Fill-in-the-Blank Plotting combines the two most reliable story structures -- the Hero's Journey and the Three-Act Structure -- and shows writers how to merge them to create a powerful plot. Some writers are lucky. Plots pop into their heads, fully formed and ready for the page. This book is for the rest of us. This book combines the two most reliable story structures: the Hero's Journey and the Three-Act Structure, and shows writers how to merge them to create a powerful plot. For those of us who have to work hard at turning our ideas into a workable story, here is a helping hand. Linda George's method for outlining allows flexibility and ''eureka'' moments, while providing a reliable way to develop scenes, characters, turning points, and other dramatic elements to strengthen your novel. In this book, Linda shares her two plotting boards, presents the twelve steps of the Hero's Journey, and shows in detail how the Journey fits into the classic Three-Act Structure. A fill-in-the-blank method may sound formulaic, but proves to be a wonderful platform for creativity -- a sturdy trellis for the climbing vines of your story.