The Essentials of Story Craft: Plotting Act 1 with Alida Winternheimer {ep. 150}
January 29, 2025
Alexa Bigwarfe chats with award-winning writer and writing coach Alida Winternheimer about the essentials of story craft. They explore the three-act structure, including how to craft a compelling Act 1 with hooks, stakes, and inciting incidents, and how Act 1 reflects the entire story. Alida shares insights on balancing showing vs. telling, navigating feedback, and transitioning between genres like nonfiction, literary fiction, and romantic comedies. With actionable writing tips, advice on working with editors or coaches, and a focus on developing your craft, this episode is perfect for aspiring and experienced authors alike.
In this podcast episode, Alexa and Alida discuss:
- The importance of honing your writing craft, regardless of genre or experience.
- Understanding the fundamentals of story structure, including the three-act structure.
- Breaking down the key elements of Act 1: hooks, setup, inciting incidents, and points of no return.
- How story craft applies across genres, from literary fiction to romantic comedies and beyond.
- Tips for transitioning between different writing styles and genres (e.g., nonfiction to fiction).
- The balance between showing and telling in storytelling—and why both are necessary.
- The role of workshops, coaching, and community in developing writing skills.
- Navigating the plotter vs. pantser debate and finding a process that works for you.
- Recognizing the reflection of Act 1 in the entire novel and why it matters.
- Learning to handle feedback constructively and viewing revisions as part of the growth process.
Key Takeaways:
- "You don’t know what you don’t know"—the importance of learning and improving craft as a writer.
- Every story element—plot, character, setting, and theme—must work together to serve the reader.
- Act 1 should introduce the protagonist, their world, and the stakes while keeping tension and momentum.
- Writers should focus on crafting compelling stories first, then determine genre and marketing strategies.
- The stories we are meant to tell often stay with us, waiting to be written at the right time.
About Alida Winternheimer: Alida is an award-winning writer, developmental editor, writing coach, and teacher with an MFA from Hamline University. Her accolades include a Pushcart Prize nomination and her novel, Saving Annabelle, winning the 2023 Page Turner Awards. Alida also hosts the StoryWorks Roundtable podcast with over 280 episodes and has published two craft books: The StoryWorks Guide to Writing Character and The StoryWorks Guide to Writing Point of View. When she’s not writing or teaching, you can find her kayaking or exploring Minneapolis with her golden retriever.
Resources Mentioned:
- Website: Visit WordEssential.com for coaching, workshops, and free office hours.
- Podcast: Check out the StoryWorks Roundtable for more insights on writing craft.
- Newsletter: Subscribe to Alida’s Substack for reflections on writing life and workshop updates.
Don’t Miss Alida at the Women in Publishing Summit: Alida will be returning to teach writing craft at the upcoming Women in Publishing Summit. Details and registration at WomeninPublishingSummit.com.