Story Structure

Many writers worry that outlining, drafting, or revising with story structure (i.e. a framework of key narrative moments) in mind is an easy way to produce a predictable story, but this belief couldn’t be further from the truth.

Structure is the skeleton that gives stories shape—and, like a skeleton, story structure always remains hidden from view when properly developed.

Learning how to structure effective plots, character arcs, and book series is therefore key to crafting stories that keep readers turning pages. Check out the articles below for step-by-step story structure guidance.

Plot Structure

• Three Awesome Plot Structures for Building Bestsellers

• The Four Main Types of External Conflict

• How to Craft Riveting Internal Conflict For Your Story

• The First Act: Nailing Your Novel’s Opening Chapters

• The Second Act: Is The Middle of Your Story Dragging?

• The Third Act: How to Write a Climactic Sequence

• Atomic Storytelling: Developing Effective Story Beats

• Do You Know What Drives Your Story’s Narrative?

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Crafting Subplots

• How to Craft Complex Plots by Introducing Side Quests

• Breaking Down The Hero’s Journey Plot Structure

• A Pantser’s Guide to Story Structure

• Anatomy of a Romantic Comedy: Seven Essential Story Beats
  

Character Arcs

• How to Craft Positive Character Arcs for Your Novel

• How to Craft Negative Character Arcs for Your Novel

• How to Craft Static Character Arcs for Your Novel

• How to Craft Character Arcs for Your Trilogy
  

Series Structure

• Exploring Three Ways to Structure Your Book Series

• Four Ways to Plot a Trilogy

• How to Write a Trilogy: Q&A Session