Plot Your Novel with the Three-Act Structure
with Denise Santomauro
February 26, 2025
4 Weeks
Original price was: $345.00.$295.00Current price is: $295.00.
Zoom calls Wednesdays 6-7:30pm Central
Plot with purpose.
Plotting a novel can be a daunting task, one that makes our hands go sweaty and makes us reconsider why we chose to write one in the first place. By studying the classic three-act structure and its use throughout storytelling forms, we can make that task a little lighter and find new ways to bring our stories to life.
In this class, we will explore the acts of the three-act structure in detail. Each week, we will cover an act from the three-act structure in-depth, providing the opportunity to learn about and discuss the structure one act at a time. In between classes, you will apply the lesson to your own story and build your outline in stages, sharing your work in the online forum for review. You will also learn about how the main points of the three-act structure are connected and intertwined with your protagonist’s character or emotional arc and how to up the stakes at each stage of the plot arc.
Learning and Writing Goals:
Learning Goals
In this course, you will:
- Deepen your understanding of the ins and outs of the three-act structure.
- Explore how the three-act structure applies to your story.
Writing Goals
In this course, you will:
- Workshop your outline in the online portal to get feedback from the instructor and fellow students (with exception of the final week) **Participants will be asked to provide feedback on the work of 2 fellow participants.
- Draft a complete outline using the three-act structure.
Zoom Schedule
Each week, we will meet on Zoom for a lecture, discussion, Q & A, and some generative writing exercises. All of the meetings will take place from 6-7:30pm CT.
Week One: Wednesday, February 26th
Week Two: Wednesday, March 5th
Week Three: Wednesday, March 12th
Week Four: Wednesday, March 19th
Weekly Syllabus
Week One: A Star Is Born (Developing Your Protagonist)
The three-act structure is almost always character-driven, so you need to get to know the star of your book! Week one will cover how to develop your protagonist in a way that sets them up to drive the story and, in turn, the plot.
HOMEWORK: Complete character development exercises on main character and create a one-page summary of story.
Week Two: Act One—Let’s Get This Started!
Where in the world are we? When in time are we? What do we need to know about this world and the main character? Week one will dig into worldbuilding and the major turning points in act one—the inciting incident and the first plot point. We’ll explore how those points catapult your protagonist and reader into the story.
HOMEWORK: Begin outline, focusing on act one.
Week Three: Act Two—Climbing the Mountain
Now comes the hard stuff. Week three will cover the rising action, introducing allies and friends and challenges for your protagonist, before moving into the two major turning points in act two—the midpoint and the second plot point. We’ll look at how these points set your protagonist and reader on a collision course with the climax.
HOMEWORK: Add to outline, focusing on act two.
Week Four: Act Three—Let’s Wrap This Up
Week five will rip your heart out as we explore the pre-climax, or all is lost section, and how losing everything challenges your protagonist before jumping into the last two elements of the three-act structure—the climax and the denouement. We’ll cover how the previous events in the story have built to the final epic moment for the protagonist and how to guide the reader out of the story.
HOMEWORK: Complete outline, focused on act three.
Student Feedback for Denise Santomauro:
Denise’s knowledge and experience come through in subtle but effective reframing techniques that helped me sidestep my own doubts and find new excitement for writing. Holly Chaille
Denise Santomauro was the best teacher I could’ve had for this class. She’s extremely helpful and encouraging while still giving the necessary critiques to improve your writing. If you’re reading this Ms. Santomauro, thank you and you’re the best. Isabel Richardson
Denise is an excellent instructor. The lessons and supporting materials were well organized and very helpful. I learned so much and left with practical tools. I will take any course Denise teaches. Heck, I might take this again. Anne McKenzie
Denise was phenomenal to work with. What a kind and patient human being with incredible knowledge and a real heart to help writers grow. Britt J. Benson
Denise is a wonderful mentor who provided tools and actionable steps to enable me to see the heart and voice of my story. Anonymous
Ever had one of those stories you’ve looked at a thousand times and rewritten a hundred ways? Ever decided that your narrative is so far down the rabbit hole there is no hope? I’m here to tell you there is hope and comes to you as Denise Santomauro. She can see the story’s thread through the royal tangled mess you’ve made of it. Denise has a clear vision, a love of language, and spot-on critique. She’ll get you untangled. She’s wonderful! J.A. Cameron
February 26, 2025
Length: 4 Weeks
Open to AllText and Live Video
Zoom calls Wednesdays 6-7:30pm Central
Original price was: $345.00.$295.00Current price is: $295.00.
