20 June 2013

The Halfway Point of Your Novel, Memoir, Screenplay

The second major turning point hits exactly halfway through your story. Something happens to force the protagonist's willing and conscious commitment to the successful completion of her goal.

Throughout all the drama in the middle beams a bright and steady light at the second energetic marker. When the protagonist most wants to run the other way, this is the precise moment for her and for you to forge ahead instead.

 After recommitting to her goal(s) at the halfway point, or for the reluctant hero committing for the first time, the protagonist feels the energy in her life turn and rise in significance. This energetic surge is a warning to the reader. Wake up. Be alert. A crisis is coming.

Writing prompt:
Show your protagonist on a teeter-totter, sliding between the fear of going forward into the unknown and the urge to go back and start again. Faced with the potential of loss and failure, rather than give up, show her reconnect and recommit to her goal, her desire, her dream through the actions she takes.

Personal prompt:
These photos celebrate spring turning to summer as the year approaches the halfway mark. Perfect time to recommit to your writing and plotting goal(s).



For an in-depth resource to all the questions to ask about conflict when writing a novel, memoir, screeplay, refer to  The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories.


*****SPECIALS*******

1) Track Your Plot at the Scene Level Webinar
Learn to Maximize the 7 essential plot elements in every scene (one of 7 essential plot elements in every scene is CONFLICT) from the comfort of your own home.

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Knowing what to write where in a story with a plot allows for a more loving relationship with your writing. Whether writing a first draft or revising, if you falter wondering what comes next in a story with a plot, follow the prompts inThe Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing

Today, I write.

To familiarize yourself with the basic plot terms used here and in the PW Book of Prompts:

1) Watch the plot playlists on the Plot Whisperer Youtube channel.
2) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master
3) Fill out the exercises in The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories
4) Visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook
Plot Whisperer on Twitter