Story Arcs

Four weeks ago I sat around a table with my critique group and listened to them talk about story arcs. With copies of my submission in hand they discussed how linear my story was. There should be an arc that carries through the book, but also short arcs across chapters and even paragraphs. Smaller achievements along the way help the reader feel that progress is being made. Everything they said made sense. I was sure that the next part would be better.

It wasn't.

On my way home from work almost two weeks after that meeting the dawn broke through. A book, The Hunger Games, broke down into short story arcs. I could see their conclusions like points along a line, extending throughout the main plot. Then another book unfolded and finally a third. While I'm still learning about them I can recognized the different story arcs that authors use.

So, thank critique group! I've had fun breaking down about some of my favorite books and setting up my own story with shorter arcs. You have helped once more to make my writing better!

Critique Group

Just three months ago I was invited to be part of a critique group, and after some hesitation I accepted. Now I can see what a great thing it has been. The other members have been together for a while and I wondered if I could keep up with them. They all had more experience and kept a weekly meeting schedule. Doubts about my ability crept in and I almost said no. But the opportunity was too good so I accepted. After about two months of meetings with them I'm so glad to be part of that group.

Having a critique group has helped me increase the quantity and quality of my writing. The find poor grammar. Random tenses. Lost thoughts. Garbled sentences. Rambling story lines. I'm amazed at the things the group can find wrong in my submissions. :-) Thank you for your help! As a result of  their help I have found more enjoyment and more time to write. I hope that I've been able to help them because they have boosted me to a better place.

I've heard lots of times how important a good critique group is and now I can see how. Thanks, group. You're great and I love being able to say, "I'm part of a critique group."