Taking Story Structure Notes

I'm watching videos and taking notes on writing novels, screenplays, and stories. The following are links to the various elements I've been re-learning and re-membering.

This Excel-Based Story Structure Template (link here) is based on my research and listening to multiple authors speak. Most of it is KM Weiland, but there have been elements I learned from others too.

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Research (will be updating as I go):

YouTube Video: 21 Ways To Structure A Screenplay [WRITING MASTERCLASS]

6-Stage Plot Structure by Michael Hauge

24- Beats overlaid with the KM Weiland Story Structure

1. ACT 1 pp - Hook
2. pp
3. pp
4. pp
5. pp
6. pp
7. ACT 2a pp 1st Plot Point
8. pp
9. pp
10. pp - 1st Pinch Point
11. pp
12. pp
13. ACT 2b pp - MIDPOINT 2nd Plot Point
14. pp
15. pp
16. pp - 2nd Pinch Point
17. pp
18. pp
19. ACT 3 pp 3rd Plot Point > Increase Pacing
20. pp
21. pp
22. pp - CLIMAX begins
23. pp - Climactic Moment - Final Final Moment, nothing can keep going after this.
24. pp - Fade Out, Resolve, New Normal

4-Archetypes, 4 Central Questions, 4-Act Structure: 

1. Act 1 - Who's your main character? - Orphan Phase
2. Act 2 - What are they trying to accomplish? - Wanderer Phase
3. Act 3 - Who's trying to stop them? - Warrior Phase
4. Act 4 - What happens if they fail? - Martyr Phase

BMOC

Peter Russell's BMOC screenwriting technique stands for "Big Moment of Change." It's a principle used in screenwriting and storytelling that focuses on the key moments in a narrative where significant changes occur. These moments are crucial in driving the plot forward and developing characters. In the context of storytelling, a Big Moment of Change typically represents a turning point in the story or a major event that alters the trajectory of the narrative or the characters' journey.

• What is my Character's Big Moment of Change?

OR -- 

BMOC

• Beginning 
• Middle
• Obstacle
• Conflict

Other Research and References: 

The Seven-Point Story Structure: From Idea to Plot in 5 Steps, by ReedsyBlog

7-Act Structure

1. The Hook: a compelling introduction to the story’s intriguing world and/or characters
2. Plot Turn 1: an inciting incident that brings the protagonist into an adventure
3. Pinch 1: the stakes are raised with the introduction of the antagonist or the major conflict
4. Midpoint: a turning point in the story where the protagonist goes from reaction to action
5. Pinch 2: the major conflict takes a turn for the worse, and all appears lost for the protagonist
6. Plot Turn 2: the protagonist discovers something that helps them resolve the major conflict or defeat the antagonist
7. Resolution: the major conflict is resolved, and the antagonist is defeated.

Structuring Your Novel Visual Chart by KM Weiland

How to Use Seven-Point Story Structure in Your Writing, by MasterClass

5 Tips for Writing a Seven-Point Plot Structure

Whether you’re starting a story from scratch or trying to map out a work in progress, use the seven points to help structure your story. Not only will they make it easier for you to write, they will help create a readable, coherent storyline for your audience to follow. While there are plenty of helpful resources for fiction writing and screenwriting, beginning with these five writing tips will help you apply the seven point structure to your story:

1. 1. Work backwards. With the seven-point story structure, start at the end. Determine how the climax plays out and where your character ends up. Mapping out your destination first allows you to navigate the rest of the story as you write.
2. 
   
3. 2. Create your hook. With your ending established, go back and start at the beginning.
4. 
   
5. 3. Write the midpoint of your story. With the beginning and ending anchors of your story in place, tackle the midpoint. Figure out what events will serve as the turning point for your protagonist.
6. 
   
7. 4. Flesh out all the details in between. With your three main events mapped out, begin to connect the dots of your story by writing the details of your pinch points. Use these moments to focus on deepening your character development and visit your subplots.
8. 
   
9. 5. Apply this structure to all of your writing. From sci-fi to suspense, novels to short stories, the seven point structure can apply to any story you write. To really get a grasp of how these seven pivotal events propel a story, read books and watch movies with a pen and paper in hand. Write down the seven points in each to study how writers use this structure to tell a story.

• See also, KindlePreneur's explanation of these same concepts.

The 7-Point Story Structure + Variations: A Blueprint For Plotting in Any Genre, By B.K. Bass 

What Are the 7 Points?

The 7 points of Dan Wells’ 7 narrative structure are:

1. Hook: The status quo is explored.
2. Plot Turn 1: An inciting incident kicks off the story.
3. Pinch 1: The situation escalates.
4. Midpoint: The protagonist shifts from being reactive to proactive.
5. Pinch 2: A major setback occurs.
6. Plot Turn 2: The key to victory is discovered.
7. Resolution: The conflict is resolved.

YouTube: Dan Wells on Story Structure

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Shalom: Live Long and Prosper!

Darrell Wolfe (DG Wolfe)

Storyteller | Writer | Thinker | Consultant @ DarrellWolfe.com

Clifton StrengthsFinder: Intellection, Learner, Ideation, Achiever, Input
16Personalities (Myers-Briggs Type): INFJ