Crafting a compelling narrative

Why is story structure is so crucial?

A strong story structure enables you to deliver a satisfying and cohesive resolution for your readers. It ensures you've addressed all the important plot points and character arcs you established in the beginning. Here are some essential benefits a solid story structure can provide:

• Acts as a Roadmap: A well-defined story structure acts as a roadmap for your narrative. It helps you organize the critical events of your story in a logical sequence, from the inciting incident that kicks things off through the rising action and conflicts to the climax and resolution.
• Ensures Tension and Suspense: Effective story structures help you pace your writing to create tension and build suspense.
• Character Development: Story structure also provides opportunities to develop characters meaningfully. For example, the Hero's Journey structure, popularized by Joseph Campbell, exposes your protagonist's character by sending them on a transformational quest. A solid structure also keeps you from losing characters (it happens!) and ensures your major characters get enough screen time.
• Satisfying Endings: A well-structured story's falling action and outcome feel surprising, earned, and inevitable.

Which method should I choose?

There are many different story structures you can choose from. Each tries to solve the task of storytelling in various ways. For example, the Fichtean Curve method suggests starting your story with immediate rising action followed by fast-paced obstacles. Dan Harmon's Story Circle focuses on the protagonist's journey instead of abstract concepts like "Act One" or "Denouement." The Snowflake Method uses a ten-step approach that walks you through developing your story and characters with greater granularity at each step.

Popular story structure methods include:

• Dan Harmon's Story Circle
• Fichtean Curve
• The Hero's Journey
• Save the Cat
• Seven-point Story Structure
• The Snowflake Method
• The Story Grid
• The Three Act Structure

We have tested all these methods at Inkwright, Inc. and recommend The Story Grid over other strategies since it is the most detailed and comprehensive way to develop a story without it feeling formulaic.

Story structure coaching—beginner to expert

Crafting masterful stories that sell takes more than stringing words around a good idea. Whether you're a beginning writer struggling to find your voice or an experienced writer looking to take your skills to the next level, Inkwright, Inc.'s expert coaches are here to help you achieve your writing goals.

I am working with Clinton from Inkwright, Inc. on my Ravensworth trilogy and am pleased with the results. Clinton has provided a supportive environment for me to hone and elevate my writing skills. The way he formatted my ebook is also top-notch. I can't wait to get it published.

Let your writing dreams soar by investing in yourself with Inkwright, Inc.'s online coaching, and start writing the stories you were born to tell. We have multiple programs and services designed to meet a variety of needs.

Complete the form below, and one of our college-trained writing coaches will contact you to customize a program to fit your goals and budget.