Unlike most of the other plot points you’ve written so far, your Climax can actually consist of a handful of scenes, rather than just one. This is especially true since it’s such an involved part of your story.

This means every scene after the Third Plot Point and leading into your Climax should focus on one thing and one thing alone: setting up the final confrontation of your story. This is where you’ll resolve any outstanding subplots or character arcs—specifically ones your Climax won’t resolve itself—and you should also ensure your cast is where they

Scenes, as I’ve mentioned before, are basically mini stories that build on top of each other to form your novel. What’s more, each scene follows a structure very similar to the Three Act Structure, though slightly abbreviated:

You see, at its core this challenge was meant as exactly that: a challenge. When you sit down to write your second, third, or even fourth novel, I doubt you’ll follow this process again. In many ways, this was never meant to be more than a one-time challenge,

instead of letting these feelings swamp you, turn to your outline. Pull out a highlighter or colored pen and make a quick note beside whatever scene you’re working on. Mention what you’re feeling, and why. Didn’t think that character’s introduction was any good? That’s ok—make a note of it. Don’t like how you described that majestic mountain in the

You’ll get a final few moments to bring closure to your characters’ arcs after the Climax, but your plot needs to reach its conclusion before any of that can happen.

Personally, I like to write gibberish until I hit my stride, often making a list of random bullet points until inspiration strikes.

The Jump Forward ending sees your story jump forward in time to a period anywhere from years to decades after the events of your main story. Members of your cast, now older, reminisce about their experiences on their journey—this is often done for a younger audience, as a way of preserving their adventure.

From there, it’s simply a matter of regrouping, creating a new plan, and marching towards the Climax.