Your Next Draft

Discover the power of a story structure framework in editing every level of a story. Explore the six elements of story structure that can be used in any genre. Learn about the recursive nature of these elements and how they enhance specific scenes. Find out how this structure can be applied at every level of a story to develop storytelling skills.

A simple, flexible story structure framework that works for every kind of story.Great stories are built on great story structure.And while there are a lot of story structure systems out there . . .. . . I do have a favorite. It’s one that I use every single day in my editing. I apply it to every story I edit. And it works every time.In this episode, I’m breaking it all down for you.You’ll learn:The 6 moments every great story includesHow to apply my most popular worksheet to more than just scenesWhy a piece of story we talk about the least is actually one of my favoritesThe story structure tools that will empower you to tell absolutely any story you wantAnd more!When I learned this framework, it transformed my entire approach to editing. That’s not a hyperbole—learning this made all the difference for me.I practice it every time I pick up a story. And I’m always discovering new insights it offers into what makes story work.And who knows? Maybe this will become your favorite approach to story structure, too!Links mentioned in the episode:Get the Scene Analysis Worksheet (and use it for more than just scenes!): alicesudlow.com/sceneworksheetEp. 15: How Long Should it Take for Your Character to Make a Decision?Ep. 27: Value Shifts: How to Craft Compelling Change in Every StorySend me a Text Message!Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Story theory doesn’t sap creativity—it helps us reflect truths about the human experience in our art.When you edit a novel, much of your job is to use story theory to evaluate what’s working and what’s not.But often, I find that this makes writers uncomfortable. They’re afraid that applying story theory will suck the life, creativity, and originality out of storytelling.Have you ever felt that way? Ever wondered whether the storytelling principles you use (even the ones I share here on this podcast!) might make your story too predictable, formulaic, and—gasp—boring?If so, then you’ll love today’s episode of Your Next Draft.In it, you’ll learn:Where story theory actually comes fromWhy story theory works so darn wellHow to test story theory and see how it works—in the real worldWhy using story theory doesn’t have to make your story boringAnd more!Full confession: this episode was inspired by a moment when I was confronted with story theory in my own life. In fact, my therapist told me something I’ve said to you many times here on this podcast!So this episode is a little more personal than I typically get here on the podcast. But that moment was such a perfect illustration of why story theory works that I just have to share it with you.Enjoy this glimpse into how my editor brain works. And see if you can spot story theory around you in your own life!Links mentioned in the episode:Ep. 8: What Is a Scene? The Ultimate Guide to Write and Edit Amazing ScenesEp. 27: Value Shifts: How to Craft Compelling Change in Every StoryEp. 32: How Spider-Man (And All Great Stories) Makes Us Laugh, Cry, and Feel the FeelsEp. 33: The 3-Step Formula to Evoke Emotion and Make Your Readers FeelEp. 34: Extended Edition: How Spider-Man’s Leap of Faith Makes Us Feel TriumphantSend me a Text Message!Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Discover strategies to leverage your reading in the editing process. Learn how the speaker overcame a reading slump and how reading more has impacted their editing. Explore different categories of books to read and the mindset shift that transformed their reading habits. Get tips on tracking your reading habits and reading like an editor.

Learn how to avoid disappointing endings in your story by ensuring that the problem you solve in the climax is the same as the one you set up. Discover common issues with endings that don't work and how to spot and fix them. Explore the importance of aligning main plot and subplot stakes, distinguishing between them, and maintaining consistency for a cohesive narrative flow.

Your characters MUST take action in every scene. Look out for scenes where they don’t.I’ve edited hundreds of scenes. (In fact, editing scenes is one of my favorite things to do!)In all that editing, I’ve picked up on some patterns. Things that work really well in scene after scene—and common pitfalls that many scenes fall into.And in this episode, I’m sharing one common scene mistake I often see.If your scenes get this wrong, they’ll be . . . boring. And no one wants to read a boring scene!But not to worry—in today’s episode, I’ll show you how to spot this common error and fix it.You’ll learn:The very first question I ask when I’m editing a sceneWhy your characters must DO something in every sceneOne critical mistake I see in scenes (is this happening in your scenes?)5 prompts you can use to fix that problem anywhere you find itAnd more!Plus, in the episode, I’ll tell you how you can download my most popular editing resource, the Scene Analysis Worksheet.It includes all the questions I ask when I’m editing a scene so you can polish your scenes like a pro.Listen to the episode, grab the worksheet, and go master editing scenes!Links mentioned in the episode:Get my feedback on your scene: alicesudlow.com/scene-critiqueGet the Scene Analysis Worksheet: alicesudlow.com/sceneworksheetEp. 23: 3 Simple Steps to Edit Absolutely Anything in Your NovelSend me a Text Message!Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Gotten feedback from an editor? Use this process to turn developmental feedback into actionable edits.One of the most exciting moments in your book writing journey is the day that you get feedback from an editor.But just getting feedback isn’t enough. Once you get it, you have to apply it.And the challenge of applying your editor’s feedback can feel . . . intimidating. Scary. Overwhelming.How do you do it? How do you cut through the overwhelm and apply your feedback with confidence?That’s what this episode is all about.In it, I’m sharing the three-step process I recommend to my one-on-one clients. You’ll learn:What NOT to do right after you get feedbackWhere the REAL work of editing happensWhen to use my favorite editing tool, the trusty scene listThe bonus fourth step you can add to this processAnd more!If you’ve ever received developmental feedback on your novel, this is how I recommend you put it to use.I hope that this takes a little bit of the overwhelm out of the process and helps you create an editing plan that works for you.Links mentioned in the episode:Get the FREE 10-step guide to edit a novel: alicesudlow.com/10stepsHow to Create an Editing Process That Works for You With Author JD Edwin3 Simple Steps to Edit Absolutely Anything in Your NovelThe scene list series:4 Ways to Use a Scene List, Your Indispensable Editing Tool2 Simple Strategies to Format Your Scene List3 Ways to Create a Scene List That Makes Your Editing Process (Almost) EasyThe scene editing series:What Is a Scene? The Ultimate Guide to Write and Edit Amazing Scenes5 Essential Questions to Fix Boring ScenesHow to Edit a Scene of a Novel, Part 1How to Edit a Scene of a Novel, Part 2Send me a Text Message!Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Explore the power of storytelling and its impact on readers. Reflect on influential books such as A Deadly Education and The House in the Cerulean Sea. Understand the significance of meaning in stories and the responsibility of authors to shape it. Discover the point of your own story and how it can be a gift to the world.

A prolific author shares her editing process and strategies for designing the process that works for you.There are as many ways to edit novels as there are writers.Which editing process is best? The one that works for you. The process you customize, refine, and repeat, novel after novel after novel.And in this episode, we’re talking about how to create your very own editing process.I’ve invited my client JD Edwin, author of the Headspace trilogy, to share the process she’s developed and her best tips for finding what works for you.You’ll hear:The step-by-step editing process JD Edwin has developed over the course of writing, editing, and publishing three novelsHow to develop an editing system that works for YOU (and let go of what doesn’t work!)When JD Edwin shares her book with alpha readers, plus the kind of feedback she wants on early draftsHow JD Edwin decided it was time to send her novel to a developmental editor, plus the mindset that helped this step feel less scaryWhy JD Edwin has come to enjoy editing—and the mindset that keeps her going when editing gets toughAnd more!JD is honestly one of the most productive authors I know—so productive that it’s almost a little intimidating.Take a listen to our conversation and get tips and inspiration to try in your own editing process!Links mentioned in the episode:Find full show notes, including timestamps of key topics, hereRead JD Edwin’s books and find her online:Purchase Orb Hunters and the full Headspace seriesFind JD Edwin on her website and subscribe to her newsletter: jdedwin.comJoin JD Edwin’s Facebook groupEmail JD Edwin at author@jdedwin.comRead the Write Great Fiction series and learn how to develop your own editing process:Plot & StructureDialogueDescription & SettingCharacters, Emotion & ViewpointRevision & Self-EditingListen to Your Next Draft:Send me a Text Message!Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Two editors break down how Spider-Man creates a transcendent moment of triumph that feels like story magic.Last month, I asked a big question:How do you make your readers feel?See, the writers I work with are telling fantastic stories. But often, those stories are missing some essential piece, some spark of magic that captures my emotions and makes me laugh, cry, swoon, grieve, worry, or—well—feel anything at all.So I turned to a scene that does make me feel. It’s a brilliant moment from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.First, I broke down exactly how that scene creates a sense of triumph so strong, it’s almost palpable.Then, I laid out the three-step formula I’m using with my clients right now to help them do the same thing in their stories.And when I finished recording those episodes . . . well, I still had more to say.So I turned to my editor colleague Kim Kessler, who loves this movie as much as I do. And I invited her to grab a mic and join me for an intensely detailed breakdown of how exactly this scene creates story magic.Kim and I cover:How this scene fits in the story as a whole—and why it’s so importantWhere the scene actually begins and ends (we had different takes on this!)What values shift in this scene (this was weirdly difficult for me to pinpoint!)The way that every single element, from the shots in the scene to the lines of dialogue to the colors and even the frame rate, contributes to the emotional experience we feel as viewers (and how writers can do this as well!)And more!Consider this the uncut (or at least, much, much less cut) behind-the-scenes version of those previous two episodes.In it, you’ll hear tons of editing concepts I’ve talked about on the podcast, all put into action and applied to a brilliant scene.Kim and I had a blast breaking down every nuance of this scene, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. More importantly, I hope it helps you craft stories your readers love just as much.Links mentioned in the episode:Go deeper in this episode:Watch the scene we’re studyingGet a breakdown of the important takeaways, including time stampsCatch up on the previous episodes in this Spider-Man series:Ep. 32: How Spider-Man (And All Great Stories) Makes Us Laugh, Cry, and Feel the FeelsEp. 33: The 3-Step Formula to Evoke Emotion and Make Your Readers FeelFollow editor Kim KesSend me a Text Message!Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »