ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
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**To gain access, click on File and select
"Make a copy." You will then be able to edit
as needed.**
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INSTRUCTIONS
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1. word count (WC) percentages are
based on an 80k word count goal.
If your goal is different, adjust accordingly.
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2. this template is not meant to be followed
to a T. Not every story fits neatly
into rows. Just stick as closely
as you can and trust your gut.
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3. number of scenes in each act is based
on a 1500 words per chapter/scene
scenerio. If you write shorter chapters,
you can add rows as necessary.
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Just make sure you stick as closely
to 25% of your total word count
in the 1st act, 50% in the 2nd act,
and 25% in the 3rd as possible.
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4. this spreadsheet is fully editable.
You will probably have to adjust row
height/column width to accommodate
the events of each chapter.
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5. the red boxes indicate the cumulative
WC at or before important points in the
plot structure. This number will change
as you enter your own WC for each chapter.
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SCENE/
CHAPTER		DESCRIPTIONPOVMAIN PLOTsubplot
WHAT HAPPENS
THE
CONSEQUENCES
WHY IT
MATTERS		THE
REALIZATION		AND SOWORD
COUNT
WORD COUNT
GOAL
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ACT I
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HOOK
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1In these chapters, you want to
provide your HOOK. Show your
protagonist's internal conflict,
their desire vs. their fear. You
also want to establish their
"normal."		1500
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21500
15
31500
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41500
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51500
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INCITING INCIDENT7500
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6In this chapter, something sets
the story in motion. The pro-
tagonist is pushed outside their
comfort zone.		15008,000 or 10%
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BUILD-UP
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7In these chapters, the characters
will face the consequences of
the inciting incident. They
debate what to do next.		1500
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81500
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91500
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101500
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1st PLOT POINT
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11In these chapters, someone makes
a plan. A decision is made (the
wrong one). The plan is put into
effect but will ultimately fail, at
least partially.		1500
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121500
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131500
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141500
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ACT II21000
20,000 or 25%
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PRE-MIDPOINT REACTIONARY HERO
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15In these chapters, the protagonist
is in persuit of their fear-based
goal. New characters may be
introduced (love interest, nemesis,
mentor, friend, etc)		1500
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16Something is going to stand in
their way. Perhaps a surprise
attack, setback, or diversion. 		1500
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17They may plan a possible
retaliation and may temp-
orarily forget or doubt their goal.		1500
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181500
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191500
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1st PINCH POINT28500
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20This chapter foreshadows the
antagonist looming in the distance.
Protagonist MUST feel the
pinch of the antagonist's force,
though they don't understand it yet.		1500
29,600 or 37%
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THE REALIZATION
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21Protagonist is still in reaction mode,
but as their realization grows, their
reactions become more and more
informed.		1500
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221500
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231500
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241500
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251500
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261500
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PLOT TWIST/GAME CHANGING MIDPOINT
39000
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27This chapter will shift the protag-
onist's goal and surprises the reader,
raise the stakes and push the
protagonist toward making a real
change.		1500
40,000 or 50%
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POST MID POINT ACTION HERO
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28In these chapters, the protagonist
approaches their goal from a diff-
erent angle. This presents new
obstacles for them. Even more bad
decisions are made (survival mode)		1500
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291500
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301500
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311500
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321500
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331500
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2nd PINCH POINT49500
49,600 or 62%
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34The opposition gets closer (a taste
of the climax). Brings the antagon-
istic force front and center. Reminds
protagonist what is at stake.
Spurs a renewed push to victory		1500
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RENEWED PUSH
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35The protagonist uses clues and
incentives to double down in
their pursuit of their goals		1500
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361500
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371500
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381500
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391500
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401500
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ACT III60000
60,000 or 75%
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SUPPOSED VICTORY *optional
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41*creates a sense of rising dread1500
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DISASTER
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42Things get worse and worse
(rooted in the protagonist's fear).		1500
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431500
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THE DARK MOMENT: ALL IS LOST
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44In this chapter, all hope is lost. The
quest seems impossible. The pro-
tagonist faces something un-
expected that makes everything
worse.		1500
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AHA MOMENT66000
64,000 or 80%
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45The protagonist realizes what it
will take to change or complete the
goal.		1500
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FINALE
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46*gathering the team, executing
the plan		1500
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47the protagonist may fulfill a
prophecy, fate or expectation of
loved ones. They overcome their
false belief		1500
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481500
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491500
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501500
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VICTORY
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51Protagonist has reached a new
state, opposite of where they
started. Protagonist has accomp-
lished their goal.		1500
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52You may show them celebrating
their victory or in a new location
that represents their "new normal"		1500
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531500
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aewinstead.com
79500total WC
goal=
80,000
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