The Majority of Genre Fiction Follows This Format. Does Yours?
By: Jennifer Mittler-Lee
Tags: Creativity, Writing Tips, Fiction Writing, Self Improvement, Writing

Framing your structure

Imagine a rectangle divided into four equal blocks.

Image provided by the author

Now label each section. The first block is the Preparation Phase, the second the Reactive Phase, the third the Proactive Phase, and the fourth the Conclusion Phase.

Image provided by the author

Easy, right? Next, we’ll deal with the lines between the blocks.

The line between the Preparation and Reactive Phase we’ll call Game Changing Moment #1. Game Changing Moment #2 is the line dividing the Reactive Phase from the Proactive Phase. And, you guessed it, Game Changing Moment #3 divides the Proactive Phase from the Conclusion Phase.

Image provided by the author

This is the basic framework for all good stories, especially genre fiction. Readers subconsciously look for this structure and identify with each of these key points. When this framework is present, the story seems complete, and our readers feel that sense of emotional satisfaction.

Let’s look at each segment in more detail.

The Preparation Phase

Image provided by the author

This section encompasses the first quarter of your novel. This block sets up the story by introducing your characters and setting. Readers get to see what your character’s daily routine is like prior to the cascade of events that sets their life on a different course.

One character should emerge as the hero at this point. By showing their normal existence, readers can then identify with and emotionally respond to them at that moment when events spiral out of control.

The Preparation Phase is also the place to identify the stakes the hero will be playing for and introduce any inner demons that may hinder them later on.

Game Changing Moment #1

Image provided by the author

This is the moment where the story really gets going and is arguably the most important event in your entire book. Game Changing Moment # 1 introduces the primary conflict. The main character’s new quest, goal, or need is firmly established.

This inciting incident should also inform the reader what is at stake.

The Reactive Phase

Image provided by the author

The second phase of the story shows the hero responding to this big conflict.

This first reaction is often unfocused and unorganized. They do not yet have the tools needed to attack the problem and are instead reacting. This blind reaction may take many forms — running, hiding, observing, or avoiding.

Basically, our hero needs to buy some time to figure out what’s going on before they can plan their response.

Game Changing Moment #2

Image provided by the author

This event is what the hero needs to move on from the passive Reactive Phase. It usually enters the story in the form of critical information. The hero’s initial viewpoint of the conflict should change upon receiving this new information.

This is also the moment when the stakes begin to raise. However, our hero, armed with this revelation, now goes on the offensive. They can proactively deal with the conflict instead of being at the mercy of events.

The path forward is clear.

The Proactive Phase

Image provided by the author

While the Reactive Phase saw our character instinctively reacting, in the Proactive Phase, our hero is actively working to resolve the conflict.

They may try and fail multiple times. But each time this happens, the stakes become higher, and the tension grows stronger. If you’ve properly set up your Preparation Phase, the reader should root for the hero to keep trying after each failed attempt.

Remember those inner demons? Now is the time to put them into action. They can be another reason our hero doesn’t initially succeed.

Naturally, the opposing force is also responding to our hero’s attempts. Since their goals are in opposition, the success of one means the failure of the other.

After a series of small victories and defeats, just when it seems that the hero may finally gain the upper hand, the all is lost moment enters the story. Without any new information, they have gone as far as they can.

Failure is imminent.

Game Changing Moment #3

Image provided by the author

Now is when the reader expects that final plot point that drives the story to its exciting conclusion. New information is revealed that provides the hero with everything they need to succeed.

Game Changing Moment #3 should enter your novel about three-fourths of the way in. From this moment on, no new information should be revealed.

All the pieces of the puzzle are in play.

The Conclusion Phase

Image provided by the author

The final segment of any story is the dramatic climax leading to resolution. The ultimate conflict between hero and opposition takes place and the hero’s goal is achieved. At this point, the main character’s inner demons are also laid to rest.