Spark Club Novel Planning Day 7:

The When

 

As a reminder, here is a sample story card:

SCENE #: 1
ALPHA POINT: This is why Clara is so dead-set on winning the piano competition: to prove herself to her mom and to herself, and to finally beat Asher for once (he’s always been better than her)
SUBPLOT: Asher cares for Clara and doesn’t consider her an enemy and is distressed that this event has made her hate him even more. 

THE

PLOT

CAUSE: WHAT HAPPENS

  • Clara learns that this year’s competition is different: Pressman is coming out of retirement and has announced that he is taking on ONE student: whoever wins the Carson competition will win his mentorship plus a recording deal and eventual world tour with his agency. 
  • Clara overhears her mom talking to another professor who asks her who she thinks has the best chance of winning the competition. The other professor.
  • Asher is there with Clara and overhears the same conversation.

EFFECT: THE CONSEQUENCE

  • Clara makes a decision to double down on her efforts to win, and tells Asher that they’re “enemies” now.

THE

THIRD

RAIL

CAUSE: WHY IT MATTERS

  • Clara wants her mom’s approval more than anything, and she thinks this is the way to get it. She struggles with self-worth.

EFFECT: THE REALIZATION

  • Clara now regards Asher as her enemy, even more than before. 
  • Asher, who had been trying to win her over, is frustrated again.

AND SO?

  • The stage is set for the showdown.