Value Shifts: How to Craft Compelling Change in Every Story

Your Next Draft

Stories are about change. Here’s how to craft compelling change in every scene, act, and novel.
In fact, change is one of the fundamental things—maybe the fundamental thing—that makes stories useful, interesting, and fun.
How do you make sure something changes in your story? And not just any change, but the right change?
Let me introduce you to one of my favorite editing concepts: the value shift.
Master value shifts, and you’ll find that crafting the perfect change in every story you write becomes . . . well, almost easy.
And in this episode, I’ll show you how. You’ll learn:

• Why we NEED change in EVERY story
• 4 best practices to identify the perfect value shift
• 2 types of change you’ll find in every scene, act, and novel
• 3 exercises you can use right away to apply value shifts to your writing (and life!)
• And more!

Plus, I’ve created a free resource to make finding changes in your story even easier. It’s called the Value Shift Word Bank.
In it, you’ll find all the value shifts that happen in the novels I’ve been editing lately. Use it to help you spot your own value shifts—or find the perfect value shift to add to your story!
Get the Value Shift Word Bank here »
This episode is one of my favorites. Value shifts are the foundation of everything I do as an editor. I’m always, always asking: what changes in this story?
I can’t wait to share this essential approach to crafting change in stories with you!
Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch the opening scene of How to Train Your Dragon
• Get the Value Shift Word Bank: alicesudlow.com/value

Send me a Text Message!

Get Your FREE Un-Put-Down-Able Scene Revision Worksheet

Make every page of your novel un-put-down-able with the Scene Revision Worksheet.
12 simple, but powerful questions will show you exactly where your scenes are working—and where they’re going off the rails.
Plus, a bonus 3-day email mini-course will show you how to use the worksheet to edit your scenes.
Get the worksheet + mini-course »

Support the Show.

Want more editing tips and resources? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

And if you're enjoying the podcast, would you mind leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? That helps more writers find these editing resources. And it helps me know what's helpful to you so I can create more episodes you'll love!
Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »