Outline your Novel Using the Three-act Story Structure

In another post, “The three-act Story Structure Overview,” I gave some basic information on what that outlining method is all about and why I like it.

In this post, I’m going to show you how to spread that information out on a plot board so you can see your novel outline in it’s entirety and make changes to it where necessary. It’s great because you can rearrange your chapters any way you like and you’re also able to see what your story may be lacking.

Ok, let’s get started.

Plot Board Supplies I Suggest

• A foam poster board. I got mine at the dollar store. Make sure you get the thick poster board. The thin ones we used in grade school don’t work well.
• A Sharpie
• Index cards cut in half. Most people use post it notes. I tried them, even the extra sticky ones. They fell off so much, I switched to index cards. If you cut them in half, they’re the perfect size to use to jot down a few sentences on a chapter idea. And, they don’t curl up like post it notes.
• Scotch tape

Here is my plot board. I know it’s a bit ragged looking, but it’s been well loved.

Even though my plot board has seen better days, you can see how the three-act story structure is used to plan out your story. I suggest you refer to my other post about it to help you build your board. That post explains it a little more.

How I Made My Plot Board

• Using your Sharpie, separate your poster board into four vertical sections and two horizontal sections.

First Section:

Act 1 Sequence 1: Include 3-5 chapters and 3 or more scenes per chapter. Act 1 is character development, world building for fantasy writers, and start of conflict set up.

The end of the first sequence of act 1 is the Inciting Incident. It’s where you hook the reader and thrust the protagonist into the action of the story.

Act 1 Sequence 2: Is where you also include the amount of chapters and scenes as you did in sequence 1. Same goes for each sequence.

Here’s where you reveal more of the protagonist. Additional characters are introduced and you can involve more of the supporting characters. Here is also where you raise the stakes.

At the end of Sequence 2 is plot point 1, The Lock-In.

This takes place at 25% into the story. It’s the point of no return. Complications/twists happen, something that pushes the plot in a different direction.

Second Section:

Act 2-1 Sequence 3: Write the amount of chapters and scenes as above and at the end of sequence 3 is your 1st Obstacle

Act 2-1 Sequence 4: Same as above. At the end is the 1st Culmination: The second highest hurdle to be faced.

Act 2-2 Third section of plot board:

Sequence 5 ends in a Sub-plot Obstacle

Sequence 5 ends in the Main Culmination of the plot.

Fourth Section:

Act 3 Sequence 7: ends with the Third Act Twist

Section 8: ends with the Resolution. This is where you wrap up all loose ends.

Now What?

What I’ve told you so far is for what each section is used. My post on the three-act story structure overview may be of more help to you.

Now that you have an idea of how to divide your poster board into sections, you can begin writing a sentence or two on an index card half and tape it where it belongs on the board.

This post is in no way in-depth. I am currently writing an eBook and a course that will explain this outlining technique in detail. That being said, since it’s not yet ready, I wanted to create a post that would give you an overview so you could get starting outlining your novel with the basics.

If you don’t want to wait until my eBook and course are ready, I don’t blame you. I’m an anxious one too, once I set my mind to do something. Contact me and I’ll guide you through the process in a Life Coaching Session.

Helpful Hint:

• At the top of each index card half, give a short heading or number it. If any of them fall off, you’ll know where they go.
• Once you get several chapter ideas, start taping them where you think they belong on your board.
• As your board fills up, read what you have often. It’ll show you where you may have too much action in one area or not enough in another area.
• Check as you go for any areas that seem to be dragging.
• When your board is full, it’ll also show you if your story has enough conflict and is constantly moving forward, as it should. If it doesn’t, switch things around, add more if needed, or eliminate those that fail to advance your plot.

Have fun with this. It’s rewarding to see your story grow and develop with each card you tape on the board.

Please feel free to leave me comments on how the plot board is working for you.

If you’d like some extra help, send me an email. I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. If you haven’t already, read about Life Coaching for Writers in my menu.

Happy Writing!

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