READY TO FINALLY WRITE A STORY THAT WORKS?
The Fast Track Story Map is a fast and fun self-paced mini-course to help you craft a broad structure, so you have something to hang your story on, but can still show up and let your creativity flow!
DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU?
YOU'RE STUCK! YOU'VE RE-READ AND RE-WRITTEN THE SAME CHAPTER OVER AND OVER AND CAN'T SEEM TO MOVE FORWARD. 
YOU'VE SPENT HOURS, DAYS, WEEKS, EVEN YEARS WRITING YOUR STORY WITH NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT! 
YOU'VE LINE-EDITED YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO DEATH AND STILL CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY IT ISN'T GETTING ANY TRACTION!
YOU STARTED OFF WITH A GREAT IDEA OF WHERE YOUR STORY WAS HEADED, BUT YOU GOT LOST ALONG THE WAY AND YOU CAN'T FIND YOUR WAY BACK!
YOU KNOW SOMETHING ISN'T WORKING, BUT YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS OR HOW TO FIX IT! 
OUTLINING IS BORING AND YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR STORY FEELING 'FORMULAIC' IF YOU PLAN A STRUCTURE. 
YOU ARE ON YOUR FOURTEENTH VERSION OF AN OUTLINE AND HAVE DONE HOURS OF RESEARCH, BUT CAN'T SEEM TO START WRITING THE ACTUAL STORY. 
YOU HAVE A KILLER IDEA AND NO CLUE HOW TO START!WHAT IF THERE WAS A SIMPLE WAY TO
STRUCTURE YOUR STORY,
WITHOUT SPENDING HOURS STUDYING CRAFT
OR GIVING UP YOUR CREATIVE FLOW?
THERE IS!
YOU NEED A FAST TRACK STORY MAP!
Easy, fast, and fun steps to craft an amazing story structure, without wasting time on pages that don't work, getting lost and unsure of where your story should go next, or losing your creative voice.
WHY AM I SHARING MY FAST TRACK STORY MAP METHOD?
HI! I'M LIBBY
As a developmental editor and Author Accelerator certified coach, I guide fiction writers at all levels in bringing their novels or scripts to life.
In my own writing life, I have been both a Plotter and a Pantser. I used to write by the seat of my pants - showing up to the page to see what kind of magic my subconscious could churn out.
Now, this was fun, of course! But I would spend hours, weeks, months, or years finishing a story only to discover it was sort of mushy on the inside. Foundational pieces were missing. I had wasted time and words on what was now a page-one rewrite.
Then, I tried my hand at plotting before I started writing. I researched all the best story structure methods, spent hours honing character backgrounds, and played with every. possible. way. to. tell. my. story. I got so stuck in all the details I couldn't actually write!
I was overwhelmed!
I needed a fast way to chart a broad-stroke structural foundation for my story that allowed for the freedom of showing up to the page and winging it, but still guided me so my story didn't go off the rails, and endless hours/weeks/months/years lost in rewriting purgatory later.
SO I CREATED THE
FAST TRACK STORY MAP!
The strategy I teach inside the Fast Track Story Map is the same one I use to develop and check the structure of my own stories. And the best part is that it works for any part of the writing process:
- When you have an idea and need a quick sketch of how to start writing.
- When you are in the middle of your story and get stuck!
- When you've finished a rough draft and want a clear map for revising.
I know it works because I've tested it on myself and my clients! I use it because it works!
Now I want to share it with you!
OKAY, BUT WHAT IS A FAST TRACK STORY MAP?
FILLABLE PDF WORKBOOK
A Fast Track Story Map PDF Workbook and Tracker Sheet you can type into online, or print out and write into by hand, to help you map out the integral parts of your story structure.
STEP-BY-STEP
VIDEO TUTORIALS
Comprehensive video instruction modules walk you through the entire process of plotting every part of your Fast Track Story Map.
AN ACTIONABLE STORY MAP
Never again get lost when planning, writing, or revising your story with an actionable Fast Track Story Map! It's fast, fun and the best part - it's a technique you can use again and again, at any stage of the writing process!
JUST IMAGINE...
... finishing your story without wasting time and energy on pages that don’t work, or spending frustrating hours staring at a blank screen, unsure of how to start!
With simple and fun exercises that uncover the essence of your story, you'll create a sturdy structure that lets you write with both freedom and direction.
Inside the Fast Track Story Map, I show you how to dive deep into the meaning behind the story you want to tell to craft a compelling, broad story structure, utilizing a layered protagonist, thematic questions, and my G.R.I.P. Compass tool.
This method is speedy! You won't get stuck in outlining purgatory or figuring out every-year-of-your-protagonist's-life-backstory!
This method is fun! You won't get bored, pining for the minute you can just show up to the page and see what comes out!
Imagine finally writing a story that works!
WHAT WRITERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE
FAST TRACK STORY MAP...
"What's great about Story Guide's Fast Track Story Map is that it can be utilized at any point in your particular process. Obviously, it's useful when you're first brainstorming and outlining. In my case, once I had already "completed" my novel and received feedback from potential agencies and publishers, it was easy to make some adjustments using the five points [in the FTSM]. What was apparently lacking in the clarity of my character's motivations/drive, was fixed and expanded using Fast Track. No matter where you are in your project, this is a very helpful tool!"
"First off: Wow! What a fantastic resource... for writers. Great information in a digestible format, with excellent explanations and examples. This felt very meaty to me.""Succinct and sound information. Wonderful, bite-sized lessons. Great sound/music/graphics, keeping all of it interesting and fast-paced. Really makes you think about what could be improved upon in an existing piece."
COMING IN 2025!!
THE FAST TRACK STORY MAP
LIVE WORKSHOP
That's right! The Fast Track Story Map course is coming in a small cohort, live workshop format in 2025!
Sign up now to be notified when the live workshop launches!
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN INSIDE
THE FAST TRACK STORY MAP WORKSHOP:
How TO DETERMINE THE POINT OF YOUR STORY
The Point is the NorthStar of your story, the beating heart of your narrative! The Fast Track Story Map mini-course equips you with the tools to dive deep into this foundational element of storytelling and transform your work into a captivating journey of change, exploration, and revelation. Unlock the secret to crafting narratives that not only entertain but deeply resonate with your readers.
HOW TO DEVELOP AN ACTIVE, LAYERED PROTAGONIST
Ready to create characters that leap off the page, capturing readers' hearts and minds? Your protagonist isn't just a character; they're the driving force behind your narrative. In the Fast Track Story Map, you'll explore:
- The crucial role of the protagonist in shaping your story's trajectory.
- Techniques to breathe life into your main character, making them a true hero your reader will connect with.
- Real-world examples that showcase the power of a well-developed protagonist.
- How to seamlessly integrate your protagonist's internal needs with external goals.
- Discover the intricate dance between internal struggles and external challenges, leading to compelling character transformation and growth.
HOW TO MAP THE PLOT CHECKPOINTS THAT MAKE UP THE FRAMEWORK FOR YOUR STORY
In the Fast Track Story Map, you'll determine the pivotal plot checkpoints that provide a solid structure for your story, while seamlessly tracking your story's emotional depth and challenging your characters' beliefs and goals. But this Fast Track Story Map technique will not tell you what plot component needs to go on what page, or which percent of the story. This structure is based on the psychological rhythm of storytelling and narrative drive that begins with your point and your protagonist. Real-world examples highlight the power of masterfully executed plot transformations. The FTSM Tracker Sheet helps you keep it all organized on one page for a broad overview of your story.
The g.r.i.P. Compass METHOD TO navigate BETWEEN PLOT CHECKPOINTS
Navigate your story's twists and turns with the G.R.I.P. Compass—a powerful tool that ensures your characters' evolution is in sync with the plot's progression. Never lose hold of your story's narrative drive again!
HOW TO USE THEMATIC QUESTIONS TO CREATE A COHESIVE NARRATIVE Map
Unravel the threads of your story's themes and discover how to use thematic questions as your guide. Craft a cohesive narrative that resonates with readers, engaging them on a deeper level. Learn to challenge your characters through thought-provoking questions that enhance your storytelling.
ENROLL NOW IN THE
FAST TRACK STORY MAP!
STOP GETTING STUCK IN YOUR WRITING.
GET THE FAST TRACK STORY MAP!
THE FAST TRACK STORY MAP IS PERFECT FOR...
BEGINNING WRITERS
ADVANCED WRITERS
NOVELISTS
SCREENWRITERS
PLAYRIGHTS
IDEAS THAT NEED FILLING OUT
GETTING RID OF WRITER'S BLOCK
PLANNING REVISIONS
ONE-PAGE SUMMARIES
PREPPING FOR NANOWRIMO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL THE FAST TRACK STORY MAP WORK FOR MY GENRE?
Yes! The Fast Track Story Map works for any genre of fiction. In fact, I've used it for stage plays and even a musical! The Fast Track Story Map method is based on storytelling psychology, so no matter the form or genre of fiction, the map will satisfy those psychological requirements to craft a compelling story.
WILL THE FAST TRACK STORY MAP MAKE MY STORY SEEM FORMULAIC?
No! In fact, it will probably have the opposite effect! The Fast Track Story Map doesn't tell you what plot event goes where, or in what percentage of the story the gigantic explosion should happen or the hero should save someone. This method is based on the psychological rhythm of storytelling, which is built upon what you are trying to say, and your story's journey to convey that message. It's a simple technique that makes sure all components of your story tie together, with emotional depth and narrative drive.
WHAT IF I'VE NEVER WRITTEN ANYTHING BEFORE?
Even if all you have is a desire to write a story, the Fast Track Story Map will guide you through developing an idea into a fully framed story structure. It's great at all stages of the writing process! Use it to start a project, fix a story that isn't holding together, plan a strategy that double-checks for narrative drive in a revision, or use it to drill down into the heart of your story for crafting a one-page summary to submit or pitch.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FAST TRACK STORY MAP MINI COURSE?
The Fast Track Story Map includes five training modules, a fillable or printable FTSM Workbook, and a fillable FTSM Tracker Sheet to see the framework of your story all at once.
HOW DO I ACCESS THE FAST TRACK STORY MAP WORKBOOK, ITINERARY CHECKLIST, AND TRAINING?
Get your Fast Track Story Map training here. Then check your inbox for your login info so you can jump to the training modules and get started today! Work at your own pace! Follow the framework to create your Fast Track Story Map, then watch your story come to life quickly as you write forward with confidence, a solid framework, and narrative drive.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO MAKE A FAST TRACK STORY MAP FOR MY STORY?
The speed with which you complete the training and craft your own Fast Track Story Map depends a lot on where you already are in the story process. Obviously, if you only have the spark of an idea, it may take you slightly longer than a writer who has a finished manuscript that just needs a firmer revision. But if you do one module a day, you should be able to complete a Fast Track Story Map within a week. You'll have ongoing access to the course, so feel free to work at the pace that feels best for you, and use the training as often as you like!
DO I NEED ANY ADDITIONAL MATERIALS OR RESOURCES TO COMPLETE THE TRAINING?
Besides a computer or other device, which you probably have in order to read this, you don't need any additional tools or resources beyond what is provided in the course materials. The workbook is fillable online or you can print it out and write into it by hand. The Itinerary Checklist is also fillable. All the corresponding video modules are online and accessible with the login information you'll be provided with after purchase.
WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?
Because of the digital nature of the Fast Track Story Map and the fact that you could consume it in just a few, short hours, I do not offer refunds. However, if you have any questions or technical difficulties, please contact me.
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