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 structure
• Why four-act structure makes writing the middle of your story almost easy
• What 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?

Send me a Text Message!

Want my support in your revision?

In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

Get started by telling me about your story here.

Support the show

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »