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.
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.
Intuition vs. Craft in Writing
Writers often grapple with the balance between intuition and formal craft in their storytelling. Jane Allison and her prospects illustrate that intuition is vital during the writing process, but a solid understanding of craft enhances a writer's ability to express their story creatively. As writers develop their skills by studying craft, they can make informed choices about structure and form, ultimately enabling them to break conventional storytelling rules more effectively. This delicate interplay between following instincts and mastering technical skills contributes to the creation of compelling and aesthetically interesting narratives.
The Evolution of Narrative Forms
Contemporary literature is experiencing a shift towards more diverse and experimental narrative forms, reflecting changing cultural perspectives and the growing acceptance of varied storytelling techniques. While mainstream publishing has made progress in promoting new voices and genres, challenges remain in fully embracing innovative structures. Memoir and creative nonfiction, however, tend to be more open to experimentation compared to fictional narratives. The recognition of unconventional storytelling methods can empower authors to explore new forms that resonate with readers on deeper emotional and intellectual levels.
Learning from Established Writers
Emerging writers often look to established authors for inspiration and understanding of how to navigate their craft effectively. However, it is crucial to recognize that mastering writing techniques, as exemplified by recognized figures like Maggie Smith, requires time, effort, and dedication to learning. Writers need to appreciate the intricacies involved in crafting narrative and the depth of work behind seemingly effortless storytelling. By balancing the desire to imitate successful authors with the need for personal growth and learning, aspiring writers can cultivate their unique voices while developing their craft.
We kick off a new season with the brilliant Jane Alison and a wide-ranging conversation about form and structure in fiction and memoir. Brooke and Grant were so inspired by Meander, Spiral, Explode, Jane’sher book about craft and the theory of writing, that this episode is dedicated to the ideas around structure and form that are at the heart of that book. This is a nerdy, writerly deep dive to welcome listeners to a new season. Also of note is a new feature, Substackin’, which will be rounding out each episode this season. This week’s Substackin’ is inspired by Brooke’s post.