One of the most valuable things I learned through studying Creative Writing at University was the Story Arc.

The structure of a story

Like most things, the Story Arc (or, tSA from here) begins at the beginning and carries on through to the end. It is so named because it shows the curve of a plotted storyline in any written piece of fiction.

There are several distinct ‘events’ that make up a story:

1. The Inciting Incident
2. Obstacle (to overcome)
3. Midpoint
4. Obstacle (to overcome)
5. Climax

The sections between these five events help to bridge the story, engage the reader, and aid with building the drama through to the end of the story. These sections are:

1. Routine
2. Change
3. Tension
4. Change
5. Tension
6. Denouement

Start/Establish Routine

This first step – to establish routine – is basically an introduction to your story. It is the very start, the insight into the daily life (or, routine)…