Here are the basic beats in a story. The numbers beside each beat is the page it falls on in a script of 110 pages. (Obviously these numbers won’t line up with your book, since most likely you aren’t writing 110 page book exactly. But mathematically you could divide it to figure out about where each beat should take place.) 1. Opening Image (1): 2. Theme Stated (5): 3. Set-Up (1-10): 4. Catalyst (12): 5. Debate (12-25): 6. Break into Two (25) 7. B Story (30): 8. Fun and Games (30-55): 9. Midpoint (55): 10. Bad Guys Close In (55-75): 11. All Is Lost (75): 12. Dark Night of the Soul (75-85): 13. Break into Three (85): 14. Finale (85-110): 15. Final Image (110): Attached you will find a word doc. to use for your own beats. ![]()
Also you can view this document for the exact definitions of each beat. ![]()
What do you think about Blake Snyder's beat sheet? Have you ever used it before on a chapter book or novel?
9 Comments
Marian Copus
1/26/2014 11:34:40 pm
This was very helpful, Mandy. Thank you so much!
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1/27/2014 12:15:58 am
I have been living under a rock. I am often under there. :(
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Laura Rackham
1/27/2014 05:12:17 am
Thanks for such user friendly information! It simplifies some very abstract concepts.
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Charlotte dixon
1/27/2014 10:12:13 am
Thank you, Mandy. You and Mira always have eye-opening posts to help us along our writing way :)
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Heather Gale
1/28/2014 01:53:26 am
Mandy, thank you so much for making this simple and easy to follow!
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Kathy
1/31/2014 03:38:04 am
Thanks Mira and Mandy. I learned about the beat sheet in another course and totally forgot all about! Thanks for refreshing my memory :)
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1/31/2014 04:37:18 am
great post! Save the Cat is an excellent book, and thinking about the "beats" to a story is a great way to visualize/hear the pacing. I need more practice...
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2/3/2014 07:27:44 am
I loved FROZEN and all 5 of my kids(including the 3 year old) sing the songs full voice! Thanks for a helpful post!
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