October 22, 2015. Welcome to my Blog Challenge on preparing your novel. Those who are just arriving, do check out the earlier posts on this challenge, as the exercises/ reflections build on each other. To find out  more about this challenge, read my original post  HERE.

Part II (Act II a) begins with the protagonist leaving behind (literally or symbolically) the world as he/she knows it. This section takes up 50% of your novel and must include two more sets of obstacles and turning points. The second obstacle-followed-by-turning-point occurs half-way through part II (the mid-point of the novel), when the protagonist fully commits to the new larger goal and becomes pro-active. (Previously, he/she was merely reactive, responding to the inciting incident.)

1. How will you show the protagonist literally or figuratively leaving his/her old world behind?

2. What is the protagonist's new goal, the goal created by the inciting incident, which will be his/her over-reaching goal for the novel?

3. How does this new goal conflict with the antagonist's goal?

4.  What is the first obstacle or conflict that occurs as a result of the protagonist's decision at the end of part I, or because of the conflict with the antagonist's goal? 

5. How does the protagonist respond/react to this obstacle? What strengths does he/she use to overcome it? 

6. How will you hint at an inner flaw or secret that may prevent the protagonist from overcoming future, more difficult obstacles? (maintaining tension)

7. How do the protagonist's friend, mentor, and love interest respond to this new obstacle?

8. How does the antagonist respond/react to the protagonist overcoming this obstacle?

9. What second, major obstacle and consequent turning point will occur at the end of Part II? How will you show it to be a direct result of the protagonist's way of dealing with the previous obstacle or of his/her inner flaw or weakness? What is it about this obstacle that will make the protagonist fully commit to the goal and become proactive in pursuing it and/or in defeating the antagonist?

This looks like a lot to cover in one exercise, but we are not doing a detailed outline, just a rough outline of the main markers, to keep you on track as you are writing.

Please leave a comment or tweet or like this post to share it. We can all learn from each other. See you tomorrow!