In The Magic of Opening Images and First Chapters, we looked at the power of the opening image—that first glimpse that hooks a reader and promises a journey worth taking. But once you’ve hooked them, how do you keep them?

The answer lies in the External Plot.

Every story needs a visible, tangible goal. It’s the movement of the protagonist through the world. While internal growth is beautiful, the external plot is the engine. It’s the answer to the reader’s subconscious question: What is this person actually trying to do, and what happens if they fail?

In fantasy, where the worlds are vast and the magic is complex, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds. That’s why I want to introduce you to a tool we use at Fictionary: The Skeleton Blurb.

What is a Skeleton Blurb?

A skeleton blurb isn’t the flashy copy you see on the back of a book. It’s a structural tool for you, the writer. It’s the shortest possible version of your story that answers three vital questions:

1. Who is the protagonist?
2. What is their goal?
3. What is at stake?

Think of it as the North Star for your manuscript. If a scene doesn’t move your protagonist closer to that goal or raise those stakes, you have to ask yourself: Does this scene really belong?

The Fantasy Layer: More Than One Skeleton

Fantasy writers have a unique challenge. Often, a “real-world” goal isn’t enough. You might need multiple skeleton blurbs to keep your subplots on track. At a minimum, you’ll likely have an External Plot (the physical journey) and a Supernatural Plot (the magical journey). We’ll cover the supernatural plot next month.

Take Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Violet Sorrengail doesn’t just have one problem.

• External: She must survive the Riders Quadrant; otherwise, she’ll die as a cadet.
• Supernatural: She must control her signet; otherwise, she can’t protect the borders.

By separating these, you ensure every “layer” of your story has a beginning, middle, and a satisfying climax.

Identifying Your True Protagonist

Before you can write your blurb, you must be certain who your protagonist is. This sounds simple, but in complex fantasies with multiple Point of View (POV) characters, it can get murky.

We look at the data:

• The Opening Image: Usually, the character we meet first is our lead.
• Scene Count: Who owns the most “real estate” in your book?

In The Unbroken by C.L. Clark, we have two strong characters: Touraine and Luca. However, Touraine owns 60% of the scenes and leads the opening. She is our single protagonist.

In contrast, look at A Game of Thrones. George R.R. Martin uses a Group Protagonist strategy. No single character’s goal encompasses the whole story. Instead, the skeleton blurb belongs to the collective: The humans must choose who sits on the throne; otherwise, the kingdoms will fall apart.

Build Your Own

Are you writing a single protagonist story like Twilight or A Court of Thorns and Roses? Or are you weaving a massive ensemble?

Whatever your path, I challenge you today: Write your External Plot Skeleton Blurb. 

Protagonist [Name] must [Goal]; otherwise, [Stakes].

If you can’t fit your plot into that sentence, your story might be missing its bones. Get the skeleton right, and the rest of the body will follow.