This week is the last and most detailed story structure method in our series. Save The Cat! became popular for screenwriting, but Jessica Brody wrote a book that translated it for novels. I’ve read both the screenwriting and the novel version, and Jessica’s book is by far more helpful for Read more…
Super Story Structure is a method devised by James Scott Bell, and it is the first story structure that actually made sense to me when I started writing. Everyone talked about outlines and plot, and I had the hardest time following their methods. Once I read Bell’s Super Structure, something Read more…
This week we are moving on to the three more detailed story structures for those who want more organization when devising a successful story. Again, story structure is all about picking the one that works best for you. I am going to start with the popular Hero’s Journey, but, if Read more…
Today I will discuss the Mountain Peak method of story structure. This was first introduced to me by David Farland, and it’s a good story structure for those who want to think in sequences rather than points. Remember, there is no right or wrong story structure. They can all work. Read more…
This week we are going over the 7 Point Story Structure originally proposed by Dan Wells, which he based on a Roll Playing Game guide. This is a unique look on story structure as it focuses on the main events in a story and lets you write the in-between as Read more…
Since we have discussed Narrative Arcs, I thought it might be good to go over story structures as well. Story structure merely refers to how you view your story. There is no right or wrong structure as most cover the same concepts. It’s more about finding one that fits your Read more…
Some people balk at the idea of putting themes into their stories, but every story is imparting some lesson. All protagonists learn something and change. If you don’t want to pick your theme and prefer it emerge on its own, that’s your choice. However, since every story teaches something, you Read more…
Narrative arcs, also called story arcs, are how we chart change throughout a tale. They are not to be confused with story structure or plot, which are two very different aspects of story, but all three are interwoven together. Narrative arcs are all about tracking change on a positive to Read more…
A character arc refers to the internal growth of a character due to the plot. It’s how a character’s worldview changes as she endures struggles and overcomes obstacles. These arcs often revolve around the book’s theme, and they portray an argument on how life should be lived. Many writers talk Read more…
In a fast-paced world full of instant gratification where “being busy” is the new norm, books should be a dying hobby. Why read the book when someone made it a two-hour movie? The answer is simple: interiority, access to characters’ thoughts and feelings. Books invite readers into someone else’s mind Read more…