Hi Wordsmiths,

I found this information online a while ago and thought it was helpful. Unfortunately, I can’t give credit to the original poster, as I’ve had this for quite some time and have no idea where I got it.

I’ll give you a list of things to consider when planning your novel, including the Three-Act Story Structure. Then, I’ll give you a brief overview of the Three-Act Story Structure in case you want to use that outlining method for your book.

I hope you find this information helpful. If you do, drop me a line and let me know what you think.

1. Summary of the book idea
2. Draft the main characters
3. Write a paragraph about each relationship
4. Draft the side characters
5. Brainstorm dramatic events
6. Define narrator and tense
7. Draft the environment
8. Write a summary of Act 1
9. Write a summary of Act 2
10. Write a summary of Act 3 (See below for more information on all three Acts)
11. List (in order) of all events
12. Write a paragraph for each chapter (Act 1)
13. Write a paragraph for each chapter (Act 2)
14. Write a paragraph for each chapter (Act 3)
15. Write a few paragraphs on how it all comes together

Act 1: (Hook) Set-up, Inciting incident (the event that gets the story going), first plot point (no turning back for your character)

Act 2: (Confrontation) 1st pinch point (the event that puts more pressure on your protagonist), antagonist introduced if they haven’t been and remind the reader why to take them seriously, Midpoint (turning point for the protagonist), 2nd pinch point, 3rd plot point (protagonist’s darkest moment and pace of the story picks up)

Act 3: (Resolution) Climax, (ramp up tension), climactic moment (will protagonist succeed?), resolution

I hope you find this short but impactful article helpful.

Happy Writing, Gina