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I've had Dramatica Pro 4.0 for a couple years. I began working on a novel months back but then set it aside. I've picked it up again and am now just completing the storyweaving section of version 2. In my first attempt I "somehow" generated a "step outline" complete with suggested chapters and scenes, a suggested structure, and story points and illustrations already woven in. I have searched but can not find the key to generate this in my second and much more complete version. What am I missing? Thank you for your assistance.
Mark Herringshaw

Hi Mark --

What you did, most likely, is use the Novel Structure Template that comes with Dramatica. It's most notable feature is its pre-built, generic step outline and cast of eight archetypes.

You must use the template at the beginning of your process to have them there automatically. You can recreate them manually if you wish. Unfortunately there is not a way to "import" the step outline into an existing document. (NOTE: You will be able to import the step outlines into existing documents in Dramatica Pro 5.0, whenever that comes out).

Feel free to add to, remove from, and edit the step outline as much as you want to. It is designed to be a starting point, not an ending point.

Thanks Chris... By the way, I love this process! The combination of theory with a workable tool is just remarkable. Far from robbing from the creative process - as I've heard some say - Dramatica's questions really enhance my thinking/building process, the way the discovery of oil paints and the invention of the first violin must have openned up whole new worlds for artists and musicians.

Yes, I did use the novel template for version #1 of my story. But I also used (at least I thought I did) it for version #2 which as I said is much more complete and has what I think is a more "accurate" storyform. What I may have to do now is go back into version #1 and change my storyform answers and then cut in my storyweaving answers. If I do this, will those changes alter the original chapter/step outline to reflect my preferences? Or will the original format remain?

Thanks,

Mark

The original step outline should remain, though material and storyform choices you change will be reflected in the "This scene represents..." material.