I am taking a class called “Write Fiction Like a Pro” through ed2go. It’s been really helpful for a beginning writer like myself, and I am getting feedback from the professor which is also more helpful than trying to read a book about – writing a book. Below is what the class outlines as these three acts.

Act 1: Hook, Backstory, Trigger
Act 2: Crisis, Struggle, Epiphany
Act 3: Plan, Climax, Ending

For my very first book, I will probably follow this outline pretty closely. So far it has been a great guide to putting a story line together. I am only half way through the class and have a good sense of direction for my book and the flaws of my protagonist and antagonist. I also know how the protagonist is going to win. Yeah, did I really just give something away? Almost every book has the protagonist winning and I am no exception. I want her to win, it’s half the reason I’m writing this. Maybe I do compare the story to myself, because I want to win at life too.

Writers, do you have any books or resources to share? I’m all ears!

My outline has changed so drastically since the story first came to me. I try not to fret over it too much, but honestly I have almost zero time to write. As a stay home mom with three kids can you imagine what my day might look like? Remember that scene in Mr. Mom when they are in the bathroom? That’s pretty much my life 24/7. I have a 1, 3, and 5 year old and they are all high voltage kids, with unlimited imaginations, and run full throttle all the time. Embracing the chaos is all I know.

I HOPE I finish my book before they graduate college! My goal is 3 years and I’m already 6 months deep with little to show.

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