1.) Why did you choose this particular protagonist?

(Whats so special that it HAD to be

this person for this story?)
2.) What is the protagonist doing right now? (Enter the story as late as possible, as Kurt
Vonnegut said. Dont start with the back story, youll filter that in later.)
3.) What external stressor is applied to the protagonist? (What outside force changes
everything for the protagonist?)
4.) What is the protagonists goal? (You must be clear on this. Honest.)
5.) What are the obstacles along the way? (Some structures say there should be 3.
Remember, things must get worse after every obstacle.)
6.) What qualities of the protagonist helps or hinder him/her to overcome these
obstacles (Your protagonist must operate at the best of their abilities, or the reader will
call them idiot and bail. Are the obstacles truly hard enough to show your characters
best?)
7.) How will the protagonist change over the course of the story? (That is, after all, the
story.)
8.) What are you trying to say? Why are you writing this particular story?
9.) What sacrifice levels the playing field? Remember, this journey is hard and the
protagonist must demonstrate she/he is worthy to win. (Remember to show the
protagonists reaction to the sacrifice. This is the moment of black despair drag it out
for all it is worth. Bigger the disaster, the longer you can extend it.)
Now, with those 9 questions answered to your satisfaction, try to fill in a 25 chapter,
75,000 word outline. Chapters 1-6 are the introduction to the world and characters. By
chapter 5 the protagonists must have his goal (Q. 4). Chapter 5 is often the big obstacle.
Chapters 7-18 are the middle of your book. This is the fun, meaty goodness with your
obstacles (Q. 5). Mark Teppo told us that if you get stuck while outlining, often around
chapter 12, simply write sex. The chapter after that is, things get worse. and move
on. He claims it really works. Let me know what you think.
Chapters 19-25 depict the heroic act to victory. Remember the sacrifice at chapter 23
(Q. 9) and to demonstrate the change the journey of the book has brought about in
chapter 25 (Q. 7)
Wasnt that easy?