Plotting Your Book

Plotting your book can be one of the most frustrating and scary parts of writing. It doesn’t have to be. I’ve found tools and people I lean on for guidance to develop a skill that helps me in the editing process and could make your life a little easier, too.

The key to incredible plotting is finding a beat sheet that works for you. A lot of people enjoy the “Save the Cat Beat Sheet,” which breaks the story into 3 acts. The thing is that this beat sheet was developed by Blake Snyder, who is a screenwriter. Since its creation, many others have developed more intricate and genre-specific beat sheets, which are more helpful in fiction writing.

Let’s break it down -

Act 1:

In Snyder’s Save the Cat Beat Sheet, Act 1 is comprised of the opening image, set up, stated theme, catalyst, and debate. I’m sure you’re wondering what that even means (I would be too!), so here is a breakdown of those elements:

Opening Image: This is the reader’s first impression of what the story will be about. This gives insight into the main character’s dilemma before the adventure begins.

Set Up: This provides more information about your protagonist’s background and what led them to their goal. This quite literally sets up your storyline by giving context.

Stated Theme: The theme of your story is stated subtly, whether that be in dialogue or internal thought.

Catalyst: An issue/problem/event/disturbance that pushes the protagonist into action. This is also called the character’s “call to action.”

Debate: This is your protagonist’s opportunity to weigh their options. They are conflicted about whether to take action or not. This is their last chance to decide against it.

Act 2:

Act 2 is comprised of break in two, B-story, fun and games, midpoint, bad guys close in, all is lost, and the dark night.

Break in Two: The protagonist makes a decision, which results in their world completely changing.

B-Story: Your secondary story begins. This could be a romance subplot or a side character story arc. This usually shares the theme of the main plot.

Fun and Games: This is where your protagonist explores the world and is often the entertaining portion of your book for your reader.

Midpoint: This is a decision or event that changes the journey for your protagonist in an impactful way.

Bad Guys Close In: This is your turn of events. If your midpoint was a success, then things will start to unravel. If it was a failure, things will start to get better here.

All is Lost: This is going to be the lowest point for your protagonist. Your main character may begin to have feelings of doubt and question their ultimate goal.

The Dark Night: This is rock bottom. This is also where you will unveil the theme to your main character.

Act 3:

Act three is comprised of a break into 3, the finale, and the final image.

Break into Three: Your protagonist is inspired, like a light in a dark tunnel; there is a way out. This is often where the B-story is tied into the main plot, and your protagonist decides to push toward the ultimate goal.

The Finale: Your protagonist confronts the antagonist or object standing in the way of achieving their goal. The information they gathered in Act 2 is put into action.

The Final Image: This is your character’s moment of reflection, where the protagonist is reminded of how far they’ve come.

I’ve grown to love this beat sheet. However, I find myself gravitating toward so many others that have been developed since. My favorite is created by Gina Denny, which you can find here on her free Patreon.

The reason I love Gina’s more is that she has incorporated so many different beat sheet ideas into one place. This gives you a more well-rounded way of plotting out your scenes and acts.

If you are a pantser (yes, I know you are here,) consider using this tool as a guide and fill in as you go. When your characters decide their fate, put in the page number, and scenes where it takes place. As you go through the editing process, consider these scenes as puzzle pieces that you can move around to fit more seamlessly.

These tools will only elevate your story and make writing less of a hassle. The goal is to enjoy the process, not dread it, so use the tools provided however they work best for you.

Thank you for reading! If you are interested in editing services, please submit an inquiry on my website and set up your complimentary consultation. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Happy writing, babes.