Grab the reader and set up the book in 10k words = the hero, the world, the stakes and the conflict.
Book Plot
A chronological guide to development of the plot of a book
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1
Sequence 1 Set-up Foreshadowing & Challenge
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10
Ordnary World
The Heros lack
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20
Disturbance
Something is wrong
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30
Care Package
Something tender that makes me like the protagonist
-
40
Trouble Brewing
A problem arises
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50
Q Factor Lead In
The key to the Ultimate solution is introduced (gadgets, symbols of courage)
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100
Sequence 2:Responding to the Challenge
Show the hero's response to the challenge and take him to the point where he consciously considers then balks at the challenge (refuse the call) then accepts it.
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110
Incitng Incident
Call to Adventure
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120
Argument against Transformation
The protagonist argues against the position they will ultimately take
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130
1st Door of No Return
The protagonist is pushed out of their comfort zone and into action
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200
Sequence 3: Responding to the Strange New World
Hero tries his first solutions/adpatations to his "new world" (situation) where he proves his ignorance/incompetence by doing all the logical stuff that isn't going to work.
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210
1st Plot Point
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300
Sequence 4: First Attempt, First Failure & Consequences
Hero makes first attempt to act to solve the problem - and fails - culminates in midpoint when the hero discovers what is REALLY going on... and can stop acting in ignorance.
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310
1st Pinch Point
The first battle (fails due to ignorant incompetence)
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320
Kick in the shins
The antagonist makes his first appearance (may be henchman) hero becomes aware of antagonist
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400
The Midpoint
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410
Midpoint
Shift from victim to warrior Reveal - Who is Doing this? - reader probably already knows.
-
420
Mirror Moment
Hero faces truth: "Who am I?" or "I am going to die."
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430
Pet the dog
A moment of kindness or courage
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500
Sequence 5: Reacting to the Midpoint & Raising the Stakes
The hero reacts to the "real problem" revelation, then acts to redeem himself, now understanding what he needs and how to act better to solve problem. Plans the second attempt and deals with aftermath of failure.
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510
2nd Pinch Point
Second Battle Fails due to over confidence
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520
2nd Door of No Return
Pressure on the hero kicks into high gear
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540
Mounting Forces
Bad guys ramp it up
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600
Sequence 6: The Second Attemp, the Fall & Crisis
Setup to climax - everything falls apart - the hero's darkest hour includes the mirror moment. Hero is doomed to failure due to some action or inaction on his part. Includes new plan, action and failure of that plan.
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610
2nd Plot Point
Dark Night of the Soul Reveal - Why are they doing it?
-
620
Lights Out
The Hero has lost
-
640
The Q Factor
The q factor arrives to provide hope / courage / a path forward
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700
Sequence 7: the Climax
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710
Final Battle
Triumph and Knowledge
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720
The Final Battle
The BBEG fight
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800
Sequence 8: Resolution and Denouement
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830
Tansformation
The ending that shows where the cards are now and sells the next book