Understanding the universal flow of a story (regardless of structure)

If we liken writing a story to embarking on a journey, knowing the universal flow is like having a map in hand. Just as a map guides you through unfamiliar terrain, the universal flow guides you through the art of storytelling. It's a structure as old as the hills, as comforting as a favourite cardigan and as invincible as a superhero's spandex suit. Let's dive in!

1. Set up – The 'Once upon a time.'

This is where we paint the picture of our hero's everyday life. Who are they? What are their hopes and dreams? What's their favourite method of turning their enemies to literal dust? The set-up is a peek into their world before the real adventure starts.

💡 Read more: Everything you need to know about the set-up of your novel

2. Catalyst – The wake-up call

Boom! This is the moment that disrupts our hero's routine. Maybe they discover a secret portal in their wardrobe, or they're fired from their job, or their long-lost cousin turns up with a suspiciously large inheritance. Whatever it is, this catalyst propels our hero out of their comfort zone and into the story proper.

💡 Read more: Everything you need to know about the catalyst of your novel

3. Debate – The 'Should I stay or should I go?'

Once the catalyst has occurred, our hero is left scratching their head, wondering what they should do next. It's decision time, and the tension is high. Ultimately, though they may be scared or unsure, our hero decides to forge ahead. They step through the wardrobe, take a job in another city, accept the suspiciously large inheritance...

💡 Read more: Everything you need to know about the debate of your novel

4. Fun & games – The 'Learning the ropes'

Now, our hero is well and truly in the thick of it. They're learning to navigate this strange new world, whether it's an enchanted forest, a corporate jungle, or the intricate world of wealth and family secrets. It's exciting, it's thrilling, it's fun and games!

💡 Read more: Everything you need to know about writing the fun and games section of your novel

5. Midpoint – The 'Oh, it's getting serious now'

This is the pivot of your story, the point where fun and games get a bit more...real. It could be a major revelation or a serious setback. Our hero realises they're in over their head, or they lose something or someone important. Whatever it is, the stakes are suddenly much higher.

💡 Read more: Everything you need to know about writing the mid-point of your novel

6. Bad guys close in – The 'Oh no, it's all going wrong!'

Remember when we said the stakes were higher? Well, they're about to get even worse. Our hero's enemies, challenges, and personal failings are all closing in, tightening the noose. It's a relentless series of obstacles that push our hero to the edge.

💡 Read more: Everything you need to know about writing the bad guys close in section of your novel

7. All is lost – The 'Is it the end of the world as we know it?'

This is the absolute low point for our hero. They've lost everything, and it seems like there's no way out. They're battered, broken, and feeling pretty darn miserable.

💡 Read more: Everything you need to know about writing the all is lost section of your novel

8. Finale – The 'Huzzah! We did it!'

But wait! All is not lost. Our hero pulls themselves together, faces their challenges head-on, and emerges victorious. It's the grand finale, the satisfying resolution we've all been waiting for.

💡 Read more: Everything you need to know about writing the finale of your novel

So, what's the plot twist?

Understanding this universal flow is like having a toolkit for storytelling. It's a tried-and-true structure that can guide you in crafting compelling narratives. But remember, this is just a guide.