Genre Guides
Genre Guides

Supernatural Horror Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist, highlighting their connection to the supernatural, their vulnerabilities, and the ordinary world that is about to be disrupted by horrifying events. Dig Deeper The protagonist, perhaps a skeptic with a hidden psychic ability, a descendant of a long line of witches, or someone who unwittingly stumbles upon a gateway to the supernatural, is introduced in a world that initially appears ordinary. Their everyday life, their relationships, and any relevant backstory are established, along with any personal baggage or emotional vulnerabilities...

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Spy Thriller Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes The Hook (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Use an action sequence to introduce the protagonist, a skilled spy, secret agent, or intelligence operative, highlighting their expertise, gadgets, and the dangerous world of espionage they inhabit. Bonus points for this seemingly unconnected scene from the rest of the narrative being key to the denouement. Dig Deeper The protagonist, a seasoned spy with a license to kill, a cunning agent with a knack for disguise, or a tech-savvy operative with access to cutting-edge gadgets, is introduced in a world of secrets, deception, and...

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Psychological Horror Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist, highlighting their psychological state, their vulnerabilities, and the seemingly ordinary world that is about to become a nightmare. Dig Deeper The protagonist, a seemingly ordinary individual with a hidden trauma, a fragile mental state, or a predisposition to paranoia, is introduced in a world that initially appears mundane and safe. Their everyday life, their relationships, and any relevant backstory are established, along with any psychological vulnerabilities or anxieties that may contribute to their descent into madness. The Unraveling (Approx. 2,000-5,000...

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Police Procedural Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist(s) (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the lead detective(s) and their place within the law enforcement hierarchy, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and personal baggage. Dig Deeper The protagonist, a seasoned detective with a strong sense of justice and a dedication to the law, is introduced within the context of their law enforcement team. This might involve a detective duo with contrasting personalities and approaches, or a lone wolf detective who clashes with their superiors. Their backstories, including past cases, personal struggles, and relationships with colleagues, are established, adding...

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Legal Thriller Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist, a lawyer or legal figure, highlighting their skills, motivations, and challenges. Dig Deeper The protagonist, a driven attorney, an idealistic law student, or an innocent person caught in the crosshairs of the justice system, is introduced in a world of legal battles, courtroom drama, and moral dilemmas. Their legal expertise, personal motivations, and any past experiences or traumas that shape their perspective are established, creating a relatable and compelling character who will navigate the complexities of the legal world. The...

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Paranormal Romance Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist in their world, highlighting their unique abilities or connection to the paranormal, and any romantic baggage or challenges they face. Dig Deeper The protagonist is introduced in a world where the paranormal is a reality, whether they are a witch, a werewolf, a psychic, or simply someone who stumbles upon the supernatural. Their everyday life, their relationships, and any relevant backstory are established, along with any romantic baggage or challenges they might be dealing with. The Paranormal Encounter (Approx. 2,000-4,000...

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Historical Romance Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist in their historical setting, highlighting their social standing, aspirations, and any romantic limitations or challenges they face. Dig Deeper The protagonist is introduced in their historical context, whether it’s a grand estate in Regency England, a bustling city in Victorian America, or a remote village in medieval Scotland. Their social standing, family background, and personal aspirations are established, along with any romantic limitations or challenges they face due to societal expectations, family obligations, or personal circumstances. The Encounter (Approx. 2,000-4,000...

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Cyberpunk Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Neon-lit Streets (Approx. 0-2,000 words): Introduce the protagonist in a gritty, neon-drenched city, highlighting their skills, augmentations, and place within the dystopian society. Dig Deeper The protagonist, a skilled hacker, a streetwise hustler, or a cybernetically enhanced mercenary, is introduced in a sprawling metropolis dominated by towering skyscrapers, holographic advertisements, and a constant stream of data flowing through the virtual networks. Their unique skills, augmentations, and their position within the city’s complex social hierarchy are established, painting a picture of a character who is both a product of and...

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Cozy Mystery Beat Sheet

Export All to RTF Copy All to Clipboard Section Your Notes Introduction of Protagonist (Approx. 0-1,500 words): Establish the protagonist’s normal life and personality before the mystery begins. Dig Deeper Introduce your amateur sleuth. What’s their background? Are they a retired English professor, a quirky bookstore owner, or a nosy neighbor? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What is their personality like? Are they witty, observant, a bit clumsy, or fiercely independent? Give the reader a sense of who they are and why they might be drawn into a mystery. Establish their “ordinary world” before the crime disrupts it. What...

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