I am absolutely convinced that it used to be possible to save a timeline file as a template with an existing Narrative structure in place. Although, in fairness, it has been a while since I created a template from scratch, so I may just be suffering with memory loss.
I am looking to create a whole series of templates based around various story planning models, including:
- Save the Cat
- Hero’s Journey
- The Snowflake Method
- Three Act Structure
- Story Grid
- Story Circle
- Story Engines
- Fictean Curve
- 22 Steps
- 7 Point Story Structure
and any others I feel inclined to try to recreate inside AT3. I have pulled together a comprehensive Snowflake Method template and wanted to have the Narrative Structure baked in to the template to act as a visual guide for users. Much like Plottr does with its Timeline functionality.
I was playing around with a free trial of Plottr the other day, and as others have stated here in the forums, it is a pale shadow of Aeon Timeline’s functionality. Where it does excel however, is with its built in templates for various story structures. I think writers like the idea of someone holding their hand and imparting knowledge. Which is understandable.
I will be making these templates downloadable via a link shared on my Medium blog once I have a handful up and running. Each template will be accompanied by a description and user guide on how best to plot and plan a story using said template.
But to make these templates user friendly the ability to save down Narrative Templates is vital. Hoping I’ve missed a setting somewhere, but if not, can this be added as a feature request please?
I could always just save a timeline file with all of the necessary starter elements in place and make that available, rather than turning it into a template. But I think it would be better for these to be templates rather than using files.
Many thanks
Andrew