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!