7 Part Story Structure

I have heard about the 7 part story structure on a number of occasions most recently at LTUE 2012 with Dan and Rob Wells. If you are one who struggles with trying to get all of the pieces of your novel together (beginning, middle, end) this may be the springboard you need to finish your story. The structure is as follows:

1. Hook
2. Plot Turn 1
3. Pinch 1
4. Midpoint
5. Pinch 2
6. Plot Turn 2
7. Resolution

The hook is where the story draws the reader in. This is also normally involves the protagonist but doesn't have to directly. The plot turn one is where something happens that pushes the plot forward. The pinch is where something bad happens that forces the protagonist to act. The midpoint is where the protagonist changes between reaction and action. The second pinch is another bad thing that happens that is much worse. The second plot turn is another twist in the story. The resolution . . . all I can say is that it better have an ending that will satisfy your audience. You don't have to have an equal number of words for each section. The hook can be a 4 pages and the plot turns can be 50, it doesn't matter.

I am going to use The Hobbit as an example: (This is toned down because like most stories there are multiple pinches and plot turns.)

1. The dwarves show up at Bilbo's house.
2. Bilbo heads off with the dwarves.
3. The dwarves are captured by the elves.
4. Bilbo rescues the dwarves.
5. The men trap the dwarves on the mountain.
6. The battle of 5 Armies.
7. Bilbo helps restore peace and goes home.

There can be more pinches and more plot turns than just two. This is just an easy way to get an outline of your story. Don't spend too much time outlining. The point is to write the story.