Plot - a - Lot

 Here it is: I just finished my first ever real story outline. Sort of.  Using the method from Script Frenzy's Outlining Tips post, I was [FIIIINALLY!] able to find something that had the right flow for me. Here is a quote from said post:

She suggests getting nine 3 x 5 cards, and writing on each card what happens on page 1, 3, 10, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, & 100. Once you do that, you have your “9-minute movie”.

Post these cards near your computer, and voila! You’re ready to get started.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the common things that happen to characters on those pages:

Page 1 – Set up story, mood, tone, and place.

Page 3 – Introduce the central question your characters will explore.

Page 10 – Tell us what the story is. Tell us what the hero wants.

Page 30 – An event occurs that moves the hero into new territory.

Page 45 – We see the initial growth of your character. You’ll tell us where we’re headed from here on.

Page 60 – The middle of Act Two: your hero is in big trouble, he reaffirms and makes a deeper commitment to what he wants.

Page 75 – It looks like all is lost, and there might even be a scene where the character is about to give up.

Page 90 – The resolution of the problem begins.

Page 120 – The audience gets the resolution they deserve, and the audience is satisfied that you gave them the story you promised.

  Brian Klems, editor-of-something from Writer's Digest, had a fabulous article: "How to Write a Manuscript" (#5 HAVE SOME FREAKING FUN) about noveling that can come in handy even with this situation. Another good article on Writer's Digest is "Choosing the Best Outline Method for You", in case I feel like being a perfectionist with a scene. ;-D I gotta say, that article took away some of my beef with outlining. There really are more ways to outline than just the 'rollercoaster method'!

  So that's it! Simply by not worrying about EVERY SCENE, I successfully sorted out a synopsis-like outline for my Script Frenzy endeavor. Because of this, I will be able to take on Aubrey Hansen's personal invitation to a Page War Throwdown. GAME ON.


 The first person to say "Let the games begin," or "May the odds be ever in your favor," is going to get a serious glare from me.

Your ever excited writer,