The Tools

Concept

• Concept
• Hook
• One-Line Synopsis (aka logline, premise, one-liner)
• Designing Principle (aka narrative strategy)
• Stakes

Theme

• Theme (controlling idea, central idea)
• Premise (thematic statement, armature)
• Thematic Variations (clones, mirror characters, subplots)
• Thematic Tools (symbols, metaphors, horses)

Character

• Irreconcilable Conflict (Walking Contradictions)
• Backstory
• Want, Need, Flaw, Symptoms (aka… too many alternatives to list)
• Three-Dimensional Characters
• Character Tags (Markers, Traits, Labels)
• Reader-Character Bond (character likability, identification)
• Character Introductions
• Characterization
• Choosing Details
• Names
• Antagonists (Villain, Nemesis, Opponent, Bad Guy)
• Setting (Don’t you love it when it’s so present it becomes a character?)

Plot

• Tension, Conflict, Suspense
• Setups and Payoffs (Foreshadowing and Revelations, Twists)
• Inner Journey (Character Arc, Character Change, Transformation)
• Outer Journey (Plot, Structure)
• Rhythm (Pacing)
• Sequences (Progressions, Movements)

Scenes

Voice

• Hooks (Microtension)

Revising

Packaging

Marketing

Brainstorming

Organizing