The Writing Life
How To Structure A Novel
Jun 24, 2022
Learn how to structure a novel from Ian Nettleton, covering characters' wants and needs, conflict, narrative tension, and building scenes. Explore quests, commitments, and resolutions for a compelling story. Delve into balancing structure and creativity, tools like Scrivener, three-act structure, and the impact of reversals in storytelling.
31:10
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Quick takeaways
- Structuring a novel involves key elements like character wants, conflict, and building scene by scene.
- Understanding genre expectations guides plot development for fulfilling or subverting conventions.
Deep dives
Importance of Establishing Structure in a Novel
Structuring a novel involves starting with an idea that propels the story forward, introducing a disruption to the everyday life of characters. The typical structure includes a triggering event followed by a character-driven quest, with key moments of drama and relaxation strategically placed. Peaks and troughs, turning points, and a journey towards a climax with potential surprises and resolutions all contribute to engaging storytelling.
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