my favourite novel plotting method: the plot embryo

[@edgarlee2802]

This is great. I'll watch it again tomorrow when I'm sober!

[@scottherf]

Me too!!

[@kristine95660]

I think I need to take up drinking so I can stop over thinking my writing 😂

[@TheLordPranamya]

Lol

[@rosariomsoley]

I love how unnecessary that footnote was.

[@kathleenb3682]

Same

[@kiyasuihito]

I feel like this 'cycle' occurs naturally in each of our lives too. Like getting thru a semester of school, learning a new job, or just growing up in general.

[@jf1809]

Normally KZbin videos on novel outlining bore me to death but I always watch yours beginning to end. You explain concepts well and offer just enough examples from your own work to make your point, without tangentially discussing your experiences.

[@hornbeam7131]

I am doing the "How to plot a novel on one page course at the moment. I highly recommend it. I don't know if this is useful but I came up with a mnemonic for remembering the points on the embryo. I have a bad memory so I habitually do this. You Need to Go shopping Search, Find, Take what you want Return to the checkout, pay and get your Change.

[@SpikeLawliet]

Brillant!

[@crabbySm4ck3r]

You know, I’ve always hated plot structuring frameworks, but being a fan of your videos and of Dan Harmon kinda helped to sell me on this. Now that I’m sold I’m also noticing that my story was starting to take this shape, anyway, now I can just take charge of that a lot more effectively and quit getting stuck and thinking I’m too cool for a plot structure framework.

[@Synthematix]

We spend so much of our short lives wondering how things work and overthinking everything, then before you know it you are 70 years old.

[@Nothing2seeh3r]

I love your Cardcaptors necklace!

[@LearnComicsWithPancake]

As a writing newb this was amazingly simple and complicated at the same time aha! Thank you for the content. :)

[@edwardgalway6026]

Bullet journals and graphic outlines? Yes please. Thank you for the great explanation!

[@claremiller9979]

This is such a random thing but I had to get it out, and figured I might as well word-vomit at people who may care, rather than my family who definitely won't. Thinking about the plot embryo and overlaying it on familiar stories led me to think about Twilight (do not ask me why) and I realized something that had subconsciously bothered me for years - it's Edward's story, not Bella's. When you look at their journies yes they both have one, but Edward's is far more profound and fits the plot embryo so much better. Bella spend a lot of time at basically the whims of fate, or more specifically the abilities of the vampires she's now surrounded by. Her own actions and choices are either absent, meaningless, or cause further issues. All the Hero's Journey parts, including the more profound internal shift, belong to Edward. He goes from believing he'll be alone forever, and being kind of ok with that, to being hit with this sledgehammer of input and working through so much to come to terms with being able to be with a human like Bella who evokes such strong emotion he (a very old almost unkillable being) has never felt before. In the end he accepts their love should be a thing. That's so huge, so much bigger than Bella's arc which is... Well, to be honest, other than being a vehicle for self-insert, not really that compelling. Anyway. I just needed to get that out of me to avoid erupting like an unhinged plot analysis volcano on my loved ones thanks.

[@coocoointhebrains]

I downloaded this video and watched it on repeat more than 3 times and maybe on the fourth i actually took note and then i actually applied it and i plotted a novel. And i cant tell you how awesome it was for me to actually be able to do it because ive been watching so many videos in the same theme and only yours anctually helped me. THANK YOU SO MUCHHHH!!!!

[@snowm8n]

This was dope. There’s a lot of vids like this but this had some new thoughts. I’m subbing now.

[@sgp7250]

I really was listening to everything you said, and love the advice, but my love for your accent was a pleasant distraction. Lol. Love it, but on a serious note, great video, thanks. You've got another subscriber!

[@SoundBoss5150]

I love that you used the Yeti instead of a jar or a mug.

[@vincevaughn3189]

Searched for this topic, but clicked on this video because you were definitely the cutest of all the options. But stayed because the video is so helpful. So thanks for both being cute and helpful.

[@RachaelStephen]

Hah! I’m cute AND the resident Plot Embryo expert on KZbin so it’s a win win. (Also you should check out the free seven video series I did on this, it updates and expands on it! mailchi.mp/c77c3c1facd4/plot-on-one-page)

[@CanaryQuillAstrology]

LOVE THE EYEBROW UPGRADES. Also, FUN FACT - I'm an astrologer and a writer, and a lot of plot structures line up with the House system we use to show how a person traverse their life.

[@conservos2349]

This sounds like a good subject to bring up in my writer's group.

[@rebeccaglenn7169]

Smashing idea good sir...

[@ionamcdonough]

Your videos are the most helpful resource for writing that I have ever come across. Thank you.

[@RachaelStephen]

+Iona McDonough 💖

[@Khalindr]

Thanks... A LOT!! I've been stuck for years on my story, and I'v just realized, midway through your videos, that I was seeing too big: I was trying so much to outline a grand plot for a story spanning three books, but I know now that I need "sub-plots" for each books, one cycle of this pattern for each of my books, as steps for my character. So, thank you to help realized that. Maybe I can finally write that book! ^^ (sorry if my english isn't perfect, I'm french )

[@keyrae.8058]

Never thought about how the plot points mirror each other! Very insightful and definitely super helpful for troubleshooting a difficult part of the story. The plot points on this circle are similar to the plot point outlined by the Pixar method. I feel like using both methods in communication with each other may be useful for me when I get stuck

[@RebeccaKSampson]

This is so helpful! I'm going to start plotting with it tonight

[@MistyHarvey]

Thank you so much! I never understood the hero's journey to such extent. This has taught me so much.

[@alessm2206]

This is an outlining method that actually makes so much sense and gives enough guidance! I loved how this video was long, but it was concise enough where I was not getting bored. While you were explaining what each number meant, I was thinking of my next project and how everything I want would fit. I am going to do more research, but I am definitely using this method. It is just so helpful and this video did a great job to explain it to a newbie.

[@DannyMolyneux]

Thank you so much! Incredibly informative and helpful. I'm off to get my pencils and some paper now.

[@rintintinification]

Just used it for the first time, and it's really helping solve some plot hurdles and make everything work cohesively. Thanks, and thanks to Harmon and Campbell both. Cheers!

[@nextstepdanny8806]

Tremendous! I'm a first-time writer and just getting my characters off the ground. This will be a huge help to finish strong! Thnx

[@RachaelStephen]

Good to hear! :) if you want to get the most out of this method I recommend signing up for how to Plot on One Page (linked in the description! 👆). It’s an expanded version of this video I created after lots more experience using it!

[@andrewfriday7693]

An excellent tool for both outlining and evaluating a work in progress.

[@xChikyx]

i dont like the hero's journey, i dont know, i find it too artificial... however, they way you presented it (vertical and horizontal planes) makes a lot of sense, i could try it some day, when i plot a novel i guess... hahah

[@patrickskramstad1485]

I am finding this method more and more helpful and agreeable. Thank You :)

[@r.m.6657]

I struggled with this concept until I saw this video. Instant-subscribe! Thanks so much for this! :D

[@jasonjohntyler]

Thank you, Rachael Stephen. This is most definitely what I need. I love all your videos. They are easy to understand which makes them that much more appealing. Brilliant, is all I can say. Simplicity is the key to success. What's in a story? What is a story? What make's a story a story? How do you know when it's truly a story? Where does it begin? Where does it end? For what reason is a story a story? And why can some tell a story and others can't? What's missing? And why do those missing elements cause the story to suffer so? What elements does a story need to be a story. Your videos have helped me develop a greater understanding of how to tell a story that works. The type of story that will keep readers reading, keep them wanting more and most importantly, keep them coming back for more. I do not know if you will ever know how much you have helped me. Your explanations and your further elaboration of your previous explanations promote complete clarity and understanding. Each and every one of us think differently and each and every one of our brains work quite differently from the next person, but all readers are looking for one thing; to be entertained thoroughly without disappointment. Thanks to you, from me, this is the first time that I actually get it, allowing me to regain my footing after 35 rewrites; drafts, thus far or as yet, resulting in three unsuccessful versions of my first published hundred and ten thousand word horror novel, I finally get it and I understand what I did wrong and most importantly what I can do now, to soar. Once again, thank you.

[@Northumbergull]

Excellent chat through the concept! I'm a visual learner too 👍

[@Yosya8059]

I was pleasantly surprised to know the base for the method. I read about a quarter of Joseph Campbell’s book, too! The idea was really interesting. But haven’t finished. Cool that I got reminded of it.

[@MrEllifant]

Hey Rachael, thanks so much for this. Been a silent viewer for a while but you can't imagine how much this video helped me for Preptober. Unlike my first and unstructred mess of a Nano (last year), I feel bloody well prepared and can't wait because I'm so pumped for November now.

[@thespeculativedrewcrew8485]

This is fantastic, even watching this video has made me see ways that I can change the ways that I structure my novel already written, and the ones I am working on currently.

[@CNBlaze-qj7fg]

I love this stuff! Researched the Monomyth (Monomith? Mono-myth? Whatever) in the past but I find other people's take on it incredibly useful. The comparisons and organizing you use really helps open up new ways of using it. Thank you!

[@keegansings4172]

At 7:40, You know I can see this with a few books I have read in the past few years. Especially a book called The Wind Singer. A wonderful book but follows that chart. I also noticed it in a few other books as well. Like a few horror stories like my favorite book, Michigan Chillers #3 Poltergeist Of Petoskey. And honestly I can say that I'm thankful for this video, as I have been having trouble with writing my story on wattpad and trying to come up with original ideas. Or plot lines and having the frustration of it. You are a wonderful person and I'm glad this video was made! It helped me a lot!

[@Jyncks2]

I went the other way round, mythology led to Joseph Campbell and then to Dan Harmon. Funny how that works. Looking to outline and write the first draft of my first novel and your videos and advice are very much appreciated. Dan Harmon's plot embryo is very interesting so far, seeing how he understands the importance of change to the character will really help to understand the conflict I think. Very cool stuff.

[@kayliemancino6269]

I love love love your channel! (The music behind your videos are always so calming and it makes me so HAPPY)

[@Flamencoista]

Loved how you broke this down - really well explained.

[@DakotaRebel]

This is fascinating! I'd never heard of this method before, but I love the way you break it down step by step. Thank you for sharing.

[@RachaelStephen]

+Dakota Rebel thank you! At the moment I'm trying to figure out how it changes for tragic/villain/antagonist plots.

[@DakotaRebel]

It's funny, I have found myself applying this to everything I watch over the past few days. I watched the Smurf movie with my son and was able to isolate each section for each character in the movie. The brain of a writer is a weird, weird place. But, it might help your question if you watch a tragedy, you might be able to isolate the sections in the same way. Just a thought.

[@jackiemorrison2706]

Thank you Rachael! This has helped me so much. My previous novels have stalled one third through and I can see this is due to large wobbles in plotting! Using the Harman plot embryo has already helped me bring clarity to the journey of my key characters. Whoopee! Just in time for NaNo!!!

[@rodrigoruiz1988]

Brilliant! I've read the Hero's Journey. One of my absolute favourite books, especially since I adore mythology. I'm a composer, mainly, but I'm writing my own libretto on a mythological subject for an opera I'm planning in the future. This has helped me very much in understanding a practical way to put the Hero's Journey to good use. Thanks so much!

[@deerinthewoods]

looks really helpful, thanks a lot!! makes me want to try it on my novel right away :)

[@MysteriesofWriting]

I also fully support outlining! This is such an interesting plotting method that I've never heard of before. I'm going to use this method now. Thanks for this video! :D

[@N.Traveler]

This is extremely helpful! Still am incredibily stuck with my plot, but this gives me something to hold on to and to organize my thoughts. I might even create multiple plot ideas using this 'embryo'. I am writing a book about B-boying and hip hop culture and I read the summary of your book "State of Flux" (in love with this title btw). I noticed a lot of similarities between your book and my story idea and am so excited to read it, I'm going to buy it. :)

[@MarieMaurerKdramaReview]

This was so hopeful! I'm going to try it out on my own story asap. On another note; I really love your videos, keep it up

[@AcreletaeDnD]

I do believe you've helped me to salvage my NaNoWriMo project! Thank you so much!

[@UteChewb]

When I first read The Hero With a Thousand Faces I realised that it had a profound logic to it. In a tribal society the myth structure was a prescription for how to tackle a great task and the effect it would have on you, and your obligations. There is the desire to reject it (a normal reaction), acceptance, the need to find people who can help you with advice or magical talismans (remember tribal society), bring allies, the many trials and failures and need to persist, you find what you wanted, but now you need to return to your people so they can share the reward. All very good advice for a young person. It is not the only way to write a story but it does appeal because of its logic I think.

[@savejblaque9899]

i have been getting so much great info while prepping for Nanowrimo this year using your videos. Thank you so much!!

[@rachelsimmons8764]

Love your ccs necklace, nice video too!

[@jakachava3813]

You really should make a patreon. I bet a lot of people would love to give back to you

[@ricardomiranda7737]

I noticed one of the books on your shelf, Cosmos by Carl Sagan. I read this one when I was between 18-19 and it changed the course of my life and was a huge inspiration.

[@hotlips3923]

Thanks, I think this will help me pace my story events well :) i'm writing my first novel :)

[@tampagirl7533]

This was fantastic!!!! Thank you!

[@nolanxart]

Thanks for this! I appreciate the thorough explanation.

[@RachaelStephen]

Thanks! This only really skims the surface of what the plot embryo is capable of though! I recommend checking out How to Plot on One Page in the description to delve a bit deeper 👆

[@nolanxart]

Awesome, Rachael. I'll get into it!

[@scottherf]

Getting distance on work has no equal.

[@mooshoosh]

woah... I’m gonna go use this now

[@JudithSamp]

I am so happy that I found you! You offer awesome videos and I am very interested in reading your books! They seem very original and new.

[@MyWillis21]

This is amazing! Can't wait to use it!! Awesome video ❤

[@lisjoh]

Thank you for this video. It's a very straightforward way of looking at plot and how it moves forward. I'm going to use it with my WIP and what I know of the plot (from writing for discovery and freewriting) and see where there might be gaps. I think this is pretty spot on for a character-driven plot?

[@RachaelStephen]

+Lisa Lawler good to hear! :) for me character driven is the ONLY kind of plot so I imagine so, yes 😂

[@swashbucklerbooks158]

My friend and CP Oonagh Moon on Instagram told me of you so I had to check you out! This was very useful thank you! I'll keep you updated when I use it 🖤

[@AuthorBrittanyWang]

This was so unique and helpful, thanks so much Rachael!! 😁🙌

[@juan44asdj]

There’s an error in the image and structure example. For Dan Harmon is not a 8 circle parts. Please look his ORIGINAL video. It’s 4 parts and 4 plot points. That thing change everything in this video.

[@xPureChokoLove]

Thank you, I havent heard of this technique (atleast in the german community), I definitly will try it :)

[@SmellsLikeNirvanaaa]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much :)

[@ionadouglas8654]

I'M SO GLAD YOU'VE DONE A VIDEO ON THE MONOMYTH! Hahaaaah! It's helped me so much as I've been writing! :) That's my go to plotting book. I haven't checked the documentary out though! Thanks for recommending :)

[@sarahkrogulski8010]

Hi Rachael! I was wondering if you would be willing to do a video sharing your thoughts on writing a series? I would like to outline the entirety of the series I'm trying to write but am finding it somewhat difficult and the way you explain novel craft alwayshelps it to click for me. Thanks!!

[@RachaelStephen]

I’ve never written a series so I don’t really have in depth tips but I do cover it a little in my plot embryo Q&A video so I recommend checking that out! 💕

[@sarahkrogulski8010]

@@RachaelStephen alrighty! Thanks. I definitely will!!

[@peterxyz3541]

One reading isn't enough. I read it 3 or 4 times and discover something new every time.....or my mind retain something new every time.

[@lumi33tv]

This was extremely helpful, thank you so much for this video.

[@janellrobisch9047]

I used the Hero's Journey for my NaNoWriMo 2017 novel and found it extremely helpful as well, especially since i decided to do NaNo at the last minute.

[@functionoflightone]

Really, really enjoy your content. But in this vid do wish the music were further in the background. May be just my computer, but the music track is actually competing with your lovely voice.

[@RachaelStephen]

Oh no! Thanks for letting me know - the audio quality often varies a bit and as such I sometimes lose the ability to tell when the music is too loud (especially if I'm watching it over and over to try and check). Unfortunately there's nothing I can do for this video now it's out there but I'll be careful with my next!

[@noak7193]

Brilliant video! So useful... Thanks!!

[@masterclif]

5:23 Video finally meanders to the subject.

[@melodine707]

gonna try it...thanks

[@davecenker8234]

I absolutely love your videos, Rachael. The way you tell it like it is and remain conversational in your tone while doling out wicked useful information is addictive. It's like we're sitting down and sharing a cup of tea (or in my case, coffee) and just exchanging ideas. Well, I guess you do all the talking, but that's where this comment changes that ... I am intrigued by the plot embryo. I have scoured the internet to find all I can about it. I have written one novel using a sort of ad hoc method, and have the fragments of an idea for a second novel floating around in my head, and I'm looking to apply this outlining method to the process to make the drafting process a bit less ... random. My question is this. In step 2, the character "wants" something. In step 5, the character gets what they "wanted". I am wondering about the term "wants" in both of these spots as he/she travels around the circle. What if what the character "wants" is not what he/she "needs"? What if, through the adaptation phase, the character realizes that what they want changes, or even if they don't come to this realization, the 5th step delivers them what they actually "need" in their life? Am I just taking the words too literally, that the want in step 2 is the same want obtained in step 5? Because my idea begins with my protagonist wanting one thing when he actually needs something completely different. I know that the story circle is open to interpretation, but I was just wondering what your take on it might be ... By the way, not to belittle the aforementioned kick a$$ content that you provide, but it is wrong to say that I really look forward to the outtakes at the end of your videos? ;-)

[@RachaelStephen]

Hey! I'm so glad you feel that way about my channel :D And yes, you're totally right to pick up on that difference between want/need! The plot embryo is a big topic and it was really hard to fit it into just one video, so I couldn't go into as much detail as I wanted, but as far as I understand it, 2 is actually about the NEED, not what the character wants or THINKS they need. The thing they get at five has to be the thing they ACTUALLY needed, even if it wasn't what they thought. It might be subconscious. So at 2, it's established that something is wrong or missing, the MC might think they can fix this with X, and spend 4 searching and getting it wrong, but at 5, they get Y and realise that's the REAL solution to the problem at 2. Don't tell anyone but sometimes I just watch my own outtakes and chuckle to myself.

[@AlyonaKrylova]

Thank you for interesting methods and for no-swearing) Like 👍🏼

[@jackienicholson2990]

I wish I could Thumbs up twice. Thank you!

[@transphormmandy3572]

love this! Thank you for sharing.

[@shopgirlkc]

GREAT video. Thank you!

[@antropatico]

good video. the background music was driving me nuts though.

[@patrickskramstad1485]

Star Wars - The Legacy Revealed Documentary - 2007 This is a title of documentary about the impact of Joseph Campbell's modern influence. If you search for this in youtube, you can watch the full film. I learned quite a bit. You may find it interesting.

[@RachaelStephen]

Ooh that sounds great! Will take a look, thanks (:

[@Sarah_e_me]

I wasn't sure about this at first but I figure I can trust anyone who loves Community. (Troy + Abed in the moooorning.)

[@runningfromthestorm47]

Hi! Love your videos, they've been very helpful to me. I do have a question, however! If you were plotting for a series, so say you had a beginning and an end more or less worked out to an extent, would you apply this Plot Method for the over reaching plot across the series, or would you address each individual entry instead? God i hope that made sense. Either way, thank you for the epic vids.

[@RachaelStephen]

I answer this question exactly in my Plot Embryo FAQ video! I recommend checking it out :)

[@runningfromthestorm47]

So you did! Thank you for pointing that out. Also, your five step brainstorming videos have been helping me tremendously, i'm just plowing through my story now :) Cheers for the reply

[@baxterlee1573]

really helpful. thanks!

[@leebubb467]

Thank you so much! 🙌🏼

[@emeraldscorpio]

Brilliant! Love it. Cheers!

[@RachaelStephen]

Yass! This is a great video to check out next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paPMYWeFr61_ftE

[@emeraldscorpio]

On it!

[@kaylaglore3420]

This was really confusing to me, but I do like the idea. Going to look more into it

[@RachaelStephen]

I’ve just created a full guide you might find helpful! Find it at RachaelStephen.com

[@kaylaglore3420]

Rachael Stephen cool! I'll check it out :)

[@flootsmith]

I spotted your bullet journal! ;)

[@RachaelStephen]

+Anna Meyers it comes everywhere with me now 😚

[@diegomorales8616]

Study Dramatica. It makes writing harder, but the stories come out better.

[@GutsyGibbon]

Very helpful

[@francescotrivella9243]

Hi Rachel. Thanks for your videos, they are very inspiring. I wanted to ask you: how do you spread the plot points throughout a novel? Comparing my first draft with the plot embryo, I found out that my point five happens at around one fourth of the whole story, and point six happens well after the last fourth milestone (they are quite far apart). Now I am in the process of rewriting everything to make it fit a better structure than the one I have now, but I wanted to ask you if there are any tips you can give about this topic. Do the plot points have to follow a certain rhythm in the way they are placed in the novel? Thank you!

[@teagirlworld5186]

Love this love this LOVE THIS 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@StarkQueen]

Super helpful, thank you!

[@Sara.Brandt.Autorin]

But if you have different main plots, maybe 3 like in your example, when do the different Plot Points happen? Did the fifth point of plot 1 happen at the same point in the story like the fifth point of plot 2? Or are they at different places in your story? Or, to say it another way: if my character 1 changes at plot point x, does character 2 change there too? I hope, my thoughts aren´t too confusing ;)

[@dragonchr15]

I have a craving for like jello now.

[@pleromaprism7581]

I want a book with a hegelisn view of it theme with the theme clashing with it's opposite and both being changed until they reach a middle ground or synthesis

[@rafaellewis1263]

Harmontown is excellent

[@Arthas2523]

Impressive work! :)

[@MoiraMcGill]

HarmonQuest is another show he has, by the way. Funny for game nerds