You’ve learned how to start your story with a bang and end at the sweet spot, but your middle lacks focus, purpose, and narrative drive. Many yet-to-be-published writers suffer from “flabby middle syndrome” says bestselling novelist Jennie Shortridge. She will share tips on story arc and how to build it effectively within your work at the Field’s End Writers’ Roundtable from 7-8:30 p.m. May 17 at the Bainbridge Public Library.

After her first book was rejected for its less than tip top middle section, Shortridge set out to learn the art of story structure.

“It’s important to keep the reader on their toes and turning the pages wanting to know what comes next,” Shortridge, who has four published novels, said.

Following Shortridge’s presentation, “The Art of Arc: Getting Those Flabby Middles in Shape,” participants will join in a Q&A period, followed by a chance to network with other writers.

Shortridge has published four novels set in the American West: “When She Flew,” “Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe,” “Eating Heaven,” and “Riding with the Queen.”

Shortridge is a founding member of Seattle7Writers.org and an architect of the collaborative writing project, “The Novel: Live.” She volunteers at 826 Seattle, a nonprofit writing center for kids. Shortridge is at work on her fifth novel.

For more information about her work, visit www.jennieshortridge.com. For more information about the monthly Field’s End event, visit www.fieldsend.org.