Writing Tips For New Authors (Part Four)
The Beat Sheet is a writing method that breaks down a story into its fundamental beats or moments. It is often used as a tool for outlining and structuring a screenplay, but it can also be applied to novel writing. Each beat serves a specific function and helps move the story forward, creating a sense of pacing and tension.
Here is a more in-depth explanation of the Beat Sheet and some examples:
Opening Image: This beat establishes the story's tone, setting, and introduces the main character in their ordinary world.
Example: In “The Wizard of Oz” the opening image shows Kansas and introduces Dorothy's mundane life on the farm.
Example: In my own book, “The Hobbs Hollow Beast” the opening scene shows my main character, Connor, staking out the local woodland as part of his newest case, on the search for a beast seen lurking in the area.
Connor and his poor choice of jacket in local woodland
2. Inciting Incident: This beat is a significant event or action that disrupts the protagonist's ordinary life and sets the story in motion.
Example: In “The Hunger Games” the inciting incident is when Prim's name is chosen as a tribute, prompting Katniss to volunteer in her place.
Example: In my book, a strange girl new to the town, approaches Connor and James, requesting their help in rescuing her kidnapped brother from the evil clutches of a crazed scientist. This then prompts them to team up with Ella and help the girl rescue her brother.
Lila deciding what to do next after her brother is kidnapped
3. Catalyst: This beat is a specific event or information that pushes the protagonist to embark on their journey or take action.
Example: In “Star Wars: A New Hope” the catalyst is when R2-D2 plays Princess Leia's message for Luke Skywalker, revealing the urgent need for assistance in the rebellion against the Empire.
Example: For my own story, it when they discover the scientist lives in a crumbling and derelict mansion outside of town where he has turned part of the basement into his laboratory and is using homeless people to experiment on.
The once grand mansion now left for nature to reclaim
4. Midpoint: This beat marks a turning point in the story, where the protagonist faces a major setback or revelation that changes their perspective.
Example: In “The Lion King” the midpoint occurs when Simba encounters Rafiki, who reminds him of his true identity and his responsibility to his pride.
Example: In “Hobbs Hollow Beast” James is kidnapped from his home by the scientist and taken to the ramshackle mansion where the scientist will use him as a guinea pig in his experiments.
The science lab where Vaitkus performs his horrifying experiments
5. Climax: This beat is the story's highest point of tension and conflict, where the protagonist faces the main obstacle or antagonist.
Example: In “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” the climax is Harry's confrontation with Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest during the final battle at Hogwarts.
Example: In my book, Connor and the gang return to the mansion to have one last showdown with the scientist to rescue the girl’s brother before the scientist kills him, and stop him experimenting on anyone else.
The scientist’s hidden dynamite destroys the old house
6. Resolution: This beat brings the story to a conclusion, resolving the main conflict and providing a sense of closure.
Example: In “Pride and Prejudice” the resolution occurs when Elizabeth and Darcy overcome their misunderstandings, confess their love, and get married.
Example: In my own book, they group realise that sometimes it’s the humans who are the villains and not the monsters. Obviously, I can’t give away the ending here! That would spoil it.
It's important to note that the Beat Sheet is a flexible framework, and the number and specific beats can vary depending on the story and the writer's preferences. Additional beats like "All Is Lost" and "Dark Night of the Soul" can be included to enhance the narrative structure and character development.
Example: For my own book, All is Lost would refer to the moment the girl, Lila, reveals her involvement in James’s kidnapping and how Connor loses all trust in her.
By using a Beat Sheet, writers can analyze their story's structure, identify pacing issues, and ensure that each beat serves a purpose in advancing the plot and character arcs. It helps create a cohesive and engaging story that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.