3T Writing Tidbit

Last month I introduced Bruce Campbell's brilliantly simple three-act structure.

Let's complicate it with one simple truth: there is more than one solution to any problem.

Let that sink in. There is one solution to the problem...and another solution which may be better or worse overall, or better for some and worse for others,  or mostly better but with one big drawback...and yet another solution that fits the same puzzle in a different way...and, and, and.

We're taught to think beyond the obvious for the final solution to the main character's problem. Well and good. But don't throw those intermediate solutions away! The great thing about books is that you can explore alternate possibilities.

Paint those alternate solutions via other characters, and use them to compare and contrast--and so heighten--the main character's solution.


Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.