Some writers don't like the idea of story structure and reject it on the grounds that any such approach would be too rigid for them. Structures like the Hero's Journey, the Three-Act structure, and the Sequence Method may appeal to some writers, but not all. But even if you don't like to write in a …
Tag: Plot points
Plot points and pinch points
If you are a writer, there's a lot you can learn from the techniques used by scriptwriters in story design. The media are different; but they are both about storytelling. In previous blogs I have discussed the three-act structure, sequences, and the mythic structure. All these approaches use plot points in one way or another. …
A Story Blueprint for the Action / Adventure genre
Over the last three blogs I have looked at the five core elements of any story design: The Protagonist's Characterisation The Big Problem or Opportunity that enters their life and acts as the Catalyst for the Central Conflict Opposition - Antagonist forces and obstacles that stand in his/her way A Story World A Satisfying Resolution. …
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Story Structure – The Big Moments of Act Three
This is the third blog dealing with story structure and focuses on Act Three. Act One deals with the story set-up. It introduces the characters, the story world and the central problem that will become the focus of the story. Act Two deals with the central conflict of the story as the hero or heroine …
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Story Structure – the Big Moments of Act Two
This is the second instalment on the subject of story structure, and covers the difficult Second Act. Finding the content for Act One is relatively easy. There's exposition that needs to go in: introduce the hero and the other main characters, setup the story world, and then blow it all apart with a big problem. …
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JMJ Williamson 