Memoir Nation
Structure and Form, featuring Jane Alison
Sep 2, 2024
Join Jane Alison, a brilliant writer celebrated for her insights on craft, as she dives into the nuances of structure and form in fiction and memoir. The discussion ranges from innovative storytelling methods like meander and spiral to the balance of intuition and traditional structure in narrative writing. Jane emphasizes the importance of narrative control and how aesthetic choices shape delivery. Plus, hear about the necessity of mastering writing craft, empowering women through memoir writing, and the evolving landscape of storytelling.
43:06
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Quick takeaways
- Exploring innovative narrative structures like those in 'Meander, Spiral, Explode' empowers writers to break traditional storytelling boundaries.
- Balancing intuition with formal craft helps writers express their unique stories while mastering the intricacies of narrative construction.
Deep dives
The Importance of Structure in Writing
Structure plays a crucial role in storytelling, with authors often finding themselves bound to traditional frameworks like Freytag's pyramid, which is commonly taught in creative writing courses. However, alternative structures, such as those explored in Jane Allison's book 'Meander Spiral Explode', offer writers a more liberated approach to narrative construction. These innovative frameworks encourage flexibility, inviting authors to explore storytelling through organic forms like meanders, spirals, and radials. By validating non-traditional structures, writers can create uniquely engaging narratives that resonate with readers in diverse ways.
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