All writers need to know how to write a dramatic climax. But most writers have totally misunderstood the climax. What if I told you that contemporaries can be just as thrilling as sci-fi adventures? Today we’re going to unpack the “Climactic Confrontation” and look at what really hooks the reader’s brain on your story.⁣⠀

What’s the secret ingredient to an epic climax? This is a question that many writers ask themselves. But most of them get the answer wrong. They believe high-peril action sequences are they only way to get readers on the edge of their seat. This is simply not true.

If adrenaline were the cause, and not the effect of the reader’s interest, everyone would be writing about car chases and exploding spaceships! But if that’s the secret ingredient to a dramatic climax, how do you explain all those character-driven, “everyday life” stories that had you on the edge of your seat with anticipation? 

This is one of the many questions that spurred my exploration of story structure. I wanted to figure out how to make my contemporary novels just as nerve-wracking as thrillers. And, believe it or not, there is an exact formula for this. In today’s video, I’m sharing this tried-and-true, fully customizable formula for an engaging and memorable climax.

In this final episode of the 3 act story structure, we unpack the most dramatic moment of your story: the climax.

We cover…

• the common myths that most writers believe about the climax (and why they’re wrong!)
• how to make your climactic confrontation MATTER to the characters
• and the reader
• and the world
• how to make a contemporary story just as nerve-wracking as a thriller
• why your protagonist can have a victory WITHOUT winning the battle
• how to tie up loose ends and leave your reader satisfied (but hungry for more of your writing!)

Let’s talk.

Let’s talk about CLIMAXES! What is your favorite story example of a climax that had you on the edge of your seat? Is YOUR protagonist going to win the final battle and be victorious? How will they change as a result of their journey?

If you liked this video on writing an epic a climax, please share it with a writer friend! Also be sure to subscribe to my channel to get new videos every Wednesday all about writing, publishing, and making your author dreams come true.

Rock on,
Abbie

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You can get bonus materials from this series including all my recap notes + the detailed 3 act story structure for my novel 100 Days of Sunlight when you join my Patreon at any level! If you want to take your story to the next level and connect with me personally, come check out my Patreon.