When writers start talking about story structure, one of our biggest brow wrinklers is timing. Even after we’ve identified the major plot points in our stories (more on that in a sec), our work still isn’t finished. Where do we position these plot points within the plot? And how precisely do these moments have to […]
September 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment Structuring Your NovelIs Plot or Character More Important?
Today, I’m guest posting on Mythic Scribes with a post titled “Is Plot or Character More Important?” Here’s an excerpt: “Plot or character”–we hear it all the time, as if the two were mutually exclusive. Either your book is plot-driven or character-driven. Can’t possibly be both, right? And anytime we run afoul of an either/or conundrum, you […]
September 19, 2013 by 2 Comments Structuring Your NovelLearn How to Structure Your Scenes–in 5 Minutes!
Today, I’m guest posting on The Write Now Coach with a post titled, “Learn How to Structure Your Scenes—in 5 Minutes!” Here’s an excerpt: You know my favorite thing about story structure? Actually, it’s a little hard to narrow down a list that includes such goodies as stronger stories, easier first drafts, and solid answers to […]
September 16, 2013 by 2 Comments Structuring Your NovelLearn How to Structure Your Novel–in Five Minutes!
Today, I’m guest posting on LiveHacked, with a post titled “Learn How to Structure Your Novel—in Five Minutes!” Here’s an excerpt: Does that title sound too good to be true? Well, it isn’t. No, seriously, if you read at the same pace as me (and, yes, I timed myself), then by the time you’ve finished reading […]
September 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment Structuring Your NovelDoes a Book Need Structure to Be Published?
Today, I’m guest posting on The Write Practice, with a post titled “Does A Book Need Structure To Be Published?” Here’s an excerpt: I always hated the whole idea that something as inherently artistic and, well,instinctive as writing fiction could (or, worse, should) be forced to adhere to structure. The notion is so non-intuitive as to be dumb. […]
September 12, 2013 by 1 Comment Structuring Your NovelHow to Learn Story Structure Without Even Trying
Today, I’m guest posting on Moody Writing, with a post about “How to Learn Story Structure Without Even Trying.” Here’s an excerpt: What to know how to learn story structure? Here’s a secret about story structure that you may not have realized: You already know it. Many authors are intimidated by the mere thought of structure. As […]
September 11, 2013 by 3 Comments Structuring Your NovelCan You Structure if You’re a Pantser?
Today, I’m guest posting on The Other Side of the Story, with a post titled “Can You Structure if You’re a Pantser?” Here’s an excerpt: Writers often equate the idea of structuring with that of outlining or plotting. As such, it doesn’t offer much surface appeal to pantsers (i.e., those who prefer to write “by the seat of their pants” without […]
September 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment Structuring Your Novel5 Misconceptions About Your Story’s Normal World
Today, I’m guest posting on Kristen Lamb’s blog, with a post on “5 Misconceptions About Your Story’s ‘Normal World’.” Here’s an excerpt: Writers sometime balk at the idea of beginning a story with the character’s normal world. Isn’t that kind of starting before the story? Won’t readers be bored if they have to wade through all that normalcy […]
September 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment Structuring Your NovelDid the Classic Authors Use Story Structure?
Today, I’m guest posting on Live, Write Thrive, with a post titled “Did the Classic Authors Use Story Structure?” Here’s an excerpt: Here’s an interesting question for you: When was story structure invented? I think many of us tend to believe structure is a recent development. After all, the likes Jane Austen and Charles Dickens could […]
September 6, 2013 by 19 Comments Structuring Your NovelWho Won the Structuring Your Novel Grand Prize?
First, I want to take a moment to thank you all for your support and enthusiasm for Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys to Writing an Outstanding Story. Thank you for making the launch a success! The book would never have reached #1 in the Writing Skills category in the Kindle store without you. I’ve already been […]
