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Art of the Outline: Exercise #3

Exercise #3: Classic Story Structure

French film maker Jean-Luc Godard has said that films should have a beginning, middle and an end “but not necessarily in that order.” Write an outline for the story you want to tell using the classic story structure in 6 Steps. Added step is to mix up the order! You should have a classically structured 3-Day Novel outline in preparation for September 1st-3rd (register here).

Step 1 – Someone wants something.

Step 2 – There is an obstacle to the fulfillment of that desire.

Step 3 – They seek to surmount the obstacle, but fail.

Step 4 – They try again.

Step 5 – Something unexpected happens, which may or may not help.

Step 6 – They get what they want, or they don’t.

Checkout Exercise #2 Getting to the Truth

Adapted from Write Short Stories and Get them Published by Zoe Fairbairns

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