Three attempts to solve a problem—you’ve been told thirty trillion times this is the way to build a picture book plot. I even covered it in an earlier post.
It’s a tried-and-true method for telling a story. But does an editor reviewing all these similarly-structured submissions feel like she’s been there and read that? Well…….maybe.
There are other ways to frame picture books by using different story structures, as Tammi Sauer once pointed out during Storystorm.
But if those formats aren’t right for your story and you choose a more traditional arc, when is it OK to abandon the “three attempts”? When is it reasonable to break free from this rule?
First, we have to look at the why.
Why do we employ the “three attempts” structure? TO BUILD TENSION.
The main character tries to solve their problem and fails, repeatedly. This tension invests the reader in the protagonist’s struggle. It compels you to turn the page.
However, I wrote a manuscript recently where the protagonist doesn’t even realize she has a problem. The reader sees the problem, but the character is oblivious. It doesn’t make sense for her to attempt multiple solutions because she doesn’t see anything wrong in the first place!
Remember, three attempts builds tension. But that’s not the only way to achieve “what happens next?” excitement and anticipation.
In my manuscript, the humor comes from the reader knowing more than the main character (that’s a kind of “superiority humor”). The humor builds because the protagonist keeps mistaking her surroundings for something else, something that’s familiar to her. That escalating humor adds to the tension—OH NO! DOESN’T SHE GET IT YET?!
There’s also a deadline, an end goal that the reader and the main character both know. But can she get there if she’s so confused? You don’t know. More tension.
Bottom line—if you’ve built tension into your story via another means, you don’t need the three attempts. It certainly didn’t make sense for my story. Who tries to get out of a jam they don’t know they’re in?
Let’s look at picture books that build tension in different ways.
[Meta Device]
THE PANDA PROBLEM by Deborah Underwood & Hannah Marks
In this meta tale, the narrator and Panda argue about who’s the main character. The narrator wants Panda to be the protagonist with a problem to solve. But Panda thinks the narrator is the main character because uncooperative Panda is the narrator’s problem. This story mocks our “problematic” picture book rule. It keeps the tension high as both characters wrestle to control the story.
[Versus Device]
FIRE TRUCK VS. DRAGON by Chris Barton & Shanda McCloskey
A follow-up to Barton’s popular SHARK vs. TRAIN of 10 years ago (wow, time flies!), this new “battle” features a stand off between the reader and the characters. The reader understands what the two friends excel at, but the fire-starter and fire-squelcher don’t ever mention THOSE skills. That’s “superiority humor” again, with the reader knowing more than the characters. The tension arises from wondering if fire truck and dragon will ever get to what’s downright obvious to everyone else.
[Chronology Device]
THE END by David LaRochelle & Richard Egielski
This story is a fairytale told backwards. There’s a surprise each page turn as you discover what happened immediately prior to the current sticky situation. Does that create tension? You bet, as each spread also displays a new predicament.
[Parallel Structure]
OPERATION RESCUE DOG by Maria Gianferrari & Luisa Uribe
The parallel picture book tells two tales which eventually converge. The tension is kept high by a back-and-forth narrative between the two main characters. In this book, Alma misses her military mama. She and Abuela decide to adopt a rescue dog as a surprise for mama’s return. The rescue dog, Lulu, is lonely and afraid, without a family. Both characters face delays in their journey to the dog rescue rendezvous. But at the end, Alma and Lulu finally meet and it’s destiny!
Some of these stories also employ the classic “ticking clock” or deadline to achieve tension. THE END ends at the beginning. OPERATION RESCUE DOG has two ticking clocks—Alma wants to adopt a dog in time for her mother’s return…plus, the Dog Rescue Truck is only open for a limited window. Will they make it there on time?
For the “ticking clock” device, think of Cinderella’s carriage turning back into a pumpkin at midnight!
So while you’re reading new picture books, pay attention to the building of tension. Did the author use three attempts to solve the problem, or a different device? Were you still riveted? Compelled to turn the page? Invested in the main character’s plight? Then take note and try to break free in your own writing!
Guess what? I’m giving away an hour-long kidlit career consultation via video chat.
Leave one comment below to enter.
A random winner will be selected next month.
Good luck!
157 comments
Comments feed for this article
July 16, 2020 at 8:15 am
Valarie Giogas
Oooo. More for my TBR pile. Thx, Tara.
July 16, 2020 at 8:38 pm
Nora Nickum
Thanks for the insightful post… and what an amazing giveaway!!
July 16, 2020 at 8:18 am
PJ McIlvaine
Great post! I use the rule of three often but this was a good reminder that there are other ways to build tension and tell the story.
July 16, 2020 at 8:20 am
Laura Rackham
Hooray! Permission to break some rules!
July 16, 2020 at 8:21 am
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
I want to break free! Thanks Tara for jogging my mind to take a different route. I agree with you that maybe sometimes editors get tired of seeing the three rule. I’m revising this week and I will be taking a look what I can do to build tension without three attempts.
July 16, 2020 at 8:23 am
kirsticall
Great post, Tara!
July 16, 2020 at 8:29 am
authorlaurablog
Great post! Thanks for the examples of how tension is the goal!
July 16, 2020 at 8:38 am
Sarah Kilfoil
This post helped me look at several of my manuscripts with fresh eyes. Thank you for helping me break out of a rut!
July 16, 2020 at 8:42 am
ritaborg
Great Post never thought picture books built tension like that. Thanks
July 16, 2020 at 8:42 am
Melanie Aldridge
I always learn a little something from reading your articles, gives me new energy to be creative.
July 17, 2020 at 5:24 pm
Nancy Riley
Such great examples and advice! Thanks, Tara!
July 16, 2020 at 8:45 am
Deborah Agranat Sullivan
Fabulous post…and SO liberating! Thanks for the tip, Tara!
July 16, 2020 at 8:48 am
Stephanie Gibeault
I loved this way of looking at building tension. The classic rule of three is only one option. That’s so freeing!
July 16, 2020 at 8:54 am
rachelleburk
Tara dear, awesome post. I will be adding it to the ARTICLES section of my website http://www.resourcesforchildrenswriters.com. Much thanks!
July 16, 2020 at 8:54 am
Mary Warth
Thank you Tara! These are great examples of building tension beyond the rule of threes. Another tool for the toolbox!
July 16, 2020 at 8:59 am
asiqueira1307
Yes, following the rules all the time can make our stories so formulaic. So it’s great to know there are ways to break free. Thanks.
July 16, 2020 at 9:16 am
moviemommie
Just like a good cup of joe, helps wake me up!
Thank you! -jenna
July 16, 2020 at 9:23 am
danielledufayet
Such great advice -thank you for sharing!
July 16, 2020 at 9:27 am
marty
It can be so tempting to be a rebel and break those rules 🙂 Thanks for the tips on how to do it Right!
July 16, 2020 at 9:34 am
maryraebel
Thanks for this post! The key is tension…and I like breaking the rules!
July 16, 2020 at 9:39 am
Tina Cho
Great post with mentor texts I’ll have to find! Thanks, Tara!
July 16, 2020 at 9:40 am
audiencedog
The tension is killing me. Or maybe not enough–I am slowly learning how to do this better.
July 16, 2020 at 9:40 am
Kelly Jaques
Great post, Tara! Many thanks
July 16, 2020 at 9:43 am
paulajbecker
Encouraging post, to break the rules! Thank for that, Tara!
July 16, 2020 at 9:49 am
Sarah Meade
Love this post. Thank you!
July 16, 2020 at 9:56 am
Stephanie L
I’ve always believed that you need to know the rules before you can completely toss them aside and forge your own path. It’s like the Impressionist painters. Most of them knew how to paint realistically, as was the style, before they could “break free” and create a new rule-bending “genre”. Some people liked it. Many people fought it. But it brought some diversity to the art.
July 16, 2020 at 10:03 am
Adam
Thanks for breaking this down so succinctly!
July 16, 2020 at 10:14 am
Angie
Excellent examples! And the explanations are exemplary. I guess I’m into alliteration this morning…Thank you for the great post!
July 16, 2020 at 10:14 am
Jeannie Santucci
There are so many great ways to write a story. Thanks for sharing,Tara!
PS I love the Freddy Mercury references.
July 16, 2020 at 10:18 am
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
This is the best explanation of when to break the rule of 3’s I’ve ever seen. Thank you!
July 16, 2020 at 10:21 am
bgonsar
Enjoyed reading this post!
July 16, 2020 at 10:25 am
Carrie Williford (@carrietimes)
I think I love these types of books more than the traditional rule of three structure. I particularly love The Panda Problem. That one was a literal laugh out lout first read through.
July 16, 2020 at 10:26 am
Linda Mitchell
Fabulous post! That last gif is the best.
July 16, 2020 at 10:33 am
pmv2452
Thank you so much! This was timely and super helpful. Truly appreciate your time and thought. The examples are great!!
July 16, 2020 at 10:59 am
Cindy Johnson
Thanks so much for this post, Tara! Its so great to have these examples of books that do it differently and how they make it work!
July 16, 2020 at 11:00 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Good post – it’s helpful to be reminded that the rule of 3’s is not the only method for one to build a story. I certainly haven’t followed that rule for the 3 books I have out, nor any of the others on the way. (In fact, when people ask me about the rule, I show them how ‘Flashlight Night’ was written in 2nd-person POV (which they often haven’t even heard of). There are all kinds of ways to break the rules, once you know what the rules are!
July 16, 2020 at 11:01 am
cindyjohnson2013
Thanks so much for posting this, Tara! It’s so good to see examples of books that have done it differently and how they make it work!
July 16, 2020 at 11:12 am
Katherine
Kudos for taking up this topic. I appreciate you sharing such a rich nugget of craft with all of us.
July 16, 2020 at 11:16 am
Lauri Fortino
This is great information as always! Thanks Tara!
July 16, 2020 at 11:21 am
Jay
Thank you for your insightful post and book references. Interesting!
July 16, 2020 at 11:24 am
Janet Johnson
Love this post! And now I have a bunch more picture books to study. Thanks so much!
July 16, 2020 at 11:27 am
Sarah Stuart
Thank you for this post! I greatly appreciate your insights!
July 16, 2020 at 11:40 am
betlw
Great post and with examples too! I love that there are more ways to write a picture book than with the rule of threes. I’m going to try a different approach for practice. Then? Who knows.
July 16, 2020 at 11:41 am
Mark Ceilley
What a great post! I enjoyed reading about the various ways to break the rules and the book examples you provided.
July 16, 2020 at 11:47 am
Sheri Radovich
This post has me wondering about the different ways to set up a picture book I haven’t tried. I’ve tried circular and have a list of others but haven’t focused on it when reading comparative stories to mine, now I really wish the library was open except for curbside pickup.
July 16, 2020 at 11:58 am
Kim Larson
Great examples, Tara! Thanks for sharing. You are so generous, too!
July 16, 2020 at 12:03 pm
dedradavis03Dedra
Tara, this gives me much to think about! Thanks for putting this bug in my brain!!
July 16, 2020 at 12:04 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Thanks for the great insight!
July 16, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Carole Calladine
This was an excellent look at structure. Thank you for putting it together with such good examples.
July 16, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Ellie Langford
Thanks Tara. I broke the rules in a recent story I wrote. This helps me feel more confident to keep it as written. I’d love to talk with you.
July 16, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Hether Stigall
Thanks, Tara. I’m always wondering when it’s okay to break the rules!
July 16, 2020 at 12:26 pm
Gretchen McLellan
I want to break free! What a great theme for the corona-crazy! Thanks again for an entertaining and informative post, Tara!
July 16, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Mia Geiger
Fabulous post, Tara! Lots to think about! Thank you!
July 16, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Chelle Martin
This is very helpful when trying to come up with something to differentiate your story from others. My critique group has discussed arcs in our own stories where the story progresses but there isn’t that tension needed to keep the reader interested.
July 16, 2020 at 1:03 pm
paintandwordsmel
I’m usually a silent consumer of all your posts, they are the most informative and generous in giving. I’m a newbie Pb writer/illustrator (usually mg) and I’ve agent interest for a Pb and I’m working my socks off to make this work. Career consultation would be a dream as I would love some insight to see where I could go with all this! Thank you for your blogs, know that they are greatly appreciated!
July 16, 2020 at 1:08 pm
jenlinville2020
Great post, Tara! I will “break free” when it makes sense to do so: responsibly breaking free 😀 Thanks for the examples & explanations. They really do help!
July 16, 2020 at 1:12 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Amazing info! Thanks for sharing.
July 16, 2020 at 1:13 pm
jenlinville2020
Thanks for this post, Tara! I will responsibly break free when it makes sense to do so. The examples and explanations really help!
July 16, 2020 at 1:27 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Ohhh, I’ve read all but Firetruck vs Dragon. Will have to add that one to my TBR list. There are so many ways to build tension, thanks for the refresher!
July 16, 2020 at 1:32 pm
Michelle Ramirez
Such a great post. Thank you!
July 16, 2020 at 1:37 pm
Christine Pinto
Thanks for keeping up with these posts to keep us all thinking. You always help me to rethink my story ideas.
July 16, 2020 at 2:01 pm
curryelizabeth
Thanks for the super helpful post, Tara. There are a couple new reads for me to add to my list!
July 16, 2020 at 2:15 pm
Joy Pitcairn
Thanks for sharing this! It was fun to read about the different ways of building tension. I always love seeing stories that break with tradition. 🙂
July 16, 2020 at 2:17 pm
mssarahmorgan
This is a fantastic post – I’ve been struggling with this in my own writing, so this is so helpful.
July 16, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
You’re amazing, Tara, thank you so much for reminding everyone of the different approaches stories can have and such great examples (including your own—i can’t wait to hear which Publisher buys it)!
July 16, 2020 at 2:26 pm
Lynn Greenway
I loved this blog post! I’m going to start looking for ways to increase tension in my stories, besides the rule of threes.
July 16, 2020 at 2:33 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
I’m not such a follower of the rule of 3 in my own books and often write concept books where that doesn’t work. I just like a picture book that touches me or that I’m captivated by the way the author put their words on a page so perfectly. Thanks for sharing your #kidlit wisdom!
July 16, 2020 at 2:36 pm
Anne C. Bromley
Thank you, Tara! It’s always good to be reminded that there really are no hard and fast “rules” when it comes to any art form. Your examples are most appreciated
July 16, 2020 at 2:40 pm
Cathy Stenquist
Wow Tara… this is literally the first time I have heard some one speak on this. You are brilliant! I have gotten so caught up in that traditional format. You opened my eyes to looking at my writing ina clearer more creative way. Thank you
July 16, 2020 at 2:44 pm
Karyn Curtis
This is very intetesting, and helpful! Thanks, Tara!
July 16, 2020 at 2:54 pm
Josie Gawlowski
Thanks Tara! Building tension is always something I struggle with. I appreciate the examples of other ways to approach this.
July 16, 2020 at 3:06 pm
chardixon47
Tara, thank you for this post. You’ve given us some terrific mentor texts to read and study.
July 16, 2020 at 3:07 pm
seschipper
Hooray! You have done it again Tara! Great post!
Permission granted to break a rule!!! That deserves another “Hooray”!!! 🙂
July 16, 2020 at 3:07 pm
Bruce Benson
Thank you for letting writers be writers despite what others have said. Tension belongs of course but there are many ways to make it happen.
July 16, 2020 at 3:08 pm
TerriMichels
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Good Job!
July 16, 2020 at 3:10 pm
Lindsay Maeve
This is an epic post! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experience.
July 16, 2020 at 3:17 pm
David McMullin
This is such a smart way about thinking about the rule of threes. Is it even necessary? Thanks so much.
July 16, 2020 at 3:35 pm
Cindy Williams Schrauben
Wow. Great post. Thanks for the offer
July 16, 2020 at 3:45 pm
stiefelchana
Wonderful post, Tara! Thank you! THE END!
July 16, 2020 at 3:55 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Thank you! I have been wondering how to create tension when the plot isn’t centered on a specific conflict. The End is a great mentor text for that. (And thank you for the amazing giveaway!)
July 16, 2020 at 3:56 pm
Samantha
Very helpful, Tara! It’s so easy to get sucked into a systematic way of writing, trying to find the magic formula. I appreciate you sharing a few of the other tools writers have at their disposal!
July 16, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Amy Harding
This is such a great clarifying post, Tara! Yes, you can break that three attempts rule, but you still have to accomplish that tension-building! Perfectly put!
July 16, 2020 at 4:01 pm
Cassandra Federman
Immediately checking the library for these! Thanks Tara. Awesome post!
July 16, 2020 at 4:05 pm
Aixa Perez-Prado
This post has just given me so much to think about! And new books to read. Thank you!!
July 16, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Thanks for this great post! Am using it already. The books are good!
July 16, 2020 at 4:09 pm
tracivw
This is such a great post and just what I needed at this stage in my writing. I need to get all these books now. Thanks a million!
July 16, 2020 at 4:32 pm
tharvey
Yay – Shanda is awesome! I find my stories usually don’t follow the rule of 3’s, only if it happens by chance.
July 16, 2020 at 4:34 pm
Virginia Rinkel
I can’t find “The End” book – any suggestions?
July 16, 2020 at 4:44 pm
Jennifer Sniadecki
Hi there! Thanks for writing this. I’m stealing all the ideas for my “Picture Books are Perfect” PD — fall version for 7/8th grade study of story structure.
Thank you so much!
Jennifer Sniadecki
(Reading Teacher Writes)
July 16, 2020 at 5:52 pm
Tara Lazar
Oooh, fun! Happy to video chat with your students when the time comes!
July 16, 2020 at 5:00 pm
rorkek
This is fabulous. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with such great examples.
July 16, 2020 at 5:10 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks for the ORD shout out, Tara! So delighted to be featured here along with books by Deborah, Chris & David :)!!
July 16, 2020 at 5:33 pm
Patricia Ann Saunders
This is perfect timing! great because my story doesn’t lend itself to the 3’s attempt either! Thanks for the insight!
July 16, 2020 at 6:38 pm
Maria Marshall
Tara, what a fun post. I love finding stories that do things a little differently. Thank you so much.
July 16, 2020 at 7:10 pm
Kris Wrucke
Thank you for a great idea for a writing exercise!
July 16, 2020 at 7:33 pm
Maureen Egan
Thanks for these suggested reads and options, Tara. You hit a home run–which is better than a triple!
July 16, 2020 at 7:51 pm
Mary R. Kiang
Thanks, Tara, for your reminder about the ‘rule of three’ and especially, the permission to break it! I’m going to check out the great examples you provided to see how other methods of tension-building can be just as effective. Mahalo!
July 16, 2020 at 8:15 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
What a great post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge.
July 16, 2020 at 8:41 pm
Maria
I found this post so helpful. I’m currently grappling with several PB drafts that don’t fit the traditional mold so thank you!
July 16, 2020 at 9:07 pm
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
I was just revising a story of mine that has the “the protagonist doesn’t even realize she has a problem” structure. Perfect timing! Thanks. And thank you for a lost of books to checkout.
July 16, 2020 at 9:40 pm
Charles Trevino
Your breaking free of the rules just inspired a new story:)
Thank you!
July 16, 2020 at 10:00 pm
suehodara
There you go again, Tara! Trying to get us to think outside the box… 😉 Great post. Thanks.
July 17, 2020 at 12:13 am
dinatowbin
Thanks for this article. It is good to break the rules sometimes (as long as no one gets hurt!).
July 17, 2020 at 12:27 am
rindabeach
I loved the article, and if 3 is good enough for Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, it’s good enough for me!
July 17, 2020 at 3:08 am
Catherine @ Story Snug
This is a really interesting post Tara. I’ve often wondered if I could write a story without using the power of three. My current WIP involves a character dying and the rule of three doesn’t seem right for the plot – thank you for showing me alternatives 🙂
July 17, 2020 at 4:09 am
Suzanne Lewis
I love the focus on original creative tension building in this post! Coloring outside the box to achieve and original! Thanks, Tara!
July 17, 2020 at 5:09 am
Candace Spizzirri
Thanks, Tara. Great post! I do like to break a few rules. 😉
July 17, 2020 at 7:29 am
jenfierjasinski
This was the perfect post at the perfect time! My CPs and I were just discussing structures and when 3 attempts is not always required. Thanks, Tara!
July 17, 2020 at 9:04 am
Lisa L Furness
This post has me thinking about breaking the rule of three as a possibility for a PB idea… Thanks, Tara!
July 17, 2020 at 9:04 am
Lisa L Furness
This post has me thinking about breaking the rule of three as a possibility for a PB idea… Thanks, Tara!
July 17, 2020 at 9:26 am
Liz Kehrli
Thanks Tara- your posts and videos are helpful and much appreciated!
July 17, 2020 at 11:04 am
Sarah Tobias
Great food for thought. Wait, there was no food, we’re not at Highlights anymore Todo. I have a story idea that needs to take a different approach. It has tried to be many things, but the idea’s story is eluding me. One if these days, I know idea, storyframe, and I will walk together into a beautiful partnership.
July 17, 2020 at 12:06 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Always nice to have permission to break the rules if you know what the rules are and how.
July 17, 2020 at 2:28 pm
Laura
Great advice, Tara! Love that it’s okay to break the rules! And thanks for the link to Tammie’s previous post on picture book structures.
July 17, 2020 at 2:50 pm
Michele Ziemke
A timeless article I had to print! Just what I needed today! Thank you Tara!
Hope I win a chat with you!!!!! ❤️
July 17, 2020 at 3:38 pm
Lori Menning
Thanks for the post and examples of PB’s with different plot structures!
July 17, 2020 at 4:15 pm
Wendy
You are smart, and succinct and generous. I want to be like you when I grow up.
July 17, 2020 at 4:57 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks for teaching me something new, Tara!
July 17, 2020 at 6:56 pm
Kathy Hjermstad
Dear Tara —
Thank you so much for writing this. I have a PB that I’m querying which has exactly the problem you described here. As a matter of fact, I am using the Panda Problem as one of my comps because of the whimsical/offbeat humor.
You mention that you recently wrote an MS where the protagonist is oblivious. Is this something you’ve published? Because this is exactly the kind of comp I need.
Kathy Hjermstad
________________________________
July 17, 2020 at 7:16 pm
Mary Vander Plas
Another terrific post. I always learn so much! Thank you.
July 18, 2020 at 9:44 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
Oh, I’m so glad I read this! I love talking Pb structure!
July 19, 2020 at 9:28 am
Carrie Finison
I love all these examples, Tara! I’ve written very few classic “rule of three” stories – all of mine seem to veer off into some other structure. It’s nice to know I’m in good company but also I think maybe I should go back and try that format again. 😂
July 19, 2020 at 9:37 am
Judy Shemtob
Love this post, Vivian! Great comments examples for building tension! Whether you’re doing the standard 3 examples or having the reader know more than the character, understanding structure is paramount in pbs.
July 19, 2020 at 12:02 pm
rubybaby007
You are a great inspiration to many! I love what you do! Write on woman!
July 19, 2020 at 4:59 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Looking forward to getting these books from the library!
July 19, 2020 at 5:36 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thank you for the knowledge. I definitely took notes to improve my craft.
July 19, 2020 at 7:46 pm
Lisa Perron
Great post and wonderful examples! Thank you!
July 19, 2020 at 11:37 pm
jstremer
Great use of mentor texts to clearly demonstrate alternative methods for building tension. And the giveaway is beyond generous! Thanks for posting!
July 20, 2020 at 11:18 am
Kelly Vavala
Good to know we can break the rules at times if necessary! Great post! Thank you!
July 20, 2020 at 12:18 pm
Amy Benoit
Just when I’m getting good at figuring out the rules… 🙂
July 20, 2020 at 4:20 pm
drawingablank6
Love this post. Thank you!
July 20, 2020 at 6:44 pm
Patricia H Kester
Thank you for permission to break the rule! Useful and enlightening information.
July 20, 2020 at 8:06 pm
authorshannonanderson
Great post! I’m always looking for other creative ways to plot.
July 21, 2020 at 9:36 am
sophialorenabenjamin
compelling read Tara. Well done.
July 21, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Karan Greene
This was a really helpful post! Thank you so much!
July 23, 2020 at 4:54 pm
Kate Narita
Thanks for this post! Just requested all of the titles from my library.
July 24, 2020 at 11:46 am
Linda Staszak
Great post! It’s like permission to think outside the box. Thanks!
July 24, 2020 at 1:58 pm
kjerstenhayes
Fantastic and thoughtful post—thank you!
July 24, 2020 at 5:04 pm
Lauri Meyers
Love this rule-breaking! Okay, no, I actually wilt like a picked tulip at the thought of breaking rules. BUT you have solved that by explaining this is really about learning other ways to build tension without a rule of three, and I am at peace.
July 25, 2020 at 1:26 pm
Jennifer Rathe
Thanks for the post. Good advice.
July 26, 2020 at 4:58 am
Evelyn Bookless
A truly terrific sum up of some old rule breaking fun. Being good at breaking rules isn’t easy but thanks to this post, we know the hows and whys. Thanks Tara!
July 26, 2020 at 11:01 am
Mary York
Tara, Love your blog! Thanks for these mentor texts!!
July 27, 2020 at 9:51 pm
Heather Kelso
This is a great post. I added your last paragraph to my list of what to do when I research PB’s. Such a great idea to dig deep into how the author created tension.
I appreciate this tip!
July 28, 2020 at 11:29 am
Lisa Riddiough
Great post. Challenge accepted!! Thank you, Tara!
July 29, 2020 at 7:12 am
Sara Ackerman
I love this post and the list of many new-to-me mentor texts.
August 3, 2020 at 9:54 pm
Melissa Mwai
This is such a great post. We were just talking about the 3 attempts structure and building tension is such an obvious reason that I hadn’t ever seen articulated. With that in mind, understanding why excluding it makes PERFECT sense!
August 4, 2020 at 6:53 pm
Marty lapointe-malchik
Thanks, Tara! This helps me scrutinize the tension sources in the picture books I love. You’re a great mentor and mentor text writer for all of us!
August 5, 2020 at 2:50 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
August 6, 2020 at 10:53 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
Thank you for this post! I tend to be a rule-follower, but find that sometimes I just don’t wanna (and I think when I don’t try so hard to stick to the “rules,” my stories are actually better for it!)
October 9, 2020 at 7:39 pm
Genevieve Gorback
Tara – this post came at the perfect time in my writing journey! I finally understand the PB writing rules… just enough to break them! Thank you for this lovely post!
October 9, 2020 at 7:41 pm
Genevieve Gorback
Haha just realizing you wrote this a while ago… but still! It came to ME at the exact right time! 🙂 I guess I can’t enter the giveaway now. Darn!
February 8, 2022 at 8:50 am
authoraileenstewart
As always, you rock Ms. Tara ❤ Keep warm and keep writing!
July 23, 2022 at 8:57 pm
Kristen Donohue
This is very helpful. Thank you!
July 23, 2022 at 8:57 pm
Kristen Donohue
This is very helpful. Thank you!
July 23, 2022 at 9:00 pm
Amy Tsao
Building tension, of course! So helpful to really unpack the intention behind the “rules”, and also to see the contrasting examples of other ways to build tension. Also a good reminder that if our story does follow the rule of three, we must still build tension by making sure the each attempt is more tense than the previous one.
July 24, 2022 at 6:31 am
Joy
Thanks for sharing these thoughts and examples of books that use alternative structures. I think the rule of three is really helpful, but it can also pigeonhole us if we are writing a story that doesn’t fit that mold.
July 26, 2022 at 11:04 am
cathystenquist
Oh Tara, just when I think I have enjoyed every insight on PB’s from you, You send another tasty morsel my way. The rule of threes feels so passé when I see the examples you share. Can’t wait to get these books and get my imagination rolling. After enjoying your webinars and being part of Storystorm (BTW Last year was a bounty year for me!) I would be thrilled to have a chance to discuss my career with you. Thank you for the great post:)