Discover this podcast and so much more

Podcasts are free to enjoy without a subscription. We also offer ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more for just $11.99/month.

4-Act Structure: The Simple Structure to Edit Your Novel (And Why 3 Acts Aren’t Enough)

4-Act Structure: The Simple Structure to Edit Your Novel (And Why 3 Acts Aren’t Enough)

FromYour Next Draft


4-Act Structure: The Simple Structure to Edit Your Novel (And Why 3 Acts Aren’t Enough)

FromYour Next Draft

ratings:
Length:
19 minutes
Released:
May 2, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

Three acts aren’t enough. If you’re stuck in the middle of your story, try this four-act structure instead.Recently, a writer told me she was stuck in the middle of her story.She’d written the complete first draft. She’d gotten an editor’s feedback. She was editing her second draft, and she’d made it just past the fifty percent mark.And then . . . she got stuck.After all that, she had no idea what should come next. No idea how to make everything from the midpoint to the climax interesting.So I gave her a solution: Split your story into four acts.Three-act structure is our default approach to storytelling. But it’s not enough.So I use four-act structure instead. And in this episode, I’ll tell you why.You’ll learn:The critical flaw with three-act story structureWhy four-act structure makes writing the middle of your story almost easyWhat each of the four acts must include (act three is my favorite!)And more!If you’re feeling lost in the middle of your story, I invite you to listen in and discover a simple path to “The End.”And even if you’re not feeling lost right now, give it a listen and get fresh inspiration for every part of your story.By the way, that writer who was feeling stuck? She loved this four-act approach to stories . . . and so did everyone else in her writing group. Every single person told me some version of, “Oh! This makes so much sense. And I’m feeling so inspired now!”What will you discover about your story with this four-act story structure?Want an editor's feedback on your book?I'm currently accepting new editing clients. If you'd like to find out how I can help you craft your best book, send me a note at alice@alicesudlow.com and tell me about your book!Support the showWant more editing tips and resources? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.And if you're enjoying the podcast, would you mind leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? That helps more writers find these editing resources. And it helps me know what's helpful to you so I can create more episodes you'll love!Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »
Released:
May 2, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (70)

You write your first draft of your novel. Then what? How do you go from a messy rough draft to an amazing published book? Learn how to edit your novel in Your Next Draft. Developmental editor and copyeditor Alice Sudlow will teach you how to turn your first draft into a final draft and get your book publication-ready. Tune in each week for tips, strategies, and step-by-step guides for the novel editing process. And soon, you’ll publish an amazing book!