For many of us, we sense a nebulousness in the slow discovery method of learning the craft of writing; therefore, if math is the language of the universe, then what is the formulaic language that describes the creative writing process?
Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey is the first formula I found in my quest for writing formula [see the March Blog below], and today, I want to share with you yet another formula that I've found--- the Beat Sheet.
The beat sheet I've created for you below includes guidance in how to fill in the blanks with scenes from your own stories. You may use this, or you can find any number of beat sheet templates on internet image search engines---Choose one that works for you! Please, ask question and leave comments below, and keep writing!
- Theme: What is the universal truth or human experience that will be revealed in your story.
- ACT I: Stories evolve in three acts: The first is referred to as the Setup.
- Opening Scene: Here's your "Hook," which is a compelling thought or situation as we meet the protagonist, or the main character.
- Life as Usual: What are the circumstances of the life and world of your protagonist?
- Reactant: What is the catalyst that causes your character's world to change?
- The Decision: Your protagonist will resist the change, question it, but in the end they give in and accept the change.
- ACT II: Introduce the antagonist (the bad guy) in the act known for its Confrontation.
- The Mix-up: Smooth sailing is boring---cause problems for your protagonist: Amusing conflicts, games of cat and mouse with the antagonist.
- The Middle: This is a pivotal point, where all unravels, and no semblance of the life your protagonist once knew utterly disappears---all is revealed.
- Conflict Worsens: It looks bad for your protagonist as the antagonist gains the advantage.
- Black Cloud: Death of body and/or soul seems imminent as a feeling of all is lost takes over. This is equivalent to the "Abyss" in Jonathan Campbell's hero's journey.
- ACT III: known as the act where Resolution is found. Time for everyone to get to work and take down the antagonist, whether it be human or otherwise. The bad guy's days are numbered
- Ah, heck no! Ending: This is coup de grâce ending, the final blow, or the finale. The contemporary reader, or viewer, wants to be taken by surprise. Think of movies that did this for you, such as M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense (1989). Give your finale something they didn't see coming so your story is one to remember.
- Closing Scene: Now that resolution is achieved, plant a lasting image. Perhaps a setup for a sequel? Is it high-action, or a serene and touching scene where two protagonists must say goodbye---you decide where you fade to black.
Works Cited:
Artwork: The Gyri of the Thinker's Brain as a maze of choices in bio-medical ethics. Scraper-board drawing by Bill Sanderson, 1997.
Beat Sheet Inspired from MA Screenplay Writing coursework. Southern New Hampshire University, n.d. Web. This is my unique "Beat Sheet," my interpretation, and with my own insights.
Artwork: The Gyri of the Thinker's Brain as a maze of choices in bio-medical ethics. Scraper-board drawing by Bill Sanderson, 1997.
Beat Sheet Inspired from MA Screenplay Writing coursework. Southern New Hampshire University, n.d. Web. This is my unique "Beat Sheet," my interpretation, and with my own insights.