Structure Checklist

A Strong Spine

In life a strong spine means a strong body, upright posture and the ability to move with agility and force. A plot is not all that different. A strong Story Spine ensures that your plot will move with a forcefulness that compels the reader to stay engaged.

Elements of a Story Spine

After we have figured out our loglines, worked out our plots, done a beatsheet and written up our outlines, it’s time to write. Along the way from logline to outline, things changes. Characters are combined, eliminated or created anew. Locations changes. Story points get moved around.

While this creative change is occurring, we need to make sure that our plots still work. The best way of doing that is by using this handy checklist to make sure we are on the right track.

Spine Structure Checklist

1. Who is your MAIN CHARACTER?

They are a specific and original person with a unique, defining quality:

“A(n) _(adjective)_ _(person with a distinct skill, trait, job etc.) who wants…”

2. What is the INCITING INCIDENT that sets your story in motion?

What is the event that forces your character to begin to engage in your story?