One question - could this formula be adapted for the framework of a series? Like, each stand alone novel has it's own beginning/middle/end, but the over reaching plot follows what you outlined in this video?
@windward51 Well, yeah. Look at Dan's books. The character arc that he set up is spread across three books. The end of I Am Not A Serial Killer is a resolution to that plot, but John's plot is more toward the early middle, probably at Plot Turn 1. Mr. Monster is out, that's the Plot Turn. Mr. Monster starts with the first Pinch, he's struggling to contain Mr. Monster, and ends with the Midpoint, finding a way to distract Mr. Monster by chasing more demons. Won't spoil the end for you, though. :)
@windward51 I think a real skill is to take this 7-point system (or 3 act, or 5 points, or whatever formula you use) and use that to weave many plots together. They don't have to be all at the same stage in the format at the same time. So yes, a trilogy will have 7 points in each book, but also 7 points across the series. (He also showed this when he used Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi).
This was so helpful! Really got me out of a plot slump.
I'm such a huge fan of Dan Wells, can't wait to give his newest book a try *hints
KiyokoCartoonist 2 days ago
This really helped me with my subplots! Great lecture!
ItsyBitsyChelly 8 months ago
5:09 In the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the romance plot is totally Sam and Frodo's bromance! >D
DAREtheVEGETABLE 11 months ago 6
Dude, I'm huge in Europe.
No, but seriously. Good talk.
ehrensw 1 year ago
Awesome lecture. Thank you for posting it!
One question - could this formula be adapted for the framework of a series? Like, each stand alone novel has it's own beginning/middle/end, but the over reaching plot follows what you outlined in this video?
windward51 1 year ago
@windward51 Well, yeah. Look at Dan's books. The character arc that he set up is spread across three books. The end of I Am Not A Serial Killer is a resolution to that plot, but John's plot is more toward the early middle, probably at Plot Turn 1. Mr. Monster is out, that's the Plot Turn. Mr. Monster starts with the first Pinch, he's struggling to contain Mr. Monster, and ends with the Midpoint, finding a way to distract Mr. Monster by chasing more demons. Won't spoil the end for you, though. :)
FlamingCamera 9 months ago
@windward51 I think a real skill is to take this 7-point system (or 3 act, or 5 points, or whatever formula you use) and use that to weave many plots together. They don't have to be all at the same stage in the format at the same time. So yes, a trilogy will have 7 points in each book, but also 7 points across the series. (He also showed this when he used Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi).
saluk 4 months ago
Fantastic work, thanks for sharing.
windarr 1 year ago
Great seminar! Thanks for posting this; really helpful!
justmeandmyopinion 1 year ago
awesome seminar!
MrHomemadefilms1 1 year ago
Thanks for posting! Some very useful things here.
SilverAmbit 1 year ago
Again, this stuff is great.
nathanielacassani 1 year ago