Scene planning7 core beats

Scene Card

Use a scene card template to capture each scene goal, conflict, and outcome, then connect cards to see how scenes drive each other.

Best for

Writers who plan scene by scene and want each scene to change the situation.

Interactive preview

Drag the beats, pan the canvas, or zoom in

Preview mode
Select a beat to inspect the chain
6 of 7 beats
Story spine

Map the turning points first.

Put these beats down before you write the scene list. The order matters less than the connections: what causes what, what mirrors what, and where the story changes direction.

  1. 01Scene Goal
  2. 02Point of View
  3. 03Conflict
  4. 04Turn
  5. 05Outcome
  6. 06Value Change
  7. 07Hook to Next Scene
Make it yours

From framework to working map.

  1. 01

    Give each scene a card with its goal, the conflict, and how the situation changes.

  2. 02

    Draw an edge from each scene to the one its outcome sets up.

  3. 03

    Cut or rewrite any scene whose card shows no change in value or information.

Best fit

  • Scene-by-scene planners
  • Screenwriters building a sequence
  • Revising a saggy middle
  • Discovery writers organizing a draft after the fact

Watch for

  • A scene where nothing changes is usually two scenes or none.
  • Cards multiply fast, so keep the focus on goal, conflict, and change.
Questions

A little context before you map.

Related templates
Your story, your structure

Use the framework. Break it when the story asks.

Start mapping free