How to Write a Book that Works: Revisiting the Classic 3-Act Structure
As writers, we can get swept up in the plot and subplot(s) of our stories and books. So much so that we might forget to check and make sure that all our plots and subplots actually have beginnings and endings that make sense.
And of course, the last thing we want is to leave things hanging—so we have to go back and fix them.
But that can make our revision process a long one that requires a lot of metaphorical heavy lifting.
That's where the three act structure comes in! It's a classic structure, but as Rhonda Douglas tells us in this episode to kick off Season 2 of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, it’s not one that should be dismissed. Using the 3-Act structure can ensure our stories are complete AND save us more work in the revision process. Can we get an Amen?
Listen to learn:
- The essential elements of the three act structure
- The benefits of keeping your novel outline simple
- How to use the three act structure to write an...
How to Write a Book (From Great Idea to A Book That Works!)
AHA! Lightbulb moment. The air is practically sizzling around you because you, Dear Writer, have a new idea for a book.
TA-DAAA!! How completely and wonderfully awesome is that? CONGRATULATIONS!
Except, once the adrenaline wears off and you’ve maybe dashed off a few initial pages, you might be left wondering how the heck to actually write the beautiful book you’’ve imagined…
Books come to us in different ways. Some books arrive as an image, some as a character, some as a situation, and some begin with voice. Depending on what your starting point is, you’ll need to take a slightly different path to flesh out your basic book idea so that you can turn it into a full book.
When you’ve got a great idea and are wondering how to write a book now that all you have is the start of a great idea, the trick is to know what questions to ask yourself. By asking yourself key questions, you can write all the way from the start to the end of a first draft.
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