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BOOK TITLE:STEP 1️⃣ Before you flesh out your plot, create your Main Character (MC). Once you've done that, come back to this page and move on to step 2️⃣
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SERIES:STEP2️⃣ Column B—Enter your goal word count for your completed novel in the green box. Column B will populate with the goal word count for each beat—or, in the case of single-scene beats, the word count you should be at when you finish writing that scene or beat.
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GENRE:
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These columns take your novel's goal word count, and your average chapter length, to calculate when you should reach each beat. This helps you keep your pacing on track.

EXAMPLE: You're planning to write a 70,000 word young adult novel with a chapter length of 2,000 words. Beat 4: Boom occurs at the 10% mark of your book, so by that point you should have written 7,000 words in four chapters. By the next beat, 5: Deliberation (20%), you should have written 14,000 words and seven chapters. ⭐These columns are frozen and can't be hidden. ©WitandWonderStoryStudio		STEP 3️⃣ Column C—Enter your average word count per chapter in the green box, and the column will populate with the chapter you should be at when you've completed that beat.
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STEP 4️⃣ Fill in the fields in yellow.
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STEP 5️⃣ Read through the prompts, and fill in what you can without thinking too hard. Then go back and fill in what you can. Have fun!
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HERO❓Who’s taking the journey?
❓What do they believe (true or false) about themselves?
❓What are they yearning for — even if they don’t know it yet?		PLOT❓What happens that pushes the Hero into motion?
❓What’s at stake if nothing changes?
❓What problem needs solving — and why does it matter?		FOE❓Who or what is standing in the way?
❓What does the Opposition want — and how does that clash with the Hero’s path?
❓How does this force reveal what the Hero must face within?
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%70,0002,000BEATACT 1: THE SPARK
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The journey doesn’t wait. The first flicker of action lights the path, even before the hero knows why they’re walking it. In these early moments, the story breathes its first, tension rises, and destiny leans in close.
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1: KINDLINGThe Hero is caught within a familiar storm—a challenge or disruption that pulls them into motion. It’s not the call; it’s the first response, like the first strike of flint to stone. There’s fire burning somewhere, but the Hero remains in denial or ignorance. TIP: Beat 1 and 2 are partner beats; you can’t have one without the other. Together, they create “Ignition”. Not every story includes an ignition. Ask yourself: Do I need to see how this character behaves under pressure before the real story starts?
- If **yes** → include Ignition beats: 1 - Kindling + 2 - Flint
- If **no** → go straight to beat 3 - Smoke		This beat builds the world—but through friction. What rules, patterns, or expectations define this place? How do we feel the limits of this world without being told where the electrified fence is.The opposition hasn’t struck yet—but the tension is there. A glance. A sound. A repeated warning. What hint tells us the storm is coming—even if the Hero doesn’t see it yet?
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4%2,80012: FLINTThe Hero confronts a person/presence/situation that hints at the conflict to come. The experience shows the Hero’s strength—and reveals how doing so is compensating for all they lack. TIP: Beat 1 and 2 are partner beats; you can’t have one without the other. Together, they create “Ignition”. Not every story includes an ignition. Ask yourself: Do I need to see how this character behaves under pressure before the real story starts?
- If **yes** → include Ignition beats: 1 - Kindling + 2 - Flint
- If **no** → go straight to beat 3 - Smoke		The story shows real conflict here. Not just background tension—a face-to-face moment that hits hard. It’s personal, it’s active, and it introduces the kind of struggle the plot will build toward.Whether it’s the villain, their lieutenant, or a character who shares their worldview—this moment reveals how the opposition thinks, moves, and threatens. The shadow takes shape.
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3: SMOKEThe Hero is caught within a familiar storm—a challenge or disruption that pulls them into motion. It’s not the call; it’s the first response, like the first strike of flint to stone. There’s fire burning somewhere, but the Hero remains in denial or ignorance.The world is actively working to keep the Hero where they are. There are comforts here, sure—but they’re distractions. Maybe it’s routine. Obligation. Safety. Guilt. Expectations. Whatever it is, it keeps them from taking a risk. This is also where the plot asks something of the Hero that they’re not yet capable of delivering. This is THEME, or the POINT of the story. The Opposition doesn’t appear—but their presence seeps into the crevasses of the Hero’s life like smoke.
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10%7,00044: FLASH POINTThe Hero experiences a moment they can’t undo. A truth they can't unsee. They may resist it, downplay it, or pretend everything’s fine—but life won’t go back to how it was. This is the emotional break point, even if they don’t act on it yet.An event kicks off the story’s forward momentum. It might be personal (a breakup, a betrayal, a death) or external (an order, an attack, an unexpected opportunity). From this moment on, we’re moving. And there’s no rewind button.fWhether they’re directly involved or just triggered by this moment, the opposition gains relevance. The world begins to shift in their favor—or they’re about to show up in a whole new way. Even if we don’t see them here, their presence is felt.
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20%14,00075: EMBERSThe Hero is trying to understand the new world they’ve been thrown into. They might resist it, doubt it, or try to negotiate their way back to the old world. But something is pulling them forward. Slowly. Reluctantly. This beat is full of mental fog.New rules, stakes, or systems are revealed. Even if the Hero isn’t ready to engage fully, the story is starting to set its terms. This is worldbuilding in motion. We show how the world responds to what just happened.The opposition might not act directly here, but they’re regrouping, watching, or making quiet moves. This beat is like a chessboard being reset—pieces are shifting, but no one's slamming clocks just yet.
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20%14,0006: INTO THE FIREThe Hero make a choice, even if it’s messy. Action feels right—for now.The story simmers here. There’s movement, yes—but it’s an illusion of stability. The plan is working... until it doesn’t. There’s a charge in the air that no one’s naming.The Opposition responds to the Hero’s choice. They’re playing the game, now.
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ACT 2: THE BURN
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The Hero steps forward, believing they understand what they’re facing—but the path is more tangled than expected. This is the world of illusion, effort, and early hope. Allies appear, patterns form, and the deeper truth waits just out of reach.
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22%15,40087: CAMPFIRENew people arrive—or come into focus. These allies (and rivals) will help shape the journey. One of them should act as a foil—a mirror, challenger, or subtle mentor—who forces the Hero to confront what they need, not just what they want.This is the moment to get your ensemble in place. Not everyone has to be a best friend—but each character should serve a purpose. Who’s the strategist? Who’s the wildcard? Who’s the betrayer? Tension and connection start forming here.One of the new characters might not be entirely on the Hero’s side. A betrayer. A spy. Someone with a different agenda. Whether intentional or not, there’s potential for sabotage within the group—or a seed of doubt that will grow later.
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50%35,000188: FALSE HORIZONProgress is made. Lessons are learned. There is laughter, growth, even a glimpse of glory. But it’s a mirage. The Hero believes they’re approaching the summit—unaware that they’ve only just begun to climb.This is where the journey starts to look like progress. Things seem aligned. Momentum builds. But the truth is, this is all still the setup. The real stakes are being hidden under bright lights and false victories.The Opposition is watching, learning, preparing. While the Hero celebrates early wins, the antagonist is gathering intel, testing boundaries, and making note of the Hero’s flaws. They haven’t struck yet—but they will.
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50%35,000189: BREAK POINTThe Hero comes face-to-face with the truth. Not a theory, not a warning—this is the moment the illusion is shattered. They finally see the true stakes, the true enemy, and the real cost. And this time, they can’t delay. They must respond.The story hits hard. There’s a major event—a reveal, a betrayal, an attack, a death, a choice—that changes the trajectory of everything. From this moment forward, the Hero is fully in the fire. No more testing the water.The mask comes off. Whether it’s the actual villain or a major shift in their presence, the opposition reveals themselves—or reveals their power. From this point on, the Hero knows who or what they’re fighting. It’s no longer subtle. It’s personal.
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ACT 3: THE FORGE
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The Hero’s illusions are shattered, their strength tested, and their identity called into question. What once seemed solid begins to shatter. This is the sacred fire—the breaking that makes room for becoming.
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75%52,5002611: FRACTUREThe Hero has a knee-jerk reaction to the Break Point—and not everyone in his circle agrees with his actions. The group fractures. The Hero’s been carrying the story on ego, avoidance, or fear... and it’s failed them.It looks like the Hero and their team are still in the game, but the energy has changed. There’s no clear path forward with story truths popping up like wack-a-moles. Things feel hopeless.The antagonist is more aligned than ever. Their team is unified. Their clarity is sharp. The contrast is devastating—the Hero is unraveling while the Opposition sharpens.
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80%56,0002812: EMBER WITHINIn the quiet, the Hero remembers something real—a moment of connection, a lesson from an ally, the reason they started. It’s tiny. But it’s true. And it’s enough to take one more step.The external world is still a mess. But something internal shifts. It’s not strategy—it’s clarity. This is the recommitment beat, even if nothing is resolved yet.With the Hero essentially out of commission, the world is the Foe’s orchestra and the Foe is a master conductor.
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80%56,0002813: BREATH OF FIREThe Hero sees the full picture. They understand now that what they wanted won’t save them—because it was never the true goal. The path forward is aligned with their internal growth. It’s a conscious, grounded leap into purpose. They step back into the story with their whole self—flawed, scarred, and ready.The stakes are rising fast. The world is unraveling. The tension tightens. And if the Hero doesn’t act, everything will fall apart.
This beat is the hinge: the moment the Hero re-enters the story and pushes the plot forward on new terms. It’s not just movement—it’s momentum, based on real emotional stakes.		The antagonist is celebrating early. The Hero’s been quiet, broken, and out of play—and the opposition has started expanding. They’re making bold moves, staking claims, taking ground. They think the fight’s over. They think they’ve won. But what they don’t know? The Hero has just reignited—and they’re about to feel the heat.
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ACT 4: THE RADIANCE
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The Hero rises—not because they are whole, but because they’ve been forged into something new. The final trial echoes the first spark, but now they step forward with clarity, connection, and courage. What began as a journey outward now reveals its truth: this was always about coming home to the self.
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85%59,5003015: FLAMESThe Hero leads with confidence. For the first time, their growth looks like it’s paying off. They’re standing with purpose, surrounded by their people, and acting from the heart. It’s empowering—and unsteady. The reader might feel hopeful... but nervous. It’s going too well.The plan is unfolding beautifully. The goal is almost within reach—maybe they gain ground, maybe they deliver a blow. There’s success here. Real success. But there’s a sense of… something’s missing. Or something’s about to snap.The Opposition takes a hit. They might even fall back. It looks like the Hero has made a real impact. But it’s a setup. They’re already recalibrating. The Hero’s success fuels their rage, their focus, their desire to crush it all.
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90%63,0003216: EXTINGUISHEDThe Hero gave everything in Beat 13—and it wasn’t enough. This is where they feel the full weight of failure. They didn’t just lose the fight—they lost faith. In their power. In their purpose. In their judgment. And especially in their people (if betrayal hits here). This isn’t despair like in Beat 11. This is anger. Shame. Broken trust. The Hero wonders: “Was this all for nothing?”The external conflict reaches a pinnacle where the world/Hero’s world NEEDS the Hero to succeed or “all is lost”.The antagonist reveals their hand. This is their flex beat. Their “you never stood a chance” moment. They deliver the blow strategically and emotionally. They may: • Take back territory • Kill or capture someone key

- Reveal they’ve infiltrated the Hero’s circle • Publicly discredit or dismantle the Hero’s progress

This is their mic drop moment.
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90%63,0003217: ASHESThe Hero accepts their failure. But they don’t collapse in self-pity or lash out. They take it—all of it—and still, they stay. They’ve been brought to the lowest emotional point of the story, but instead of walking away, they commit—fully, and selflessly. Even if they die. Even if it costs them everything. This is where they become The Hero, not by winning, but by choosing to fight anyway. This is the rebirth of the phoenix—not the rise, but the moment before the flames turn blue.The Hero is prepared to rise, but the world still looks lost. The win looks impossible. This is a quiet beat, emotionally interior, but structurally heavy.The Opposition has already struck. They believe it’s over. In their mind, the Hero is extinguished. This moment isn’t about them. Their silence here makes the Hero’s choice more powerful.
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97%67,9003418: RADIANCEThe Hero has fully integrated the truth of the story’s theme. They’re no longer defined by fear, ego, or proving themselves. They move with clarity, conviction, and power—not because they think they’re ready, but because they are committed to TRY.
They confront the villain as their full self—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Nothing left to hide. Nothing left to lose. This is not vengeance. It’s radiance. They don’t come back to survive. They come back to finish it. 🔥		The world is moving on without the Hero. The villain has “won,” the people are picking up the pieces, the resistance is crushed—or barely flickering. But when the Hero returns, everything shifts. This isn’t a continuation of the old plan. This is a reset. A true showdown, not because of strategy or numbers, but because of who the Hero has become. Think: “Wait—what is that…?” And then the air changes.The antagonist thought it was done. They were already celebrating, already consolidating power, already monologuing maybe. But now they’re faced with something they’ve never encountered:
A Hero with no cracks to exploit. No fear to twist. No need for approval or validation. They try the old tricks—and they don’t work. They try brute force—and it bounces off. The villain doesn’t fall because they’re weak. They fall because the Hero has become too good to beat.
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99%69,3003519: CONTROLLED BURNThe Hero ends not with a dramatic gesture, but with confidence, control, and clarity. They don’t need to shout or prove themselves—they just act with purpose. Their journey has changed them, and we see that change in how they handle this final moment. If they had to make the same hard choice from Beat 5 again, they’d do it differently now—and we know that without them having to say it.The major conflict has been resolved. The plan has played out. The fire has run its course. Now the story wraps up key threads: • Relationships are repaired (or ended) • Promises are fulfilled (or purposefully broken) • The world starts to reshape around what the Hero has done.
This beat is resolution, not action.		The villain, if still present, falls. But even if they’re gone, they may have left a legacy: • A system still healing • A belief still lingering • A seed of something that could grow into a future problem
If this is a one-book arc with no external villain (like in romance), use this beat to: • Reassure the reader that the Hero’s transformation is real

- Close out the internal conflict for good • Show how the Hero’s new self creates a better outcome than the old self ever could
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100%70,0003520: EMBERLIGHTThe Hero stands in a new world—or sees the old one with new eyes. This moment is quiet, reflective, and meaningful. If the arc is closed, we see how they’ve changed—and how that change now shapes their life. If the arc is open (series or cliffhanger), we see that they’re ready for what comes next.
💬 The image here should echo Beat 3—but show transformation.

- as the Hero alone? Now they’re surrounded. • Were they yearning? Now they understand. • Were they avoiding something? Now they’ve faced it—and taken flight.		If the story has reached full conclusion, this beat is minimal—maybe just a symbol, a conversation, or a tiny ripple of change.
But if it’s part of a series or hints at more: • Show the world rebuilding • Or introduce a quiet new rule • Or suggest that even though the war is over, the work isn’t done. This beat isn't about action, it’s about implication.		If the antagonist is fully defeated, their legacy might linger as a warning or a lesson. If there’s more to come, drop a single, subtle breadcrumb: •A character glancing over their shoulder •A shadow on a rooftop •A bird, a scar, a half-heard rumor
Something quiet enough that it doesn’t steal the peace of the moment—but still says: We’re not done yet.
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