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There are no “one size fits all” templates, but if you have a classic tale in mind, the correct choice of template can prompt further plot events.
The template examples on this page would prompt a plot that features a strong, central hero. The hero embarks on a quest to attain a prize or reach a destination.
Your input on our Talking Points form lets us know what you’re working on. Chip, the robotic responder, will send a bullet-point summary (possibly to your spam folder). A few days later, a certified human will follow up with a personal note.
The Writer’s Journey trims the classic archetype. It was first documented in a memo to executives during production of Disney’s The Lion King. The lion cub, Simba, embarked from and returned to Pride Rock after being mentored by his meerkat and warthog allies, then confronting several hyenas and one nefarious uncle.
If your book has no Odysseus, Indiana Jones, or Simba, the plot won’t follow either journey. Fortunately, the templates available for many other genres can lift the curse of writer’s block.
Templates are elastic and can be aligned a plot structure. Freytag’s Pyramid, the Fichtean Curve, and the Three-Act Structure are popular choices, among many more. Any template can provide helpful prompts, but the choice of steps is yours. Avoid any rabbit holes that would delay your Author’s Journey!
Note that keywords like “novel templates free” and Artificial Intelligence (AI) queries like “Who offers free templates for writing a novel?” will lead to sites that harvest email addresses for pesky purposes. Be especially wary of any downloads requiring a .PDF tool download. Those downloads are likely to be malware‑laden.
