How to Write a Book

TPT The Branches and Leaves | Now We Plot

"Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book, or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now."
—Annie Dillard

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It's time for the real branches and leaves: the plot structure. For the pantsers out there, you don't have to write out the beats before writing the story. You could use it for reverse plotting, which is a great tool for the developmental edit.

Most stories have a three-act structure or a variation of it — the beginning, middle, and end, according to Aristotle — but what do you put in each part? Well, the story beats; the shifts in narration.

ACT 1

Act 1 has two beats, which explore who the main character is and start their story.

↟ Welcome To the Story

This beat is where the story starts, and your character's journey begins. Set the tone, style, and theme of the book. You can give the reader a snapshot of what your character's soon-to-be old life looks like. Explore your character's life, introduce their flaws, and give the readers a hint of what needs to change. Hook them in because this is where readers decide if they want to continue to read your book or not.

↟ The First Catalyst

Talking about hooks, it's time to spice things up. This beat purpose is to keep your readers attention and can overlap with the hook. The first catalyst is the inciting incident; the plot that happens TO the character, whether it is a wake-up call, a call to action, or launching the character into a new part of their life.

Is your character finding a new magical world that will change their life forever, or did your character meet their new love interest? This is where that happens.

After the inciting incident, your character usually has a reaction. Something major has happened, and an internal debate leads your character to a decision or preparation.

ACT 2

Act Two is where the story takes off.

↟ New Life, New Me

The first beat of Act Two flows together with the reaction of the first catalyst. Something happened, your character had a reaction, and now it's time to leave their life as they know it and step into a new one. Whether they like the change or not.

Some call this beat the "Fun and Games" because this is why your reader picked up your book — the promise of premise. It's time to really explore your hook and introduce the major conflict. Show the readers your character's new world with the ups and downs.

↟ Midpoint; the Second Catalyst

That's right, we arrived at the middle of your story. Your character survived the "Fun and Games" with ups and downs, but it's time to raise the stakes. The second catalyst will push your character into some change, and your character's flaws aren't helping them. This beat is usually also the point where your A and B plots really intersect.

↟ Action, Reaction

The second catalyst has done something to your character. The catalyst — the "action" — has pushed for change, so what will your character do? It's time for them to process/reflect on their rock bottom. You can go back to your character's flaws/problems and their goals/wants.

Does your story have a life lesson? This beat is the place where your character learns it. Make them do something they wouldn't have done at the beginning of the book.

ACT 3

It's time to wrap things up.

↟ Eureka!

Your character reached their breaking point, and this is the story beat where they lift themselves up again. The character has their Eureka moment and knows how to resolve the major conflict or defeat the antagonist. The character makes a plan and proves they have learned the book's theme. They gather themselves — maybe some friends — prep, and execute the plan. Perhaps another surprise/twist/challenge or catalyst comes across the character's path, but they come out on top. Or not if you go for a bit more tragic end.

↟ The End

The End is the beat which shows the final image. Who is your main character now after so much has happened? This beat is a contrast to Welcome to the Story.

So, in short, something happens to your character in Act 1, which makes their life change. In Act 2, your character is adjusting to their new life and proving they can live it. In Act 3, your character will show the reader they've learned their life lesson.

Of course, there are other plot strucutres you can use. You can even create your own one just like me. Just make sure you follow the general line for story telling. There is a reason plot strucutres exist and it's because they work. Readers may not know the plot structure and story books exicts, but the often notice when a book isn't following one.

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Question
What book are you working on?

- tallefey

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With the plot structure explained, we've reached the end of our Plot tree. I hope the information was useful, and I wish you all the best on your writing journey.

Hopefully, I will see you later! Either in the next writing tip or elsewhere in our Wattpad Community.

And do you want to discuss more writing-related topics? Come join our Discord server! You can find the invite link in the bio.

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