About this Video

• Video Title: How to Use the 24 Chapter Novel Outline for Fast Outlining
• Channel: The Nerdy Novelist
• Speakers: The Nerdy Novelist
• Duration: 00:14:39

Introduction

This video explains the 24-chapter novel outline, a structured template developed by Derek Murphy, helpful for outlining commercial novels. The speaker details each chapter's suggested content and demonstrates how this structure aids in outlining with AI tools.

Key Takeaways

• The 24-chapter novel outline is divided into four parts (Act I, Act IIA, Act IIB, Act III), each with six chapters, plus section breaks.
• The outline follows a three-act structure (25%, 50%, 25%), aligning with common narrative arcs.
• Each chapter focuses on a specific plot point or stage in the hero's journey, providing a detailed framework.
• The structure is particularly useful for AI-assisted outlining due to its clear, structured approach.
• An optional 25th chapter serves as an epilogue, highlighting character changes post-resolution.

The transcript provides descriptions for 24 chapters, plus an optional 25th chapter. Here's a summary of what is described for each:

Act I: The Hero and Their Ordinary World (Chapters 1-6)

1. The Really Bad Day: Initial problem for the protagonist.
2. Something's Off: A new, unusual element is introduced.
3. Grasping at Straws: Protagonist resists change.
4. Section Break: The Inciting Incident – event forcing the hero into action.
5. The Call to Adventure: A call to action to resolve the problem.
6. Pull the Rug: The protagonist is forced to accept the call to adventure.

Act IIA: Exploring the New World (Chapters 7-12)

7-9: Hero is thrust into a new world, gaining allies and enemies, facing challenges (games and trials). 10. Section Break: The First Pinch Point (first major battle with the antagonist). 11. Problem Revealed: The hero realizes the problem's scale. 12. Right Before the Midpoint: The hero discovers key information leading to a crossroads.

Act IIB: The Bad Guys Close In (Chapters 13-18)

1. Section Break: The Midpoint – hero makes a critical decision to continue.
2. The Plan of Attack: Hero starts formulating a plan.
3. The Role: The hero's crucial role in the plan is highlighted.
4. Section Break: The Second Pinch Point (another encounter with antagonist).
5. Direct Conflict: Hero attempts the plan, resulting in failure.
6. Shocking Revelation & Section Break: A major disaster; stakes are raised.

Act III: Defeat and Victory (Chapters 19-24)

1. The Dark Night of the Soul: Hero at their lowest point.
2. Giving Up: Hero considers giving up.
3. Pep Talk: Ally encourages the hero.
4. Seizing the Sword: Hero addresses their flaw and prepares.
5. Section Break: The Final Battle; the antagonist is defeated.
6. Bittersweet Return: The hero returns, restoring peace.

Optional Chapter 25: Epilogue – shows character changes after the events of the novel.