One of the simplest plot structures is the three act structure. It's likely what you were taught in school, and if you were me, you probably didn't think much about it for a long time.
- 3 Act Structure via Musik Therapie
Elements of the 3 act structure:
- The beginning / introduction - Introduces the normal state of life.
- The initiating incident - First introduction to the main story conflict.
- The middle / rising action - Characters face challenges or crises that grow in intensity.
- The climax - the point at which the main conflict must be solved.
- The ending / denouement / resolution) - A return to a new normal state.
The Challenge:
In 1000 words or less, write a piece of fiction that includes all the elements of the 3 act structure, including at least one crisis in the rising action. To make things more interesting use the word "zeppelin" somewhere in the story.
For more information on the three act structure check out this excellent writeup at Musik Therapie.
This is the first of my weekly fiction challenges. Here's what it's all about:
Author Aerobics is a mini fiction writing workshop open to anyone. On Mondays I'll post a writing prompt that focuses on one element of fiction. I will post my results on Friday. If you decide to join in feel free to post a link to the writing in the comments.
There's only one rule: set a time limit.
Here's why I'm doing this. It's time to exercise those creative muscles
Thanks for suggesting the name Stephen!
Post exercise recap!
Here we have two very different steampunk tales. The first features an action packed airship battle. The second is a quieter story set in Colonial Hong Kong.
Those who have answered the challenge:
- The Last Flight of the Lord Winstead's Vigilance by Stephen Watkins
- The Metal Girl by TS Bazelli
Ah, sounds brilliant and I like the name. Nice alliteration sound to it. Due to busy schedule I won't be doing this one with you as much as I wanted. But I am interested to see where it goes.
No problem :) Check back Friday. In the meantime, I think it's time for another genre glossary post.
I hope you don't mind, but I feel compelled to use your last name in the story that's percolating in my brain related to this challenge. I can change it, if need be, but I like the ring of it.
My name or Harry's? If it's mine, sure go ahead.
Harry's, sorry. :) (No offense to your name, it's cool too ;)
Hah, sure thing Stephen. Take a stab at it. I would be interested to see what comes out in the end.
Ah, I like the new name too! Can't participate this week, but I look forward to seeing what you come up with. :)
OK! Hmm now I have no idea what to write so far. Gotta let my brain stew on this a bit.
Very intriguing. 3 acts in 1000 words, and incorporate the word "zeppelin".
Ideas are already percolating. Can I do it in 1k words? I don't know.
I will keep my lips sealed if you go over the limit. :)
I answered the challenge with this story here: The Metal Girl
Likewise with: The Last Flight of the Lord Winstead's Vigilance
Also, I lose. 2k words :(
As noted, I also lose! Predictably, I went over both the time limit and the word limit too. hehe