19 Feb Story Structure book by K. M. Weiland
“Structuring you Novel” by K. M. Weiland is well worth a gander. I am a big advocate of outlines. I am mystified by people who say “I can’t outline my characters don’t let me.” They are figments of your imagination you tell them what to do. However, even the most diehard organic writer would benefit with a clear and concise structural basis for their novels. What is a crisis? Where should the first plot point be? What is an inciting incident, and do I need one? Is there a difference between crisis and climax?
The three act structure has been around since the beginning of written history, and probably even during spoken history. Start with a bang, build up tension, and end with a satisfying conclusion that makes the audience want to go out and read you next book.
Reading this book on structure, if you are bound and determined to write organically, will not change your mind. But maybe, if you understand how the three act structure works, you will put these principles into play.
I found this book and the accompanying workbook to concisely explain the structure and how to apply it to your own work. If you are an organic writer, you will benefit from the suggestions as you look down that long hall of revision. If you are an outliner you will be able to intentionally put in the points as you need to in your outline to make your work more cohesive.
I give this work 5 stars because the world needs more practical books on structure and plotting and this will be the guidebook that you need.
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