So I’m currently up to a 7 page outline for SunCatcher. I have Dan Wells Style 7 Point Story Structure points for 4 character development arcs (2 good guys and 2 bad guys), and 2 subplots (action and romance). Now I am going back and adding outline-like detail on each of the seven points. At some point I’m going to put this all into a spreadsheet and align it. I also need to create a culture for the white people and finish other world building details. But it’s coming along!
After an initial brain dump of all my ideas for this world, I started on my 7 point plot outline for the romance. Then I made one for the main protagonist development arc, and quickly realized several key points were missing! Ditto for the antagonist (she was missing even more pieces). The beautiful part is that I am realizing this now, BEFORE I’ve written 450 pages of the story.
So…yay Dan Wells. If I ever meet you again, sir, I will shake your hand and thank you. In the meantime, I guess the least I could do is buy your book. 
That’s awesome. Does Dan have some special advice about the 2 good guys, 2 bad guys, and 2 subplots, or is that simply what you decided to do? I know he mentions different types of subplots in his 7 Point of Story Structure presentation, but his example involved four different plot lines.
No, I wish he would go into more detail than he does. I feel like I need the second course after the one we saw.
His four subplots were: Romance, Action, Betrayal and Character Development. I started with romanc and action, then I had a character development for the male protag and his female love interest. Then the betrayal subplot kind of turned into development of the betraying character, and the fourth development arc is for the villian. Some of the events are repeats, but each arc and 7 point plot is unique.
I really like this method because I can find the gaping holes now instead of later.
Say, Ben, are you interested in joining our little writing group? We submit every Wednesday and meet on Skype every Sunday night. Sterling started it, but he’s kind of dropped out. Honestly, I’ve been the most active member…but that’s ok! Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll try to figure out how to email you without letting the whole interweb know your email address….
I am definitely interested. I’m going through some big life changes right now, which I hope will result in me being able to do more writing. If that happens, I will need a writing group. Realistically, though, I won’t be ready to contribute for a month or more as I transition to my new life and get started writing again. I need to start outlining my new story first, too. (I’ll be using some of the really great advice here on your blog, so thank you!) My e-mail is ben [/at/] benjaminrose [/dot/] com.
By the way, nice Strongbad reference.
Erp. It’s actually Dr. Doofenshirmtz from Phineas and Ferb. But you’re right, it does sound like something Strongbad would say.
Haha, and here I thought I was so in the know. For this outrage, you shall be burninated!