
How understanding this classic framework can change your storytelling.
While some readers revel in beautiful descriptions, others are drawn to witty dialogue or compelling characters. Surprisingly, for me, the allure lies in structure—the blueprint a writer uses to tell a story.
As a reader, I found myself captivated by the artful arrangement of events. Oddly enough, though, this appreciation didn’t immediately transfer to my own fiction writing. Even though I was mindful of the elements of plot and structure in my work as a journalist, it took years before I recognized how important structure would become to my own novels and storytelling.
I started, as most of us do, at the beginning, with the three-act structure. Here’s everything I learned.
What is the three-act story structure?
The three-act structure is a popular framework used in storytelling, particularly in creative writing, playwriting, novel writing, and Hollywood filmmaking. It divides a narrative into three distinct sections or acts, each serving a specific purpose in the overall story arc.
While the three-act structure is widely used in contemporary storytelling, its origins can be traced back to the ancient works of Aristotle, which were later popularized in the context of modern screenwriting by renowned screenwriter Syd Field.
Field’s approach simplified the principles laid out in Aristotle’s Poetics and offered a more accessible framework for contemporary storytellers. He introduced the idea that a screenplay should be divided into three acts: Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution. His work emphasized the importance of plot points or key events that drive the story forward at the junctions between acts.
The three-act structure offers a clear and effective way to engage audiences by introducing, developing, and resolving the conflicts that drive the story forward. In doing so, it has become a timeless tool for storytellers across various mediums.
How the three-act structure works
This is the basic framework of the three-act structure:
- Exposition: The introduction of characters, setting, and the story’s central conflict.
- Inciting incident: A pivotal event that disrupts the protagonist’s normal world and sets the story in motion.
- Plot point 1 (Crossing the threshold): The moment when the protagonist commits to the story’s central conflict and embarks on their journey. Plot point one marks the end of Act One and should happen around the 25% mark.
- Rising action: A series of complications and obstacles that intensify the conflict and build toward the story’s climax.
- Midpoint: A significant turning point in the story where the protagonist faces a major revelation or challenge.
- Plot point 2: A critical moment that escalates the conflict and propels the story toward its climax.
- Pre-climax: A stage of heightened tension where the story approaches its climax.
- Climax: The story’s most intense and pivotal moment, where the central conflict reaches its peak.
- Denouement: The resolution of the story’s conflicts, character arcs, and the return to a new sense of normalcy.
Why use the three-act narrative structure?
The three-act structure offers a systematic way to construct compelling narratives that captivate an audience and maintain a coherent and well-paced storyline. It’s a widely employed framework for several reasons:
- Clarity: It provides a clear and organized roadmap for crafting a story, ensuring that the plot and character arcs have a cohesive structure.
- Engagement: The structure creates natural points for tension, climax, and resolution, which keep the audience engaged and invested in the story.
- Pacing: The 3-act structure encourages a well-balanced distribution of events and revelations throughout the story, preventing excessive build-up or lulls in the plot.
- Cause and effect: Stories unfold as a continuous sequence of cause-and-effect events, with each scene seamlessly flowing into what follows, avoiding the notion of isolated “episodes.”
- Universal appeal: The 3-act story structure is a time-tested method that resonates with audiences across various cultures and eras, making it universally accessible.
- Time constraints: The structure is particularly useful in screenwriting as it helps meet the time constraints of these mediums and facilitates effective storytelling within limited durations.
- Easy to learn: The 3-act structure is straightforward, which makes it an approachable framework for novice writers and a valuable tool in teaching the fundaments of storytelling.
When following the three-act structure, it’s important to remember that the structure offers guidelines, not rules. The specifics of your story should come about in an organic manner, and while the three-act structure offers advice on how long each act should be, try not to be too rigid about following a formulaic page count or act break.
With that said, let’s talk about each act of the three-act plot structure in detail.
Act I: The setup
Act 1, often referred to as “The Setup” is a crucial element in the three-act narrative structure, serving as the foundation upon which the entire story is constructed.
It encompasses the initial segment of the plot where the main characters are introduced, the story’s setting is established, and the audience is immersed in the world of the narrative. The significance of Act 1 lies in its role of laying the groundwork for the events to come, introducing key characters and their backgrounds, and initiating the narrative’s central conflict. It also provides an opportunity to engage the audience by creating intrigue, tension, or curiosity, ensuring they become emotionally invested in the story.
By the conclusion of the first act, the protagonist typically sets a clear goal, providing a strong driving force for the narrative as it transitions into Act 2.
Let’s talk about the story beats of Act 1:
Exposition
The Exposition in Act 1 is essential, as it lays the groundwork for the narrative at the very beginning, setting the stage for the conflict, character development, and themes that will unfold throughout the story. It’s a critical phase in storytelling, as it allows the audience to become invested in the narrative through an understanding of the characters and general setting.
Exposition in Act 1 typically includes:
- Hook: Act 1 often includes a hook to capture the audience’s attention, drawing them into the story and its characters.
- Introduction of characters: This is the part of the story that introduces the main characters and often outlines their primary characteristics (character archetypes), roles, and relationships.
- Setting: It describes the world in which the story is set, including the time, place, and unique details about the environment, that is, where you start the process of world building.
- Backstory: Some backstory or history may be presented to provide context or motivation for the characters and their actions.
Inciting incident
The inciting incident in Act 1 is a pivotal moment that serves as the catalyst for the story’s main conflict or problem. It propels the narrative forward and motivates the protagonist to take action, setting the events of the story in motion. The inciting incident is a vital component of Act 1, as it not only launches the story but also keeps the audience invested by presenting them with an exciting challenge or dilemma that the protagonist must address.
It typically includes the following aspects:
- Conflict: The inciting incident introduces the primary conflict or problem that the protagonist will face throughout the story.
- Turning point: It makes a significant turning point in the plot, shifting the narrative from its initial setup to the main story arc.
- Reaction: The protagonist responds to the inciting incident, demonstrating how they will deal with the conflict.
- Motivation: The inciting incident provides the protagonist with a powerful motivation or reason to take action and pursue the story’s central goal.
- Engagement: It captures the audience’s engagement by presenting an intriguing and often unexpected development that piques their curiosity.
Plot point 1 – Crossing the threshold
Plot Point One, often referred to as “Crossing the Threshold,” is the point at which the protagonist leaves their familiar world or comfort zone and embarks on a journey or adventure that will drive the narrative forward.
Here are some key aspects of this first plot point:
- Departure from the ordinary: Plot point 1 marks the departure of the protagonist from their normal life or ordinary world, introducing them to the extraordinary circumstances or challenges that will form the core of the story.
- Commitment: It represents the protagonist’s commitment to the quest or mission, signifying their willingness to face the central conflict and take the necessary actions to resolve it.
- Transformation: Crossing the threshold often brings about a transformation in the protagonist’s character, as they start to adapt and evolve in response to the challenges they encounter.
- Point of no return: This moment is often irreversible, symbolizing that there’s no turning back to their previous life. The protagonist is now fully engaged in the story’s central conflict.
- Stakes: The story’s stakes are heightened at plot point 1, emphasizing the importance of the protagonist’s journey and the obstacles they will face.
- Adventure begins: It marks the beginning of the story’s main adventure or quest, setting the stage for the trials and tribulations that lie ahead in the second act.
Act II: Confrontation
Act 2, known as the Confrontation or Confronting the Problem, serves as the heart of the story’s development. As the name suggests, this phase highlights the main character’s journey, challenges, and character growth as they confront the central conflict or dramatic question introduced in the first act.
This is where your protagonist faces a series of obstacles, conflicts, and complications, pushing their character to evolve, adapt, and seek solutions. This is the part of your writing process where you want to throw plot twists at your characters and have them squirm as they’re hit with disaster after disaster. It’s within Act 2 that the plot thickens, relationships are tested, and the narrative reaches its turning point, leading to a climax that ultimately propels the story toward resolution in Act 3.
These are the beats of the second act:
Rising action
The rising action in Act 2 is where the story gains momentum and the characters confront a series of challenges and conflicts. This section sets the stage for the story’s climax and resolution in Act 3.
Here’s what you need to know about rising action:
- Character development: Act 2 provides ample opportunities for character development and growth. The characters’ strengths, weaknesses, and motivations are further explored, making them more complex and relatable.
- Complications: The central conflict becomes more complicated as characters face increasing challenges and opposition. New obstacles and adversaries emerge, adding depth to the story’s conflict.
- Subplots: Act 2 often introduces subplots that weave into the main narrative. These subplots can provide additional layers of conflict and contribute to the overall rising tension.
- Escalation: The story’s tension escalates progressively, leading to a series of minor climaxes or turning points that contribute to the overall narrative arc. These moments can include confrontations, revelations, and character transformations.
- Character goals: Characters may adapt or change their goals based on their experiences during the rising action.
- Building relationships: Interactions between characters may become more intricate, and relationships evolve. Friendships, alliances, and rivalries are developed, influencing character choices and actions.
- Setting changes: Act 2 often features changes in settings and locations as characters move through different environments, which can impact the storyline and character dynamics.
Midpoint
The midpoint occurs roughly halfway through the story. It serves as a significant turning point where the plot takes an unexpected direction, and characters face new challenges or revelations. At the midpoint, the protagonist should have undergone some growth and adjusted to the new world.
The key characteristics of the midpoint beat are:
- Revelation: The midpoint often involves a surprising revelation or plot twist that changes the characters’ understanding of the central conflict. This revelation can be a game-changer that affects their goals and motivations during the second half of the story.
- New direction: Following the midpoint, the story’s trajectory shifts, and characters are forced to adapt to the changing circumstances. New goals, plans, or challenges emerge as a result of the midpoint event.
- Increased stakes: The stakes of the story are raised after the midpoint. The characters face greater risks and must confront the consequences of the midpoint revelation or turning point.
- Character growth: Characters may experience personal growth or transformation as they respond to the challenges posed by the midpoint revelation. Their values, beliefs, or relationships may evolve.
- Subplots merge: In some cases, subplots introduced earlier in Act 2 may merge with the main storyline at the midpoint, creating a more cohesive narrative.
Plot point 2
Plot point two or The Crisis occurs late in Act 2, typically escalating the conflict and forcing characters to make critical decisions while raising the story’s stakes.
Here’s what you need to remember about this beat:
- Intensified conflict: Plot point 2 often brings about a significant escalation of the central conflict. It may involve a direct confrontation with the antagonist, an unexpected setback, or the revelation of a critical piece of information.
- Point of no return: This event marks the second “point of no return” for the characters. They are now committed to their course of action, and there is no turning back. The decisions made at this point significantly impact the story’s outcome.
- Character transformation: Characters will undergo further transformation or development as a result of this second plot point. They may confront their inner flaws, face their fears, or undergo a radical change in their goals and motivations.
- New goals or strategies: Following plot point 2, characters are likely to reevaluate their goals and strategies. They must adapt to the new challenges presented by this turning point and devise a plan to overcome them.
- Heightened tension: The story’s tension is extremely high at plot point 2. The conflict becomes more intense, and the audience is drawn deeper into the narrative.
- Clarification of themes: Plot point 2 can clarify or emphasize the story’s themes and central message. It may force characters to grapple with moral dilemmas or ethical decisions that highlight the story’s underlying ideas.
- Transition to Act 3: Plot point 2 serves as the bridge between Act 2 and Act 3, setting the stage for the final confrontation, climax, and resolution. The story’s direction becomes clear as the narrative moves forward.
Act III: Resolution
The final act, Act 3, often referred to as the “Resolution” or “Climax,” is the concluding part of the three-act narrative structure. In this stage, the story reaches its peak of tension and drama as the central conflict comes to a head.
Act 3 is the point at which all the pieces of the narrative puzzle come together, providing a satisfying resolution to the storyline. It’s important because it delivers the emotional payoff the audience has been waiting for, offering answers to questions and resolving conflicts.
The third act is the final destination of the protagonist’s character arc, revealing their transformation or growth as a result of the challenges faced throughout the story.
These will be the final beats of your story:
Pre-climax
The pre-climax, also known as “The Dark Night of the Soul” is the section of Act 3 that precedes the story’s climax. It serves to create a crescendo of tension and anticipation before the story’s ultimate resolution. During this phase, the story’s various conflicts intensify, leading to the climactic showdown or resolution.
The key characteristics of this beat are:
- Heightened conflict: The conflicts and obstacles faced by the characters become more intense and challenging as they approach the climax. This is where the central conflict or antagonist reaches its maximum threat level.
- Character development: In the pre-climax, characters may undergo their final stages of growth and transformation. They draw on their experiences and lessons from earlier in the story to confront their challenges.
- Revelations: Often, important secrets, revelations, or hidden information come to light during the pre-climax. These revelations can significantly impact the characters’ decisions and the overall narrative.
- Rising stakes: The stakes continue to rise as the story progresses through the pre-climax. The consequences of failure become more dire, and the characters are pushed to make critical choices.
- Converging storylines: Multiple subplots and character arcs converge as the story heads toward the climax. Various narrative threads intertwine to create a sense of unity and build tension.
- Ticking clock: Some stories incorporate a “ticking clock” element, where time is running out for the characters to achieve their goals. This time pressure adds urgency and suspense to the pre-climax.
- Foreshadowing: The pre-climax often includes subtle hints and foreshadowing of what’s to come in the climax. These clues can build anticipation and intrigue.
- Final preparations: Characters may make their final preparations for the climax, including gathering resources, devising strategies, and resolving personal conflicts.
- Transition to climax: The pre-climax seamlessly leads to the story’s climax, where the central conflict reaches its zenith. The pre-climax’s function is to build suspense and anticipation for the climax.
Climax
The climax is the pinnacle of the narrative in Act 3, where the story’s central conflict or main character’s journey reaches its most intense and critical moment. It’s the high-stakes, emotionally charged showdown that readers or viewers have been eagerly anticipating throughout the story.
The climax is a critical element in Act 3, as it provides the story’s ultimate payoff and resolution. It’s the moment that lingers in the minds of the audience, leaving a lasting impression and fulfilling the narrative’s promise of an engaging and impactful journey.
Here’s what you need to remember about the climax:
- Maximum conflict: The climax is the point of maximum conflict and tension. It’s the moment when the primary antagonist or obstacle is confronted and the outcome hangs in the balance.
- Character transformation: Often, the climax is the moment where the main character undergoes a significant transformation, displaying newfound strength, resolve, or personal growth. This transformation is a result of the challenges faced during the story.
- Final battle: In many narratives, the climax involves a final, decisive showdown between the protagonist and antagonist. This confrontation can be physical, emotional, or both.
- Revelations and twists: The climax frequently includes key revelations, plot twists, or surprises that alter the course of the story. These can lead to unexpected outcomes and character choices.
- Emotional catharsis: The climax evokes strong emotions in readers or viewers, including fear, excitement, empathy, or relief. It’s the point where the story’s emotional tension is at its peak.
- Resolving subplots: Subplots and secondary character arcs may also reach their resolutions during the climax, contributing to the overall narrative closure.
- Choices: Characters face critical choices and make decisions that will determine the story’s outcome. These choices may involve moral dilemmas, sacrifices, or acts of heroism.
- Action and resolution: Depending on the story, the climax may involve intense action sequences, dramatic confrontations, or moments of resolution. The tension built throughout the narrative is released in this climactic moment.
- Themes: The climax often reinforces or challenges the story’s central themes and messages. It highlights the story’s underlying ideas.
Denouement
The denouement is the final part of Act 2, also known as the resolution or falling action. It’s the stage where the story’s central conflict is resolved, loose ends are tied up, and the narrative reaches its ultimate conclusion. The denouement offers closure and insight into the characters’ futures, allowing the audience to reflect on the story’s events and their implications.
The key characteristics of this final beat are:
- Resolution of conflict: The primary conflict introduced in Act 1 and escalated throughout the story is resolved. Whether it’s the defeat of the antagonist, the achievement of the protagonist’s goal, or a shift in the story’s central dilemma, the denouement provides a satisfying resolution.
- Character outcomes: The denouement reveals the fates of the main characters. It may highlight their personal growth, changed circumstances, or the consequences of their actions during the story. Readers gain insight into what happens to the characters after the climax.
- Subplots: Any subplots or secondary character arcs introduced during the story are also resolved. Here, you’ll wrap up loose ends and provide a comprehensive view of the narrative’s outcomes.
- Emotional release: The denouement allows for an emotional release, often contrasting with the intense emotions of the climax. It provides a sense of closure and catharsis for the audience.
- Reinforcement of themes: The denouement can reinforce the story’s central themes and messages. It may offer a final perspective on the ideas explored throughout the narrative.
- Character reflection: Characters may reflect on their journeys and experiences. This reflection can offer insight into their personal growth and lessons learned.
- Foreshadowing or future glimpses: Some denouements include foreshadowing or glimpses of the characters’ future. These moments can leave the audience with a sense of hope, curiosity, or closure, depending on the story’s tone. If you’re writing a series, this can act as a setup for the next book in the series.
- Transition to a “new normal”: The denouement often shows the characters transitioning to their “new normal” or the aftermath of the story’s events. It demonstrates how the story has changed their lives.
- Lasting impression: The denouement is the final opportunity for the story to leave a lasting impression on the audience. It shapes the overall takeaway and emotional impact of the narrative.
Examples of the Three-Act Structure
Okay, so we’ve got the theory down. But a good story is more than just a formula and to show you how some of the best books have used the three-act structure, I’ve got some case studies for you. These books are masterclasses in plotting, and here’s how they’ve used the key plot points.
(Please note: There may be spoilers in this section.)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Act 1: The Setup
- Exposition: In the poverty-stricken District 12 of Panem, Katniss Everdeen is introduced as the story’s protagonist. The exposition establishes the harsh world and the annual Hunger Games, where a boy and a girl from each district are selected to fight to the death in the Capitol’s arena.
- Inciting incident: Katniss’s younger sister, Prim, is chosen as District 12’s female tribute, leading Katniss to volunteer to take her place. This is the inciting incident that sets the story in motion.
- Plot point 1 (Crossing the threshold): Katniss and her fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark, leave for the Capitol. Their departure marks the beginning of their journey into the brutal world of the Hunger Games.
Act 2: The Confrontation
- Rising action: Katniss and Peeta enter the Capitol, where they undergo a significant transformation through preparation and public appearances. The rising action intensifies as Katniss forms alliances and strategies while struggling to survive the deadly games.
- Midpoint: The midpoint occurs when Katniss and Peeta form an alliance with other tributes. It’s a turning point in the story, revealing the complexity of their relationships and increasing their chances of survival.
- Plot Point 2 (Crisis): The crisis unfolds when the rule change is announced, allowing two victors from the same district. Katniss and Peeta are faced with a dilemma—continue their alliance and risk betrayal, or go their separate ways.
Act 3: The Resolution
- Pre-climax: The pre-climax involves the final tributes as they approach the climax of the Hunger Games. The tension is at its peak, and Katniss and Peeta’s relationship is tested as they face the Capitol’s power.
- Climax: The climax occurs during the final moments of the Hunger Games, where Katniss and Peeta must outsmart the Capitol and the game makers to secure their victory. It’s a high-stakes showdown.
- Denouement: The denouement reveals the aftermath of the Hunger Games, with Katniss and Peeta as the victors. It serves as a resolution but also sets the stage for the following books in the series, addressing the consequences of their actions and the Capitol’s growing resentment.
Star Wars
Act 1: The Setup
- Exposition: The exposition introduces us to Luke Skywalker, a young farmer on the desert planet of Tatooine. We learn about the oppressive Galactic Empire, the Rebel Alliance, and the existence of the Force.
- Inciting incident: When Luke discovers a message hidden in a droid, R2-D2, it leads to his first encounter with Princess Leia, who pleads for help to deliver the Death Star plans to the Rebel Alliance. This call to adventure sets Luke on his hero’s journey.
- Plot point 1 (Crossing the threshold): Luke, along with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Han Solo, leaves Tatooine and embarks on a journey to rescue Princess Leia and join the Rebel Alliance, crossing the threshold into a larger conflict.
Act 2: The Confrontation
- Rising action: The rising action follows Luke and his allies as they attempt to rescue Princess Leia, face encounters with the Empire, and learn about the Force. They plan to destroy the Death Star.
- Midpoint: The midpoint occurs when Luke and his allies rescue Princess Leia and uncover the Death Star’s weakness. It’s a turning point as they transition from rescuers to potential heroes who can save the galaxy.
- Plot point 2 (Crisis): The crisis unfolds when the Rebel Alliance discovers that the Death Star is on its way to destroy their base. Luke must now lead the assault on the Death Star, facing enormous odds and the looming threat of the superweapon.
Act 3: The Resolution
- Pre-climax: The pre-climax involves the Rebel Alliance’s desperate battle against the Death Star. Tension builds as the Death Star approaches to destroy the Rebel base.
- Climax: The climax occurs during the attack on the Death Star when Luke uses the Force to launch a precise shot, hitting the Death Star’s weak point, leading to its destruction and saving the Rebel base.
- Denouement: The denouement reveals the aftermath of the Death Star’s destruction, a celebration of the Rebel victory, and a renewed hope for the galaxy. The heroes are celebrated, and Luke’s journey as a Jedi begins.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Act 1: The Setup
- Exposition: Act 1 introduces us to Harry Potter, an orphaned boy living with his cruel Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and their son Dudley. We learn about the mysterious deaths of Harry’s parents, his unusual abilities, and the wizarding world.
- Inciting incident: Harry’s life takes a dramatic turn when he receives his acceptance letter to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is the call to adventure, as he discovers his true identity as a wizard.
- Plot point 1 (Crossing the threshold): Harry boards the Hogwarts Express, enters the magical world, and begins his journey of self-discovery and education in the art of wizardry.
Act 2: The Confrontation
- Rising action: Act 2 follows Harry’s experiences at Hogwarts, his friendships with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and the revelation of the Sorcerer’s Stone. Harry, Ron, and Hermione suspect that the Sorcerer’s Stone, a powerful magical object, is in danger of falling into the wrong hands.
- Midpoint: The midpoint is marked by Harry and his friends’ efforts to protect the Sorcerer’s Stone. They confront challenges, puzzles, and magical creatures as they try to reach the stone before the dark wizard Voldemort (who killed Harry’s parents) can seize it.
- Plot point 2 (Crisis): The crisis unfolds as Harry faces Voldemort, who possesses Professor Quirrell and seeks the Sorcerer’s Stone. In a showdown, Harry manages to prevent Voldemort from getting the stone, but at a great personal cost.
Act 3: The Resolution
- Pre-climax: The pre-climax involves the aftermath of the confrontation. Harry has thwarted Voldemort’s return and saved the Sorcerer’s Stone, but his battle with Voldemort leaves him with questions and uncertainty about his own identity.
- Climax: The climax of the novel occurs when Harry confronts Professor Dumbledore about the events surrounding the Sorcerer’s Stone and the truth about his parents’ death. He also learns about the protective magic of his mother’s sacrifice.
- Denouement: The denouement sees Harry returning to his life with the Dursleys for the summer, but he’s now aware of his place in the wizarding world and the challenges he’ll face. The story ends with a sense of closure, as well as the promise of more adventures to come.
Other story structures to consider
Think of the Three-Act Structure as a trusty guide for storytelling, but don’t let it box you in. It’s like choosing the right tool for the job—sometimes you need just one act for short stories or one-act plays, and other times, your narrative might crave the five-act flair, like Shakespeare’s plays. The key is knowing when to play by the rules and when to let your story dance to its unique rhythm.
Here are some other story structures that are frequently found in Western English-language writing:
- The Hero’s Journey: The Hero’s Journey is a universal narrative framework that outlines the protagonist’s transformative adventure, typically consisting of a call to adventure, a series of trials and challenges, a moment of self-discovery, and the hero’s return with newfound wisdom. It serves as a powerful storytelling template, first popularized by Joseph Campbell, and is commonly used in literature, mythology, and film to depict the hero’s path to personal growth and self-realization.
- Save the Cat: Save the Cat is a popular screenwriting and novel outlining method developed by Blake Snyder. In the Save the Cat method, story beats refer to specific moments or events within a story that serve as key structural points in a narrative. These beats help writers map out the progression of their story and ensure that essential elements are present. The term Save the Cat itself refers to one of the story beats, which involves an early scene where the hero performs an act of kindness or heroism to make them likeable to the audience.
- Dan Harmon’s Story Circle: Dan Harmon’s story circle is a narrative structure that breaks a story into eight stages, offering a cyclical and holistic approach to storytelling. It involves concepts such as the comfort zone, need, go, search, find, take, return, and change, providing a framework for character development and plot progression.
- The Snowflake Method: The Snowflake method, pioneered by Randy Ingermanson, is a structured approach for crafting novels. It begins with a single sentence summarizing the story’s core, expanding gradually into a comprehensive outline, character profiles, and scene breakdowns. Iterative and adaptable, it facilitates the gradual expansion and refinement of the storyline, providing a framework that grows in complexity alongside the writer’s creative vision.
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Natasha Khullar Relph is an award-winning journalist and author with bylines in The New York Times, TIME CNN, BBC, ABC News, Ms. Marie Claire, Vogue, and more. She is the founder of The Wordling, a weekly business newsletter for journalists, authors, and content creators. Natasha has mentored over 1,000 writers, helping them break into dream publications and build six-figure careers. She is the author of Shut Up and Write: The No-Nonsense, No B.S. Guide to Getting Words on the Page and several other books.
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