More on Structure

I neglected to find a pretty image to go along with today’s post. I chose the image and post to serve as a focal point. The diagram is very familiar to me by now. Books on plot and structure obligingly include at least one variation when discussing the Classic Three Act Structure and overall story arcs.

Today, I stumbled across Peder Hill’s take on how a novel is written. I haven’t dug through all the sections on his site yet. I’m still immersing myself in learning how to construct a story that doesn’t just meander aimlessly as it explores characters and conflict. I’m probably too methodic in my approach, but my brain works that way. Learn the rules, color inside the lines, and play along with the sheet music firmly on the stand in front of me. That sort of rigidity keeps me in my comfort zone while I’m learning new concepts.

I decided that I need to set aside another 30 minutes out of my day and practice writing extremely short pieces that include a set up, several increasing tests and crises that build to the climax and then wrap everything up. I will probably also sit and brainstorm these beforehand instead of trying to do them off the cuff. To make this work, I will need some accountability, so I’ll try to post the best one of these each week. So if you don’t see any, ask me what happened and make me go write one!