Dan Well's on 7-Point Story Structure

[gsemones]

I struggle with organizing my story structure. I'm a software developer and I'm used to having structured ways of thinking through problems. I've tried various things like SnowFlake Method, 3 act structure, etc., but none of them clicked for me yet, when it comes to capturing the initial concept and structure of the story. I've found if I can get

Comments

[musingaloud]

Thanks for the info, Guerrry. I'm like you. That 3 act structure thing just gets me confused for some reason. Although not that long ago I thought I had it all figured out. And then I forgot. LOL. This seemed a lot more straightforward to me, plus I liked that started at the end (which is always something nebulous for me), went to the beginning, and then the middle, and THEN worked out the conflicts and turning points.

[mmarques]

I had seen a 5-point structure previously, but I like these additions of the pinch. I'll have to read through more and then give it a try. I have a new story where all I know is the beginning and end, so this will really help!

[damonshaw]

The podcasts these guys do is really worth listening to. You realise there are rungs and rungs to learning and open up new areas to think about. It is great to hear experienced writers talking about the craft.

Thanks Guerry.

[mmarques]

I now have an outline for "Inside" (a short story extension of a flash). :-) I really liked the multi-threaded 7-point analysis for The Matrix. I'm thinking that maybe if I tried this 7-point structure (multi-threaded) for my trunked novel, I might see how to rescue it.

[gsemones]

I'm glad it's clicking for you! I'm buried right now, and not writing or sitting down to even record notes. However, I'm thinking over current and past projects, and recasting my thinking to see if this helps fix them.

I hesitate to add this to the mix, but John Brown mentioned it in connection with Dan's stuff. I'd suggest that you do the 7-steps and keep it simple. If you find that doesn't give you enough to think about, look into this link: http://storyfix.com/category/story-structure-series/page/2. Larry Brooks takes the same rough steps and goes into a lot more detail for each step. My fear is that it's too much to think about and will get overwhelming. Good stuff though.

Here's John Brown's video and some notes.
http://johndbrown.com/2010/02/how-to-write-a-story-that-rocks/

[mmarques]

For the short story, I think I have enough. The storyfix might be helpful when trying to fix my trunked novel. It looks like too much for a short story.... and not totally appropriate for short story format. Especially for one that doesn't have a heroic resolution.

[gsemones]

I totally agree. I think storyfix if novel-focused. Good luck!