Your Next Draft

The 6 Essential Elements of Every Novel, Act, and Scene


Listen Later

A simple, flexible story structure framework that works for every kind of story.

Great stories are built on great story structure.

And while there are a lot of story structure systems out there . . .

. . . I do have a favorite. It’s one that I use every single day in my editing. I apply it to every story I edit. And it works every time.

In this episode, I’m breaking it all down for you.

You’ll learn:

  • The 6 moments every great story includes
  • How to apply my most popular worksheet to more than just scenes
  • Why a piece of story we talk about the least is actually one of my favorites
  • The story structure tools that will empower you to tell absolutely any story you want
  • And more!

When I learned this framework, it transformed my entire approach to editing. That’s not a hyperbole—learning this made all the difference for me.

I practice it every time I pick up a story. And I’m always discovering new insights it offers into what makes story work.

And who knows? Maybe this will become your favorite approach to story structure, too!

Links mentioned in the episode:

  • Get the Scene Analysis Worksheet (and use it for more than just scenes!): alicesudlow.com/sceneworksheet
  • Ep. 15: How Long Should it Take for Your Character to Make a Decision?
  • Ep. 27: Value Shifts: How to Craft Compelling Change in Every Story

Send me a Text Message!

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 »

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Your Next DraftBy Alice Sudlow

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

75 ratings


More shows like Your Next Draft

View all
Writing Excuses by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler

Writing Excuses

1,300 Listeners

Helping Writers Become Authors by K.M. Weiland

Helping Writers Become Authors

1,003 Listeners

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers by Joanna Penn

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

628 Listeners

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience by Kelton Reid

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

229 Listeners

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips by Savannah Gilbo

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

1,465 Listeners

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing by Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

774 Listeners

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel by James Thayer

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

413 Listeners

Writers on Writing by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett and Marrie Stone

Writers on Writing

92 Listeners

Lit Match by Abigail K. Perry

Lit Match

58 Listeners

Story Magic by Golden May

Story Magic

40 Listeners

The Resilient Writers Radio Show by Rhonda Douglas Resilient Writers

The Resilient Writers Radio Show

32 Listeners

The Whole Writer by Nicole Meier

The Whole Writer

46 Listeners

Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel by Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor

Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel

17 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

10,796 Listeners

Show, don't Tell Writing with Suzy Vadori by Suzy Vadori

Show, don't Tell Writing with Suzy Vadori

15 Listeners