Write a novel

Katytastic's 3 Act / 9 Block / 27 Chapter Outline Method

Do you LOVE to plot, but have no idea how? Want to get more structure into your next story? Or ... just want to procrastinate and read this article?

You can find the method as a YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe3eodLF_Uo

Katytastic, writer and YouTuber, had an interesting idea.

The method she developed is made for you if you ...
... like plotting and creating outlines
... love the three-act structure
... like to plot more details of your story
... want to avoid plot holes as best as possible

So ... here we go!

Your method is based on the three-act structure.

This consists of three so-called acts. In the first act, protagonists are introduced and the story begins. At the end of the first act there is the first turning point. In the middle of the second act there is the midpoint and at the end of the second act there is the second turning point. The third act is followed by the battle or climax. With the end of the third act, the novel also ends.

If you want to learn more about the three-act structure, check out this link: https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/three-act-structure/ . However, this is not necessary.

The 3 Act / 9 Block / 27 Chapter Outline method is about a simple principle: each act is divided into three blocks and each block is divided into 3 chapters.

Since 3*3=9 and 9*3=27, you end up with nine blocks and 27 chapters.

This table (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1k386XircYTMLIIb5gc5S7UvY9sNFcPGysQHGW0V2...) is used to show this graphically. If you have google docs (docs.google.com), click on "File", then "Make a copy" to make a copy that you can fill in. Otherwise, design - by hand or in the spreadsheet program of your choice - a table as shown.

I can already hear some crying out, "Tables ... argh!!!"

Calm down. You're writing a novel - or have already managed to do so - are you honestly going to whitewash yourselves into thinking you can't operate a spreadsheet?

Come on. It's not as bad as it sounds. Just try it out.

The spreadsheet has a description for each chapter that tells in one word what happens (e.g., a plot twist). Follow these directions and in the box next to each write a description about the scene you are planning, e.g. x goes home, cake is on the table, doesn't have a birthday, wonders, snacks a bit, the doorbell rings, etc.

I won't keep you any longer and hope you have fun!