Thrillerfest 2013
07/14/13 08:32 PM
Alexandra Sokoloff
I just got back from Thrillerfest 2013, held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan, where I picked up a lot of great information. It was my 7th Thrillerfest and I always learn something new.
One session, given by thriller writer Alexandra Sokoloff, discussed how novelists can adapt a formula used for TV and film scripts to their books - to keep readers hooked. She was a great instructor, and I’d like to share the highlights of her lecture.
Most films and TV shows follow the same type of plot point outline that divides a story into eight sequences. Each block should end with a mini climax - it could be a bold statement made by a character, or something as simple as asking an unanswered question; having a phone ring; or a knock on the door (on TV, is usually comes right before a commercial break). The key is to keep the audience/reader wondering what happens next. This works for a half hour sit-com, a 1-hour drama, or a 2-hour film. For a 400 page book, a sequence would cover about 50 pages.
ACT 1
Sequence 1
Call to adventure
Seq. 1 mini-climax @15 minutes
ACT 1
Sequence 2
The status quo has changed
Seq. 2 mini-climax @30 minutes
ACT 2:a
Sequence 3
The hero devises a plan
“hero is winning”
Seq. 3 mini-climax @45 minutes
ACT 2:a
Sequence 4
Something goes horribly wrong
“game changer”
Seq. 4 mini-climax @ 60 minutes
ACT2:b
Sequence 5
The hero is tired and depressed and losing hope
Seq. 5 mini-climax @75 minutes
ACT 2:b
Sequence 6
All is bleak
“worst moment”
Seq. 6 mini-climax @90 minutes
ACT 3
Sequence 7
The hero takes a stand…
“Storm the castle”
Seq. 7 mini-climax @105 minutes
ACT 3
Sequence 8
Hero faces greatest nightmare
“new way of life”
Sequence 8 Climax @120 minutes
Is this formula written in stone? Probably not for established writers who know when and why to break the rules; but if you’re just starting out, you may want to stick with it. Just tweak the times of the mini-climaxes to coincide with the length of your book.