist!)
• Revise your story until it's so awesomely amazing that readers will line up around the block to demand a sequel. Well, this one probably doesn't belong, but I like the sound of it.

I realize this is an overly simplified list. What tips can you share for creating a strong story foundation?

photo credit: google images