The Story Spine

Step 1

Introduction

The Story Spine is simple, you can work on your own or collaborate with another.

Once upon a time _______. Every day _______. But one day_____ because of that ______ because of that _____ because of that _____ until finally ______. And ever since then __________.

It all starts with the opening that we are familiar with:

Step 2

1. Once Upon a Time…

To set the stage for your story, begin by introducing your main character and their circumstances. If you're struggling to establish the time and place of your story, consider answering some of the key questions that your audience may have.

- Who is the hero/protagonist?
- Where do they live?
- What do they do?
- When does the story take place?

You don't have to use the traditional opening of "once upon a time," but provide enough context to help your audience understand whose story it is.

Example: Once upon a time there was a fish called Marlin who loved his son Nemo more than anything.

Step 3

2. Every Day…

This is the part of your story where you can immerse your audience in your hero/protagonist's daily routine, allowing them to become more familiar with the character's personality.

To make your story more relatable, try to showcase an aspect of your protagonist's routine or personality that your audience can identify with. By doing so, you can help your audience see themselves in the hero's story and become more invested in the narrative.

Example: Every day Marlin tried to shield Nemo from the ocean, which he feared.

Step 4

3. Until One day…

Regardless of whether the protagonist's life is going well or not, a significant event occurs that alters the course of their story. This event may prompt the protagonist to break their routine, embark on a thrilling adventure, strive to achieve a goal, or fight to maintain the world they cherish. In storytelling, this critical moment is known as the inciting incident, and it serves as the starting point for the narrative.

Example: Until one day a scuba diver took Nemo away.

Step 5

4. Because of That…

Now, it's time to plan the hero's response to the catalyst event that was identified in the previous step. Consider what actions the hero will take and how they will be affected by the inciting incident. This will help move the story forward and create a sense of momentum for the audience.

In this step, the protagonist embarks on a journey to achieve a specific goal. This phase of the story is akin to the second act of a play, where the plot thickens, and the action intensifies.

Example: Because of that, Marlin had to leave the safe community of his home reef to go out and find his son Nemo.

Step 6

Because of That…

Following the step above. No pressure to get it right the first time –it may take a few attempts to get things back on track. Try to keep it short.

Example: Because of that, Marlin ran into sharks, jellyfish and other perilous obstacles.

Step 7

Because of That…

You may or may not have a part 3. If you have another step, capture it!

Example: Because of that, Marlin was forced to take a leap of faith.

Step 8

Until Finally…

In this step, share the climax – the result that happens as a result of the steps the hero takes above.

Example: Until finally, Marlin learned to let go of his fear and have faith in Nemo’s abilities.

Step 9

Ever Since That Day…

Share the new normal, happy or sad. This final scene reveals the narrative's meaning for the protagonist, supporters, and audience, including any morals or takeaways.

Example: Ever since that day, Marlin gave his son Nemo the space he needed to learn on his own.

The Moral of the Story is: Parents need to let go for their kids to learn and grow up.

Step 10

Tip: Don’t overthink it! Try filling it out a few times with different steps to see where the hero's journey takes them and discover new and possibly more interesting versions of the story.

The Story Spine provides a plot or solid outline for your story. Once you have a strong structure in place, you can then work out the details.

Summary: The first two steps mark the beginning of the story, while the third step introduces a trigger - a catalyst that disrupts the main character's routine.

The subsequent three steps depict the changes that occur as a consequence of the incident. The second-to-last step features the climax, followed by the resolution or depiction of the new normal.