Young Writers Society

An elevator pitch, elevator speech, or elevator statement is a short description of an idea, product, or company that explains the concept in a way such that any listener can understand it in a short period of time. Describe your novel as though it were an elevator pitch.

List down all the locations that will or might appear in the story. Include some that seem unlikely, but might for example be a cool setting to add to a scene that needs some spice.

Post the vibes of your project! This could mean playlists, moodboards, sketches, aesthetic food arrangements, anything. Feel free to add a couple sentences explaining why what you post fits the vibes!

Use the media code to put in a song that will inspire you to write this story when the going gets tough. It could be something that reminds you of the location your story takes place in, one of your characters, or just a good motivational song!

What is the change that occurs in the main character's life that forces them into the story? For example, in the Aesop's fable 'The Sick Lion', the lion's old age causes him to be unable to hunt prey. This leads to him deceiving prey animals into entering his den by spreading the news that he was very sick, which sets up the entry of the story's 'hero', the fox. In another fable, 'The Dog and the Shadow, the inciting incident is when a dog snags some meat from the butcher's shop. Because he had the meat, he was deceived by his own reflection (of a dog holding meat) to think there was another dog in the river with a treat, which leads to the main event of this very short tale.

Write a few paragraphs about who your main character is before the novel starts. Not what they look like or what they do, but who are they on the inside? What do they believe? Want? Where are they in their life? (Why is the plot of this book you're about to write going to change them?)

Write a few paragraphs about the motivations of your side characters. Why do they want certain things? What will getting/achieving those things mean to them? What fears do they have? What do these characters add to the overall story?

Describe which character you think will be the most challenging to write. Plan how you will rise to that challenge! Do they need extra research? How might you tackle the scenes they are in differently to other scenes?

List down all the characters that will or might appear in the story. You could also include some names or general descriptions for supporting/background characters that you might need in a hurry.

- The main world is a fictionized version of Earth, with some mysterious vibes and an underground fantasy side (not observable to everyone). This novel is set in the city called Mesta, while other characters are from Chila, a neighboring city. In addition, the fantasy side is called Mund (which for us is similar to Mundo i.e. Spanish term for world.) In fact, Mund was found by a varied group of Spanish-speakers and Hispanic individuals so that influenced a lot of the naming for the fantasy side/world.

- Two main ideas for this setting include rudimentary technology, such as slow, rust train tracks and horse-drawn carriages. There are also magical solutions to these kinds of trials, especially when it comes to travelling throughout the world and into other worlds -- some characters can combine their magic together in order to be able to send characters to another city/country/continent.

- The danger is that in the future, people will come up with new and more advanced ways to take away natural resources in search of creating grander and grander ideas/creations that will then also have the potential to affect the health of the world and the lives of the people that live in it. (Which is what happens in the future of the actual Earth).

- One very popular myth is that there is a long-forgotten sword at the bottom of the deepest pool in the realm. This had been a lost knight who was in pursuit of their loved one, but the genders and names of the people have long been forgotten to the time.

5. Can magic be used in the world? What is the magical system? How powerful is the magic in this world?

6. What unique resources exist in this world?
7. What is the biggest problem facing this world?
8. Which force is dominant, science, religion or magic?
9. How do people travel in this world? Think about the vehicles used here. How does one travel to a faraway place compared to a local place?
10. How do people communicate in this world? Think about communication devices, like the phone, letters or video calling.

12. Is this world a peaceful world? If not, how can peace be achieved?

1. What is the main continent in this world? A continent is a continuous plane of land in a world. For example on Earth, there are seven continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Antarctica and Australia). The biggest continent by size is, Asia.
2. How many major cities are there? Name the main cities or villages in this world.
3. What is the landscape like? Are there lots of mountains? Is it mostly plain lands or urban cities?
4. What are buildings like? What materials are used to make houses, shops and places of work?
5. Does this world have any interesting tourist attractions? On Earth, we have the seven wonders of the world, among many other special attractions.
6. Is the world more rural or urban?
7. Does this world have any famous historical sites or buildings?

1. What are the weather patterns like? Is the weather in the whole world generally the same, or does it differ like on Earth? On Earth, the main weather conditions include rain, storms, cloudy, sunny, and snow.
2. What is the climate like? Climate is the average conditions in an area. For example, on Earth, the climate is generally hot and humid in the Middle East. While in the UK the climate is generally cool and wet in the winter, and warm and wet in the summer.
3. What natural disasters are common in this world? Think about any earthquakes, 4. Tornadoes, floods, wildfires and droughts.
5. What are the seasons? On Earth, we have four seasons, Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn.
6. What environmental issues impact this world? Think about pollution, global warming, waste disposal, deforestation and so on.
7. What kind of animals and creatures live here? Take a look at our species name generator for some ideas.
8. What plants and trees exist here?
9. What are the main sources of energy?
10. Does the world have a moon and a sun? Think about what you would see if you looked at the night sky or the sky during the daytime.
11. Is the world alone in the universe? Are there any other dimensions or planets known to this world?

1. How many people live in the world? Think about the size of the population. Are certain areas or cities more populated than others? Does the world have an issue with being over-populated or under-populated?
2. What are the people like? Think about their physical appearance. Are they humans or something else? What does the typical person look like?
3. How do people dress? What is the fashion style in this world? What types of clothing do they wear? Do people generally take care of their appearance?
4. What are the main religions? Think about any religious places or buildings in the world. Who do the people worship? Who are the religious leaders? Is religion important in this world?
5. What are the main races?
6. How do people greet each other?
7. What are the social classes in this world?
8. What social issues exist here? Think racial injustice, inequality, voting rights, income gaps and so on.
10. How do people spend their free time?
11. What is gender equality like here?
12. How old are the average people in this world?
13. What is the average life expectancy in this world?
14. What is the birth rate in this world?
15. What is the death rate in this world? How do people die? What is the biggest killer?
16. How many people live in one house in this world?
17. What personality traits are admired by society?
18. What type of people are frowned upon in this world?
19. What social groups exist in this world? What makes someone popular? What makes some a rebel?
20. What is considered good manners in this world? And what are bad manners?
21. What kind of slang words are used in this world? Are some words forbidden?
22. Is there much immigration into or out of countries?
23. Do people generally get along with each other? How are outsiders treated?
24. How do people express love in this world?
25. How do people express hate in this world?
26. Does discrimination exist in this world? Is there any discrimination against people from other races?
27. Does this world have any charities or humanitarians?

1. Is it a technologically-advanced world?
2. What is the most technically-advanced item in this world?
3. What are scientists working on here?
4. What are the common uses of technology in this world?
5. What are the major inventions in this world?

1. What is the currency used in this world?
2. How do people earn money in this world?
3. What economical or money problems exist here?
4. What are the common jobs that people do here?
5. What is the world’s unemployment rate?
6. How do rich people live?
7. Does poverty exist in this world?
8. How do poor people live?
9. What are the main industries in this world?
10. How is money spent in this world?

1. Who are the world leaders? Is there a president, king or queen?
2. Who makes the rules in this world?
3. What are the laws of this world? For example, in real life, laws are implemented by the government. What are the legal rights of an individual?
4. Is there an electoral system or voting system in place?
5. What attitude do people have towards the government or world leaders?
6. How does one gain citizenship in this world? Are people free to visit any country or do need they certain documentation?

1. What is the criminal system like?
2. What is the punishment for a crime in this world?
3. How do people resolve disputes in this world? Is there a legal system?
4. What kind of criminal activity exists in this world?

1. What holidays or traditions do the people celebrate?
2. What are the main languages spoken here?
3. What traditions do people follow here?
4. What views do people have on marriage and divorce?
5. What does a typical family structure look like?
6. What are the social expectations in this world?
7. How do people get married here?
8. Does this world have any national anthem? What song is sung to symbolise this world’s history?
9. What happens when a baby is born?
10. What happens when someone passes away? Are there ceremonies or rituals that happen?

1. What weapons exist in this world?
2. Does this world have a military system? If so, how is it structured?
3. Is there any history of wars, slavery or genocide in this world?
4. How many wars have occurred in this world?

1. What is the education system like?
2. Do people go to schools, colleges and universities?
3. What is the highest level of education?
4. What are the main areas of study in this world?
5. What kind of skills do people need to have in this world?

1. What is the health system like?
2. Does this world have any diseases?
3. What kind of medicine exists in this world?

1. What kind of sports are played here?
2. What is the music like? What genre of music is popular?
3. Who are the famous people in this world?
4. What kind of entertainment exists in this world?
5. What is the most popular book in this world? What sorts of books do people read?
6. How do people get their news? Does this world have any significant news sources?

1. What kind of food do the people eat here?
2. What drink is popular in this world?
3. What kind of diet do people have?
4. How do people obtain food for their families?

Name: Lila
Age: 17
Height: 5'5"
Eye color: light brown, small, slightly spaced out
Physical appearance: has dark, short brown hair, cut down past her chin, and usually has a solemn gaze and a disinterested look across her face.
Strange or unique physical attributes: her hair is angularly cut, asymmetrical, and is striking compared to most hairstyles approved for female figures.
Favorite clothing style/outfit: long coats, layers of thin shirts, and gloves.
Where do they live? What is it like there? --
Defining gestures/movements:
Things about their appearance they would most like to change:
Speaking style:
Pet peeves:
Fondest memory:
Hobbies/interests:
Special skills/abilities:
Insecurities:
Quirks/eccentricities:
Temperament:
Negative traits:
Things that upset them:
Things that embarrass them:
This character is highly opinionated about:
Any phobias? --
Things that make them happy:
Family (describe):
Deepest, darkest secret:
Reason they have kept this secret for so long:
Other people's opinions of this character:
Favorite bands/songs/types of music:
Favorite books:
Favorite foods:
Political views:
Religion/philosophy of life:
Physical health:
Dream holiday:
Description of their house:
Description of their room:
Any pets? --
Best thing that has ever happened to this character:
Worst thing that has ever happened to this character:
Superstitions:
Three words to describe this character:
If a song played every time this character walked into a room, what song would it be?

Act 1 / The Beginning
1. Opening Image (0% to 1%) – A single scene beat that shows a “before” snapshot of the protagonist and the flawed world that he or she lives in.

Lila receives a letter from her hometown, a plead from her mother to come back home.

2. Theme Stated (5%) – A single scene beat in which a statement is made by someone (other than the protagonist) that hints at what the protagonist will learn before the end of the story.

3. Setup (1% to 10%) – A multi-scene beat in which the reader gets to see what the protagonist’s life and the world are like–flaws and all. It’s also where important supporting characters and the protagonist’s initial goal (or the thing the protagonist thinks will fix his or her life) is introduced.

4. Catalyst (10%) – A single scene beat in which a life-changing event happens to the protagonist and catapults him or her into a new world or a new way of thinking. In other words, after this moment, there’s no going back to the “normal world” introduced in the setup.

5. Debate (10% to 20%) – A multi-scene beat where the protagonist debates what he or she will do next. Usually, there is some kind of question haunting them like, “should I do this?” or “should I do that?” The purpose of this beat is to show that the protagonist is reluctant to change for one reason or another.

6. Break Into Two (20%) – A single scene beat in which the protagonist decides to accept the call to adventure, leave their comfort zone, try something new, or to venture into a new world or way of thinking. It’s the bridge between the beginning (Act 1) and middle (Act 2) of the story.

Act 2A / The Middle (Part 1)
7. B Story (22%) – A single scene beat that introduces a new character or characters who will ultimately serve to help the hero learn the theme (or lesson) of the story. This character could be a love interest, a nemesis, a mentor, a family member, a friend, etc.

8. Fun and Games (20% to 50%) – A multi-scene beat where the reader gets to see the protagonist either shinning or floundering in their new world. In other words, they are either loving their new world or hating it.

9. Midpoint (50%) – A single scene beat where the fun and games section either culminates in a “false victory” (if your protagonist has been succeeding thus far) or a “false defeat” (if your protagonist has been floundering thus far) or a. In romance novels, this could be a kiss (or more), a declaration of love, or a marriage proposal. In a mystery or thriller, this could be a game-changing plot twist or a sudden ticking clock that ups the ante. This could even be a celebration or the first big public outing where the protagonist officially declares themselves a part of their new world. Whatever happens during this beat, it should raise the stakes and push the protagonist toward making a real change before moving forward.

Act 2B / The Middle (Part 2)
10. Bad Guys Close In (50% to 75%) – If the protagonist had a “false victory” at the Midpoint, this multi-scene beat would be a downward path where things get worse and worse for him or her. On the other hand, if the Midpoint was a “false defeat,” this section will be an upward path where things get better and better. Regardless of the path your protagonist takes during this multi-scene beat, his or her deep-rooted fear or false belief (their internal bad guys) and the antagonist (external bad guys) are closing in.

11. All is Lost (75%) – A single scene beat where something happens, that when combined with the threat of the bad guys closing in, pushes your protagonist to their lowest point.

12. Dark Night of the Soul (75% to 80%) – A multi-scene beat in which the protagonist takes time to process everything that’s happened so far. This is his or her darkest hour—the moment right before he or she figures out the solution to their big problem and learns the theme or life lesson of the story.

13. Break Into Three (80%) – A single scene beat where the protagonist realizes what he or she must do to fix not only the external story problems but more importantly, their internal problems as well.

Act 3 / The End
14. Finale (80% to 99%) – A multi-scene beat where the protagonist proves they have learned the story’s theme and acts on the plan he or she made in the Break Into Three scene. A great finale has five parts:

Gathering the Team – The protagonist rounds up his or her friends, and gathers the tools, weapons, and supplies needed to execute the plan.

Executing the Plan – The protagonist (and his or her crew) execute the plan. Sometimes secondary characters are sacrificed here in order to force the protagonist to continue forward on their own.

The High Tower Surprise – The protagonist faces a twist or a surprise that forces him or her to prove their worth.

Dig Deep Down – With no backup plan, the protagonist has to dig deep inside themselves to find the most important weapon of them all—the strength and courage to overcome their fear or false belief (internal antagonist) and face the antagonist or antagonistic force (external antagonist).

Execution of New Plan – After the protagonist overcomes their fear or false belief (internal antagonist), he or she takes action against the antagonist or antagonistic force (external antagonist) and is successful. (If you’re writing a story where the protagonist isn’t successful, make sure there’s a point to their failure.)
As you can see in the visual scene map above, there are three scenes planned for the Gathering the Team section, the Executing the Plan section, and the High Tower Surprise section while there are only two scenes planned for the Dig Deep Down section and the Execution of the New Plan section. This isn’t set in stone—you can divide these thirteen scenes any way you like. However, this is my recommendation because ideally, you want the pacing of your story to ramp up towards the end. Fewer scenes equal a quicker pace.

15. Final Image (99% to 100%) – A single scene beat that shows the reader an “after” snapshot of your protagonist’s life and how much he or she has changed since the beginning of the story.