This week’s episode is the second in our new series, Words in Progress, where we speak with writers and writing professionals about a specific aspect of writing craft. Today’s episode with Elena Taylor focuses on Resolution versus the Denouement.
Elena Hartwell Taylor is an author, teacher, and editor and always gives us such great insight! Last season we talked with her on a Corks and Conversation episode and did a book club episode on her most recent novel is All We Buried. The e-book version is on sale for $1.99 all this month!
On this episode, Elena led us on an insightful conversation about the end of a novel. She describes the climax of any story as having three parts: the lead in, the build, and the resolution. Here is some of what she had to say:
On the lead and the build of a Climax…
“The lead in is when the protagonist is facing their greatest obstacles, the stakes are the highest, and their super objective becomes clear.”
“The build, to me, is as we see how that conflict is going to play out.”
On the denouement…
“The denouement is the new world order”
“The denouement is what happens to the character or characters as they learn to live with the resolution.”
In order for us to explore this topic in our own work she gave three exercises for us and our listeners:
- Take your climax and identify the three parts.
- Identify the big question of your story and see if your resolution answers it.
- No matter whether you need it or not, write a denouement.
Listen to the full episode for more insights from writer and teacher Elena Taylor. Or you can watch the episode on our YouTube Channel.
And if that wasn’t enough, you can enter here for the chance to win a first chapter critique from Elena!
Don’t forget to subscribe right here on our website so you don’t miss next week’s episode! Christie and Cathi will discuss Janelle Brown’s Pretty Things. And, of course, pair it with the perfect wine and food!
1 Comment
Thank you for having me on your Podcast! Always so great to visit. Can’t wait to chat with you again.
Elena