That’s it.
Seriously.
The most basic, and yet, the most direct route from beginning to end.
This is a take on Pixar’s storytelling process (see Rule #4)
But it’s also something I refer to often when I’m plotting out a book. It IS the formula, if there ever was a story “formula”
It doesn’t mention how with every “And then,” the object is to make it harder for the hero or hero/heroine.
It doesn’t elaborate on how it all explodes together into the climax of the story.
It’s just the bones.
But they’re very, very good bones.