A free fiction plotting template

24 chapter book template & plot outline

After making my 8 point plot dot template, I decided to try something harder - so I made a 24 chapter plot outline as well. These are broad, general writing prompts, based on most of the other popular novel outlining templates and strategies: BUT most of those are based on a 3-act play structure and have a soggy middle, because you don't give you specific instructions on how to fill this space.

In my writing chapter outline, there's an A story for internal realizations and a B story for external events. I don't think there's been anything quite this detailed before so I'm happy a lot of people are finding it useful.

I did make some downloadable files for MS Word and other writing software, but I'm not sure how to share that here, so this is the link to my blog (there's also a one-hour writing tutorial going through it). Am I the greatest writer in the world? No, but I have a PhD in Literature and quite a bit of experience writing and editing novels. If it works for you, great. If not, better luck with something else.

https://www.creativindie.com/plot-outline/


HERE'S THE WHOLE THING

The One-Page Novel Plot Outline
ACT I: ORDINARY WORLD (START WITH LACK)

1 Really Bad Day
Ordinary world, empathy, conflict. Show flaw and lack. Want, Problem, Need.

2 Something Peculiar
Something unique or strange happens, but they dismiss it.

3 Grasping at Straws
Trying to regain control of ordinary world but setbacks mount.

INCITING INCIDENT (call to adventure)
4 Call to Adventure
Something extraordinarily different happens, they can’t ignore. Major setback.

5 Head in Sand
The new interrupts the old and causes conflict. Reveals dissatisfaction with ordinary.

6 Pull out Rug
Trying to fix ordinary world problems while resisting the lure of the supernatural world.

ACT II: 1ST PLOT POINT (point of no return)

7 Enemies & Allies
Explore new world; meet characters, find their place and and role. Introduce all main characters.

8 Games & Trials
Struggle to belong. Frustration and doubt. Trials and challenges. Promise of premise.

9 Earning Respect
Small victory as lead proves capable. Fun and games. Begrudging acceptance.

1ST PINCH POINT (first battle)
10 Forces of Evil
Stakes are raised, antagonists revealed.

11 Problem Revealed
Surprise problem or situation. Demanding answers.

12 Discovery & Ultimatum
New information, vulnerable share. In or out?

MIDPOINT (victim to warrior)
13 Mirror Stage
Self-realization or a discovery. Victim to Warrior.

14 Plan of Attack
Plan of action to thwart antagonist’s forces or overcome main problem.

15 Crucial Role
Trusted with an important task.

2ND PINCH POINT (second battle)
16 Second Battle
They execute the plan, and come in direct conflict with antagonist’s forces.

17 Surprise Failure
The plan goes horribly wrong, faulty information or assumption. Consequences.

18 Shocking Revelation
The antagonist’s full plan/true identity is revealed. Stakes are raised. Guilt and anger.

ACT III: 2ND PLOT POINT (dark night of soul)

19 Giving Up
Lead loses confidence; the forces are too great. What they want is unattainable.

20 Pep Talk
Encouragement from ally. Vulnerable share, inclusion. What’s at stake; choice.

21 Seizing the Sword
Deliberate choice to continue, even if slim chance of success.

FINAL BATTLE (triumph-knowledge)
22 Ultimate Defeat
Triumph of Villain. All hope is lost. Confront fatal flaw.

23 Unexpected Victory
Secret weapon or ability, deep resolve, new understanding, unlikely ally. Remove glass shard. Sacrifice.

24 Bittersweet Reflection
Temporary victory. Innocents saved. How far they’ve come.

REBIRTH (return to ordinary word)
25 Death of Self
From ambition to service. Death of former self. Acknowledgment ceremony.

Optional: Hints of future challenges or antagonist lives.