If you want to create a successful short story or a novel that has a great story, you’ll likely want to create a story arc. This is another way of saying “story structure,” but this term goes back to Aristotle’s conception of what makes an aesthetically pleasing story in Poetics.
What Is a Story Arc?
A classical story arc demonstrating dramatic structure generally has three parts:
- The Inciting Incident – This part of the story sets things up, piques our interest, and gives us a taste of what’s to come. The best stories begin “in media res,” in the middle of things.
- The second act – This part of the story builds through rising action until a climax. For example, if you’re writing a murder mystery, the inciting incident might be the murder, and then the second part would build up to the climax of a showdown between the main character and the suspect.
- The third part – resolution – this part of the story resolves all loose ends.
Why create a story arc before you begin writing? If you create one, even if you don’t follow it plot point by plot point, you will have a general idea of where you want to go with your story. By creating a story arc before you begin writing, you can be sure that each part of your story ties into another.
It Can Be Useful When Revising
While you can create a story before creating a story arc, you should consider creating one before rewriting. Creating a story arc before you begin the editing process can help if you need to cut down your word count. It can help you find holes in your story and it can help you determine where you might need to add more detail to create the mood or suspense level you want to create. It also can help you determine if you indeed have a story or just part of a story.
Should You Always Create A Story Arc?
I am a pantser when it comes to fiction, so I very rarely create story arcs before writing first drafts. However, often when I have limited time to write, I’ll get hit by a great story idea. I’ll often jot down a fiction idea, then quickly write down key elements of the story arc so that I can remember what my story premise was when I go to write. I have found that creating story arcs before writing fiction and outlines before writing nonfiction helps to speed the process along.
I almost always create story arcs when I go to write a second draft and revise my work. I want to be sure that every word is moving the plot forward and that I don’t have important plot holes. I find it easier to make a story arc before going into a second draft than a first draft.
Do you outline when writing fiction? Do you need feedback on your story arc and whether you have a viable story? I can help you create one with my developmental editing services.
