PLAN

YOUR
BOOK
A 24-Chapter Novel Writing Template

by Derek Murphy

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

Cheatsheet (Welcome)

Welcome! Originally I tried to squeeze this template down so I could call it a “one page outline” but I
already have a graphic for that (below) – I decided this template will be more useful as an expanded
template you can fill in with your own content, so I’ve made it available in Word, Google Docs and as a
Scrivener file. If you want access, you can sign up for my free course on writing here.

There’s also a detailed video walkthrough of the whole thing, as well as a discussion of how my template
stands out from other similar book plotting structures. Watch the video.

How to use this template: simply use this structure as a guide to plot your first draft or fix your story if
you get stuck. You can delete my notes or titles once you replace it with your own ideas and plot events.
I’ve give each section on its own page so you have plenty of space for notes – you can even print it out.

The RED DOTS are story sections – not actual chapters.

If this free plotting resource is useful for you in your writing journey, I’d appreciate shares: you can share
this blog post, pin the graphic on Pinterest, share on social media, or link back from your own blog or
website.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

“I've been listening to this non-stop. Dude has done his research on story structure.”

“I'm an author and have been studying story structure, narrative arc, and plot points for years....this is a
REALLY good template. I can tell you've digested and synthesized more vague outlines and converted
them into a more comprehensive map of the types of scenes that must happen in between the typical plot
points.”

“When I put my story ideas into other outlines they seem to leave me still feeling lost, and confused with
what should happen in certain chapters. But this one? I was able to connect the dots from beginning to the
complete end. I had to study it for a week straight before I finally was able to really understand how to
use this story structure completely.” 

“Thank you so much for creating this story outline. I have been looking for a plot structure like this for a
long time! It helped me to complete a a story blueprint that I'm so happy with. You don't understand what
this means to me.”

“Man this right here helped me a ton. It cut out most of all the nonsense that the other outlines be giving.”

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

ACT I: ORDINARY WORLD (START WITH LACK)
Your First Act sets up your main character (MC) in their ordinary, mundane environment. You’ll
introduce their friends and family members, their home, school or workplace, in the first few chapters.
But you need to show what’s missing. You don’t want to start with a perfect, happy character who has
everything (unless you’re going to take it all away, which is fine). You need to give them space to grow.
Maybe they have unresolved emotional issues. They’re probably shy, awkward, clumsy or embarrassed,
or unpopular. Maybe they hate their job or just got dumped. You need to show what they want, their
secret desires. What are they working towards? They probably have daydreams about things they don’t
think will ever happen.

How is their environment a reflection of their inner flaw? What is their favorite object? Where are the
sources of conflict?

Don’t write here…

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 1: Really Bad Day
Ordinary world, empathy, conflict. Show flaw and lack. Want, Problem, Need.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 2: Something Peculiar
Something unique or strange happens, but they dismiss it.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 3: Grasping at Straws
Trying to regain control of ordinary world but setbacks mount.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 INCITING INCIDENT (call to adventure)
In most books, the inciting incident should actually happen in chapter one or two. It’s an intrusion on the
ordinary world. Something big changes. Maybe a stranger moves to town, or a family member dies, or
there’s an earthquake. It might be an invitation, or a friend inviting your MC to a party. It can’t be a huge
crisis, but it will be annoying and noticeable, or exciting—it’s the beginning of your plot. That’s why you
want to get the ball rolling pretty early, otherwise nothing will be happening. Avoid writing a lot of
history of backstory. Start your book as near to the inciting incident as you can. But don’t think of it as
just one scene or chapter.

The “call to adventure” is usually followed by denial or refusal. The MC doesn’t trust it, or doesn’t want
to make a decision. They’ll ignore it and continue focusing on their previous goals. They just want things
to go back to normal. What object symbolizes the event and deepens character? How does the setting
reflect the mood of the conflict? What’s remarkable and novel about the character and their setting?

This is a section break: something big changes, so be aware that this is a big turning point of your story.
Take a breath.

Figure out how it impacts your main character. Then continue writing the next chapter.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 4: Call to Adventure
Something extraordinarily different happens, they can’t ignore. Major setback.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 5: Head in Sand
The new interrupts the old and causes conflict. Reveals dissatisfaction with ordinary.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 6: Pull out Rug
Trying to fix ordinary world problems while resisting the lure of the supernatural world.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 ACT II (part a)

 FIRST PLOT POINT (point of no return)

Things have been getting weirder and/or more intriguing for several chapters. Your MC tries to ignore the
problems but they keep interfering with their normal agenda. They get roped in, and something happens
that forces them into the action. Everything changes, and there’s no going back to the ordinary world.
They might have met a teacher, or they might have seen something that changes their perspective: a
revelation of supernatural abilities; a murder or death; an accident or robbery or attack or disaster.
Something pretty big, that shatters what they thought they understood of the world, and makes them feel
vulnerable and exposed. This will be one of the major scenes in your book, so make it unforgettable.

This is your protagonist stepping off the cliff, or going into the rabbit hole. It may not be a physical
change of location. What object symbolizes this transition? How does the environment reflect the inner
change? What flash of color conveys the mood?

Also, this is the end of Act One, about 25% of your book—by now all the major characters should have
already been introduced, or at least hinted at.

This is a section break: something big changes, so be aware that this is a big turning point of your story.
Take a breath.

Figure out how it impacts your main character. Then continue writing the next chapter.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

ACT II: 1ST PLOT POINT (point of no return)

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 7: Enemies & Allies
Explore new world; meet characters, find their place and and role. Introduce all main characters.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 8: Games & Trials
Struggle to belong. Frustration and doubt. Trials and challenges. Promise of premise.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 9: Earning Respect
Small victory as lead proves capable. Fun and games. Begrudging acceptance.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 1ST PINCH POINT (first battle)
After the 1st Plot Point, there will be several chapters where the protagonist is learning about the new
world. They might be doing research, or discovering things in conversations. There needs to be conflict
and tension, which builds up to the 1st Pinch Point. This doesn’t have to be a literal battle, but it is the
first major interaction with the antagonist. The antagonist might not be visible yet, but he/she should be
the one wielding the strings. The antagonist is after something, and that something is tied to the MC
somehow. Maybe the AC wants something the MC has, or needs the MC to do something, or has a score
to settle.

The MC probably still has no idea what’s happening, but they find themselves at the center of some
conflict. They probably don’t win, but they do survive. Now the stakes are clear. You should make them
as dire as possible, almost inconceivable. Ask yourself, what’s the worst thing that could happen? Then
ask, how can I make it even worse for my protagonist? The stakes should always seem life and death to
the protagonist… they represent a complete change, the “death” of the former self, which is why the
antagonist resists them. If your protagonist doesn’t have their self-identity shaken to its roots, you need to
make this scene bigger.

This is the first major interaction with the antagonist or the forces of evil. It demonstrates what’s at stake.
What can you add to make the setting reflect the mood? What can you add to make it epic? What can you
add to deepen character? What’s remarkable about the setting?

This is a section break: something big changes, so be aware that this is a big turning point of your story.
Take a breath.

Figure out how it impacts your main character. Then continue writing the next chapter.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 10: Forces of Evil
Stakes are raised, antagonists revealed.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 11: Problem Revealed
Surprise problem or situation. Demanding answers.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 12: Discovery & Ultimatum
New information, vulnerable share. In or out?

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 ACT II (part b)

 MIDPOINT (victim to warrior)

After the 1st Pinch Point (First Battle), the protagonist continues to face new challenges, but they are in a
defensive role. They might be making some plans, but mostly they’re waiting for something to happen
and reacting to events or circumstances beyond their control. If they try to solve any issue, they end up
being thwarted or making things even worse. They might accidentally hurt someone, or their friends and
family begin to fear and distrust them (because they have secrets now). They begin questioning their
identity and world view, which leads to a personality crisis, which leads to a shift in perspective. This is
about half way through the novel, and marks the point where the protagonist decides to take action. They
decide to stop being a victim and reacting to events, and vow to do whatever it takes to win. They’ll
probably form a new goal, and even if they aren’t sure how to achieve it yet, they’ll feel a deep conviction
towards it. This might be based in rage or anger towards the antagonist, a newfound perspective or
increased self-confidence.

This could even literally be the protagonist looking at themselves in a mirror, wondering who they’ve
become. So far they’ve been refusing their quest. But now they’re pissed off. They decide to fight back.
What object symbolizes that shift? Where’s the flash of color? What’s remarkable about the setting?

This is a section break: something big changes, so be aware that this is a big turning point of your story.

Take a breath.

Figure out how it impacts your main character. Then continue writing the next chapter.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 13: Mirror Stage
Self-realization or a discovery. Victim to Warrior.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 14: Plan of Attack
Plan of action to thwart antagonist’s forces or overcome main problem.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 15: Crucial Role
Trusted with an important task.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 2ND PINCH POINT (second battle)
Second confrontation with the antagonist. It still may not be the main villain; it could just be henchmen
that represent the main villain’s interests. It could be an attack, or it could be the result of the MC taking
action, such as setting a trap for the AC (or vice-versa, the villain can set a trap for the MC, for example
by kidnapping a friend or relative). The protagonist is determined to see this through, and feels personally
responsible, even though the chances of success are slim. The conflict erupts into an open battle, with
escalating consequences; or it could just be something really bad that happens, as a result of the
antagonist’s actions. This confrontation makes the protagonist realize that everything is much worse than
they thought, and they realize they’ve underestimated the antagonist’s power. They rally with new
determination, and might even score a seeming victory.

In this scene, the antagonist defeats the protagonist’s forces, or foreshadows what’s at stake in the next
major encounter. What object symbolizes the danger and conflict? Where’s the flash of color? What is
remarkable about the setting?

This is a section break: something big changes, so be aware that this is a big turning point of your story.
Take a breath.

Figure out how it impacts your main character. Then continue writing the next chapter.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 16: Second Battle
They execute the plan, and come in direct conflict with antagonist’s forces.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 17: Surprise Failure
The plan goes horribly wrong, faulty information or assumption. Consequences.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 18: Shocking Revelation
The antagonist’s full plan/true identity is revealed. Stakes are raised. Guilt and anger.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 ACT III

 2ND PLOT POINT (dark night of the soul)

The plan failed. The secret weapon backfired. The hero’s team was slaughtered, or they lost their one
advantage, or the AC’s evil plan succeeded. The worst has happened. The antagonist has won.
Alternatively, the 2nd Pinch Point can be elevated conflict, followed by MC reaction. Maybe the
antagonist has stolen something or kidnapped an ally. They rally the troops, and try fix things, but things
keep getting worse and worse, leading to a total, devastating loss. Usually this process happens over
several chapters. But at the 2nd Plot Point, everything the MC feared could happen, has happened. They
are destroyed. They cannot win. They give up. There’s no hope.

They lose the battle, with serious consequences. Someone the protagonist cares about got hurt, and they
feel guilty. Usually the failure is due to their character flaw or a lack of knowledge. This marks a period
of depression, prompting a change in mindset—the AC has to give up what they want. They realize that
the thing they’ve been holding on to (often it’s just wanting to get back to the ordinary world, back to
normal) is completely gone. There is no chance for victory. The only way forward is through. They are
forced to change and go in a new direction. This is tied to the MC’s flaw/lack of knowledge. When they
figure out what they’ve been holding onto, what’s been holding them back or limiting them, and when
they’re prepared to sacrifice what they want, for the greater good, they finally become the hero they need
to be to defeat the villain.

The protagonist knew this was coming, and thought they were somewhat prepared, but they were wrong.
Make this scene heart-wrenching by taking something permanent from them or one of their allies
(destroyed house, lost limb, a death…). What object focuses the scene? What object does your MC cling
to afterwards, as a reminder?

This is a section break: something big changes, so be aware that this is a big turning point of your story.
Take a breath.

Figure out how it impacts your main character. Then continue writing the next chapter.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

ACT III: 2ND PLOT POINT (dark night of soul)

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 19: Giving Up
Lead loses confidence; the forces are too great. What they want is unattainable.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 20: Pep Talk
Encouragement from ally. Vulnerable share, inclusion. What’s at stake; choice.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 21: Seizing the Sword
Deliberate choice to continue, even if slim chance of success.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 FINAL BATTLE (triumph-knowledge)
Usually the MC needs a pep talk from a close friend, to “gird the loins.” They need a reason to fight, even
if it’s hopeless. Even if they don’t see how to defeat the enemy. There’s no choice but to confront them.
But now they are prepared—they might have gained a valuable piece of knowledge or information. They
might have been given a new weapon or power, or learned the villain’s weakness (or maybe not… they
might find that just by going into battle on faith, whatever they need materializes in the critical moment).
The final battle scene often includes a “hero at the mercy of the villain” scene, where the hero is caught,
so the villain can gloat (or this can come earlier, just before the 2nd Plot Point). Anyway it’s not a clear,
easy victory. They fail at first, all is lost, the hero is captured, the enemy gloats, then the hero
perseveres… usually simply by not giving up. With resolve and tenacity, the hero escapes and
overpowers the villain. Often the final battle scene also includes a “death of the hero” scene, where the
hero, or an ally/romantic interest, sacrifices themselves, and appears to die… but then is brought back to
life in joy and celebration. (Or if you want to keep it dark, just have them die, so the victory will be
bittersweet). This doesn’t have to be a literal “battle.” It’s just the last, final straw, the most dramatic part
of your story. It’s what forces the MC to make a realization, change or grow. And it’s the place where the
MC has a victory.

The antagonist if fully revealed. The protagonist rides off to meet their fate. At first they fail, and are
captured—all seems lost, but in a sudden twist, the protagonist reaches into themselves and finds the
motivation and tenacity to persevere, unlocking access to their secret weapon, and defeating the
antagonist.

This is a section break: something big changes, so be aware that this is a big turning point of your story.
Take a breath.

Figure out how it impacts your main character. Then continue writing the next chapter.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 22: Ultimate Defeat
Triumph of Villain. All hope is lost. Confront fatal flaw.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 23: Unexpected Victory
Secret weapon or ability, deep resolve, new understanding, unlikely ally. Remove glass shard. Sacrifice.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 24: Bittersweet Reflection
Temporary victory. Innocents saved. How far they’ve come .

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 REBIRTH (return to ordinary world)

Optional: Hints of future challenges or antagonist lives.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 25: Death of Self
From ambition to service. Death of former self. Acknowledgment ceremony.

Optional: Hints of future challenges or antagonist lives.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 Characters

 the main character

 best friend (supporter, optimist)
 best friend (skeptic)
 comedian or jokester
 teacher (in a literal sense)
 mentor (wise role model)
 boss
 parents
 siblings
 nosy neighbor
 nemesis
 cute sidekick
 main antagonist
 antagonist's henchmen
 traitor

Here’s a list of important character traits:

 where they live

 what they wear
 hair/eye color
 an object they treasure
 something they love
 something they hate
 something they'd never do
 a unique skill or ability
 a weird habit
 what they want (immediately, and permanently)

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 Scene Checklist

Crucial things to add to every scene that will increase intrigue, suspense, drama and conflict.

This will be more useful to edit your manuscript after the first draft is finished.

Click here to watch the free, one-hour video on how to improve your writing with this checklist.

 What happens
 Motivation (what do the characters want, and why?
 What’s stopping them? (Opposition: 3 hurdles or obstacles)
 Reaction, synthesis, action
 Change or reveal (action or new info)
 Pause for effect
 3x Conflict (light the fuse - two opposites that create tension)
 Tension (pull the string - unresolved story questions)
 Snapshot (picture it)
 Momentum (urgency - why does this have to happen NOW)
 Relevancy: does this matter to the REAL story conflict or quest?
 End scene with unresolved conflict (cliffhanger)

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 Notes
Here you can add notes, questions, or anything else you’re not sure what to do with.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 About the Author
AUTHOR BIO

This would be a more official, short biography touting your accomplishments or sharing your website or
social media links. You may also want to include a call to action or optin offer, to give people a reason to
follow you or sign up to your newsletter.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 Author’s Note
WHY YOU, WHY THIS?

It’s a great idea to end your book with a short note from the author, about why you wrote this book, what
it means to you, and reveal a bit about your writing process or lifestyle. Include a vulnerable share or
sympathetic touchstone to help readers connect to you as a person.

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

 Extra Resources
Thanks for reading! I hope this plotting template was useful! If you need more help…

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie

One Page Novel Outline | 25 Chapters | Derek Murphy @creativindie