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The seven-point structure in writing: A guiding technique for enhancing narrative flow

Navigating my initial novel-writing voyage, I recall that pivotal day clearly. Though I grasped the fundamental tale I yearned to narrate, the vast ocean of narrative possibilities left me slightly adrift.

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The Moment I Embarked on Crafting My Initial Novel: A labyrinth of ideas awaited, making me...
The Moment I Embarked on Crafting My Initial Novel: A labyrinth of ideas awaited, making me somewhat disoriented, as I had a general plot in mind, but the intricate route to realize it was overwhelming.

The seven-point structure in writing: A guiding technique for enhancing narrative flow

Writing a novel can feel like a daunting task, especially when you're unsure of how to structure your story. But fear not, as I've got something that'll help you navigate the vast sea of narrative possibilities—the seven-point story structure. I've been using it in all my books, and it's been bloody brilliant. And remember, there's no one-size-fits-all formula for storytelling, but having this system in your toolkit can give you a solid foundation to build upon.

I must give a shout-out to the horror writer Dan Wells, who shared this gem during a writing seminar a few years back. I'll add my own examples and flair, but share the spotlight with Dan—this information is bloody gold.

The seven-point story structure is a no-nonsense roadmap for your fictional journeys:

  1. Ending: This is where the story ends, the climax, usually the resolution to the main conflict. Make sure you know your ending, as it'll help you set the journey in motion.
  2. Starting Point: Start in an opposite state of the ending. If your ending is strong, your start should be weak, and vice versa. This creates a movement and a character arc that keeps things interesting.
  3. Plot Turn 1: This is where things start to heat up, the inciting incident that sets your protagonist on their journey. It hints at the conflict to come and introduces new people, locations, or circumstances.
  4. Pinch 1: The first challenge, problem, or obstacle that your protagonist encounters, increasing tension and stakes.
  5. Midpoint: The turning point, where the protagonist shifts from reaction to action, gains a new perspective, or makes a commitment.
  6. Pinch 2: Another major challenge or setback, pushing the protagonist to the brink of despair. The harder the Pinch 2, the sweeter the victory.
  7. Climax: The resolution, where the protagonist confronts the main conflict and triumphs, often undergoing a transformation as well.

Let's dive into some examples to give this structure some bloody flesh:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone:

  • Starting Point: Harry Potter lives a miserable life with the Dursleys.
  • Plot Turn 1: Hagrid tells Harry about his true heritage as a wizard and invites him to attend Hogwarts.
  • Pinch 1: Harry encounters his first challenge in Diagon Alley, when he gets lost and deals with obstacles like Voldemort's snake, Nagini.
  • Midpoint: Harry learns the truth about the Sorcerer's Stone and swears to protect it from villains like Voldemort.
  • Pinch 2: The trio falls prey to traps in the dungeons, leaving Harry alone to face the enemy.
  • Climax: Harry defeats Voldemort and saves the day.

Star Wars:

  • Starting Point: Luke lives a humdrum life on Tatooine.
  • Plot Turn 1: Obi-Wan reveals Luke's destiny as a Jedi and helps him acquire a lightsaber.
  • Pinch 1: Luke faces his first challenge in the Death Star, when he destroys the first set of exhaust ports.
  • Midpoint: Luke meets and falls in love with Leia, learning more about the true nature of the Empire.
  • Pinch 2: Han Solo and the Millennium Falcon are captured by the Empire, leaving Luke to face the Emperor and Darth Vader alone.
  • Climax: Luke defeats Darth Vader and the Emperor, saving the galaxy.

The Lord of the Rings:

  • Starting Point: Frodo Baggins lives a peaceful life in the Shire, unaware of the peril looming over Middle Earth.
  • Plot Turn 1: Gandalf reveals Frodo's destiny and asks him to carry the One Ring to Mount Doom.
  • Pinch 1: The Ringwraiths attack the Fellowship, causing them to split apart.
  • Midpoint: Frodo and Samwise Gamgee face their greatest challenge yet, climbing Mount Caradhras.
  • Pinch 2: Boromir tries to take the Ring, putting Frodo's quest in jeopardy.
  • Climax: Frodo and Gollum fight over the Ring, leading to Frodo's ultimate sacrifice by casting the Ring into the lava of Mount Doom.

So there you have it—the seven-point story structure. Remember, it's a skeleton to help build your story, but it's up to you to add the flesh and blood to create a truly memorable tale. Happy writing, and may the words be ever in your favor.

Sources:1. https://napoleon501.com/7-point-story-structure/2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Point_Structure3. https://storystructure.org/7-point-plot-structure/4. https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-fiction/story-structure/how-the-seven-point-structure-works

Engaging in education and self-development, I would recommend exploring the seven-point story structure, an essential tool for crafting captivating narratives. This structure, which encompasses learning opportunities like plot turns, pinches, and the climax, offers a structured approach to storytelling without stifling creativity.

Incorporating this method into your writing process, you may find yourself experimenting with examples from beloved tales. For instance, in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the seven-point structure outlines the transformation of a mundane life into the hero's journey, complete with challenges, turning points, and the ultimate victory against darkness.

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