Writing by the Acts eBook

Description

When I started this writing journey a few years ago, I used Save the Cat! beat sheets, and over time, I’ve incorporated what I’ve learned in different workshops to make this more well-rounded for what I do. As you’ll see, much of it is geared toward how I write my cozy mysteries, but I think it’s adaptable to most fiction.

To use this, I decide approximately how long my novel will be and then do the math for the percentages. I’m more of a pantser, so sometimes I go back and make sure I hit the points.

I like to think of the 3-act structure as more of 4 sections: Act 1, Act 2a, Act 2b, and Act 3. I’ve used index cards on foam board (which gives the hands-on and visual aspect) to delineate those 4 sections. Use whatever works for you as you work through this 6-page printable.